Passing through the imposing gates and down the impressive tree-lined drive, I could not help feel a delicious sense of anticipation. One that is amply rewarded by glimpses of a perfect castle set in 275 acres of the immaculate spectacular Dartmoor national park. Let me welcome you to Bovey Castle.
Equally dramatic was driving down the wonderful road overlooking golf courses along the way. I was driving the biggest SUV in the world, the Rolls Royce, Cullinan. My heart started beating faster and faster as I drew closer to my castle. For the next few days, I was a Queen ready to take her throne at Bovey Castle.
Grounds And Settings
Bovey Castle is a perfect setting, straight from the pages of a medieval novel, every moment is like going back in history. The interior is framed by ancient cedars, beeches, and chestnuts, with lush lawns and pastures stretching away in a sea of green. For hundreds of years it was occupied as a former manor house, it is now one of the most desirable retreats for me as long as I would like. Meanwhile outside, the extensive grounds offer a wealth of opportunities for sporting, training and team-building purposes, as well as the perfect setting for the most stunning wedding photographs.
Classical Splendour With Comfort In Abundance
Lovingly maintained, the facade is breathtaking. Inside, the decor is sumptuous stylish and perfectly in harmony with the period features. The impressive collection of paintings and exquisite antique furnishings are comfortable at home in their setting of dramatic stucco and elaborate plasterwork. There are so many areas within Bovey Castle I could set, sip tea or champagne and take in those spectacular views of Dartmoor national park.
Bovey Castle impressive history is apparent on every level and is reaffirmed when I began to explore. I stepped into the Drawing Room onto the terrace at the back of the castle and drank in a view across acres of preserved parkland. The surroundings are grand with fresh laughter instead of hushed whispers and warm welcoming smiles instead of stiff upper lips.
Lovely Spa and swimming pool are available to all guests.
Swimming Pool
The staff is a diverse team with plenty of energy with a very relaxed professional approach, which made my stay a super fun one.
Dining And Garden In Perfect Harmony
The weather was perfect so the option of sitting outside was amazing. Bovey Castle is not just a feast for the eyes. The chef and local produce work closely together to ensure that the seasonal menus are designed around fruits and vegetables harvested daily. The food is complemented by excellent produce sourced from the very finest local farms and suppliers. The restaurant provides the perfect setting for sumptuous breakfast, lunches, and dinners. Overall the staff, service, atmosphere, view, and food were amazing.
Breakfast
The images below are part of the three-course dinner at Bovey’s fine dining establishment the Great Western. Which is open for dinners Tuesday to Saturday from 19:00 till 21:30 and open for Sunday lunch from 12:30 till 14:00. The food was excellent in its taste and presentation and I would certainly recommend dining here during a stay.
Rooms With Unforgettable Views
The bedroom we stayed in was every bit as grand as the public rooms. Guests can choose from 60 rooms, each lavishly designed with their own very distinctive character.
Striking contemporary fabrics and wallpapers are combined with traditional swags and tails. The glorious window in the lounge area allowed me to fall asleep and wake up to a private view of Dartmoor national park. Whether I was sipping tea, wine or whiskey the large castle window with views over the expansive parklands, across as far as the naked eye could focus the experience was unforgettable.
Sleeping and being able to wake up to an atmosphere in where Bovey Castle was bursting with wildlife was music to my ears. The gardens are an eye-catching experience I won’t forget.
Bathroom Soaking With A View
The bathroom was large and the perfect room to kick off my shoes, put up my feet relax and enjoy. The Victorian bath with views was like icing on the cake. There were huge fluffy towels and there was plenty of hot water to quickly fill the bath. I also enjoyed the rain shower in the mornings.
Conclusion
My stay at Bovey Castle was perfect in every way. With the ample of choices to wine, dine, swim and explore the grounds is why I would return. For those that love gold and 4WD adventures, with a posh retreat then this is the place to explore and relax. The castle is an extravagance stay with a very modern relaxing ambience without feeling intimidated. I was certainly made to feel like I was the Queen at Bovey Castle.
Details
- Room reviewed: Junior State Room (2 adults and 2 children)
- Website: www.boveycastle.com
- Address: Dartmoor National Park, North Bovey TQ13 8RE, UK
- Phone: +44 (0)1647 445000
