Our Tour of Bovey Castle - A Stunning Hotel

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to a very magical hotel situated on Dartmoor National Park. I would have a guided tour around Bovey Castle, followed by their famous afternoon tea. I could not refuse such an invitation, especially as I would be passing en route to London from a weekend in Cornwall.

The history of the hotel is such an important part of Bovey Castle’s character that it would be unfair of me not to talk you through some of the key chapters. The 400 acres that Bovey Castle sits on was originally bought (along with another 4,600 acres) by William Henry Smith in 1880, when he anticipated the rise in land prices that the arrival of the Great Western Railway would create.

Perhaps better known as W H Smith (of bookshop fame), William had not managed to build anything on the land when he died in 1981. It was William’s son Frederick (2^nd Viscount Hambleden) who decided to build the Manor House in 1907 in the style of a Tudor castle. Unfortunately, in 1928 and at sixty years old, Lord Hambleden died and it was decided that the whole estate be put up for auction, in none other than 132 lots.

The Great Western Railway bought the Manor House along with sections of the estate. They funded the redevelopment and extension of the property and constructed the 18-hole J F Abercromby golf course that is still in use today. In 2003, the Manor House became Bovey Castle and since then expansion has continued to occur with the addition of 22 lodges, a spa, an indoor pool and second restaurant.

After leaving Exeter station (only a 2 hour 20 minute train ride from London Paddington) I was driven into the national park to Bovey Castle. The estate is surrounded by breathtaking views, mix this with peacefulness and only the birds singing, and you have such a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of London.

There are so many activities put on at Bovey Castle that I learnt about on my trip that it seems like the perfect getaway for all the family. Falconry, fishing, clay pigeon shooting and golf are some of the activities that make Bovey Castle more than just a hotel. The offering of a SUNDARI spa, wedding services and excellent restaurants gives guests the chance to relax and enjoy all that is on offer.

My tour of the hotel, which was refurbished by Annabel Elliot, took me through some of the spectacular 64 bedrooms and into the private dining rooms and Oak Bar. The tour finished in the spectacular Cathedral Room, where champagne and a delicious afternoon tea were served next to a roaring log fire.

Whether it’s the hotel concierge dressed in tweed plus twos, the incredibly beautiful Grand State rooms, or simply a round of golf before dinner that you are after, Bovey Castle lets you escape to another world of beautiful surroundings and fabulous service – making it impossible to stay away.

Rebecca Trant - Farlows Clothing Buyer