Bovey Castle
Devon, England
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About the Hotel
Built as a baronial home and sporting estate in the 1920s, Bovey Castle transports you back to a luscious Golden Eraâ€"with a touch of Agatha Christie, a dash of the Orient-Express and a wealth of exquisite service. This tranquil haven is tucked into Dartmoor National Park in southwest England. To stay here is to be pampered, whether youâ€(TM)re indulging at the fabulous Clarins Spa or lingering in the Bovey Wine Cellars and Cigar Bar.
Location
Bovey Castle
North Bovey
Dartmoor National Park
Devon, England
TQ13 8 RE
Nearest Airport: EXT
Features and Amenities
- On-Site Amenities
- Pool
- Spa on Property
- Spa Services
- Activities
- Fishing
- Family
- Children's Programs
- Nearby
- Shopping
- Interests
- Chateaus & Castles
- Golf
- Hotels
- Kids' Favorite - Perfect for Kids
- Spa
Reviews for Bovey Castle
The Queens of the Castle
One of the loveliest weekends I have ever had despite the rain outside and the clouds! We stayed two days at the castle we just wish we could've stayed for longer. We arrived at 1 pm and the valet greeted us at the car to take our luggage into reception, and asked if can park it for us. We had minimal waiting time to check in. We then went for afternoon tea to relax by the open fire in fine surrounds. Our room was ready at 4 pm slightly later than we anticipated, but no problem. Overlooking the castle grounds, the room was beautiful, not overly big, but clean with slippers, bathroom, the usual soaps provided. Treats were popcorn, apples, fresh milk from the fridge, hot chocolate, usual, coffees, teas and biscuits. There was no air-conditioning in the room, put the temperature was fine when we opened the window. The towels were super fluffy, and plentiful. Downstairs in the bar we did not have a problem finding seats, there were several rooms we could've sat in. The drinks in the bar were not ridiculously priced, quite normal for UK prices. We made a mistake of eating for the two nights whilst we were staying there, one night would've been enough, I found the food VERY rich, but not their fault. We could have ventured into the local town for dinner. The food we had both nights was good, but even the least expensive wine was very overpriced, a couple at £45, but most were £60 upwards. The second day we saw the complimentary falcon display which was very interesting, and then we decided to brave the weather and go for a long walk in the grounds. There is so much to see there. There are many activities to undertake most of them you pay extra for, but some complimentary.
SteveScarman - London, United Kingdom
Disappointed this time round
Beautiful surroundings and helpful front of house but then it went south: waited an hour for food after booking time. Club sandwich filling was meagre and felt stale and not worth the price at all. Caesar salad was all lettuce. And a small wine spritzer was around £13.50. And the service was new and got an order wrong twice.
arran d - London, United Kingdom
Excellent with a couple of niggles
We have stayed at Bovey Castle a few times and it's always a relaxing and luxurious break. On arrival, we parked without valet parking and check-in was swift and friendly – excellent staff on reception. Our room on the first floor seemed to be an upgrade on our previous stays and featured a sumptuous sofa in a separate lounge and a vast bathroom with both bath and shower, plus enough toiletries to keep the most demanding happy. The bar was quiet, but we enjoyed a drink and sandwiches in peace. Furniture was showing its age, but lovely ambience. We booked Smith's Brasserie, but arrived early as we were very hungry. On asking if they could accommodate us, we were told that there were a few large groups on their way and to return in half an hour. The restaurant was largely empty at this time. On returning, we were shown to our table, but no sight of the flood of hungry diners. Sadly, there seemed to be a computer glitch which occupied most members of staff, so service was a bit slow, but food arrived in good time and was fine. Breakfast the following day made up for any misgivings with a superb array of cold items and generous cooked options available. Service here was on point and the grandeur of the Great Western restaurant and garden views were a bonus. Would definitely return – a lovely hotel
ChesterLeStreet - Brighton, United Kingdom
The Best Afternoon Tea Ever!
My sister’s 40th celebration. Didn’t know what expect as I’d never been before. Everything was absolutely stunning. The staff at the door, in their plus fours, the two ladies at the reception desk, the waiters and waitresses - they were all excellent. The tea itself was the best afternoon tea I have ever had. Everything was delicious. There was a lot of variety and the quality of all the food was exceptional. All the staff were amazing. Can’t wait to return for my birthday.
Y1426EFbillm - Aylesham, United Kingdom
Dont expect the staff to say much outside of ''I am new'' which was the trend
The hotel grounds and room was good with the setting, it would be tough to be beat but the staff, the spa, and the pool made this into a stay I would expect to find at a great 3 Star or OK 4 Star hotel. I have seen prices range from 300 - 700£ per night and I would say that this hotel would be perfect if your expectations are low on service and just after location and a view. Once we arrived (13:00for a 16:00 check in) we were told to leave our bags and enjoy the afternoon as our room was not ready. Fully expect this in England as it is not common to be given the room early anywhere outside of London even if it is available and ready. The valet driver told us the hotel was not full and with booking three days in advance, every room type of available to book. We made our way to the terrace where every table was taken but we found the last one, perfect. After waiting 25 minutes our lovely waiter who we literally has to yell to get their attention promptly came over to tell us ''he's too new to serve us and would ask someone else to come over'' another 15 minutes later our second waiter made his way to us. We asked for scones and two teas which we were told, ''we do not sell scones on their own with tea but ill ask.'' Another 5 minutes later he came to tell us the great news, he will sell us a tea and two scones. My wonderful surprise upon checking on since this was not on the menu was that we were charged 64£ for two scones each and a pot of tea to share!! I told my wife that it must of came straight from Buckingham Palace for that price and she agreed. There is not a place in London or anywhere I have seen that can get away with two dried out pieces of flour for 64£ but if you would like to try, please plan a half day to allow for the slow wait staff, remember they are all new :) We came back at 14:45 before our planned shooting on the ground to be told the same that our room was not ready and were handed our bags to go through in the hallway to get our things for shooting and a spa treatment directly following. It was lovely to open out suitcases directly in front of reception to find our things as the check in staff of course could not bother to tell us where to go or maybe a bathroom or lounge to use but no bother. We booked shooting for 15:00 followed by two 25 minute treatments right after to start at 16:00. Online the shooting said it takes between 45 minutes and one hour. The shooting went long by 10 minutes and my wife and I ran up the hill to go the spa only to be told, your too late and we will not be giving you your treatment. OK then, your loss on revenue and maybe next time, do not allow back to back bookings? Luckily we made plans to go to another hotel for dinner that evening and since valet was the only option at the hotel, we were handed our keys by the very unfriendly check in desk staff and said have a good night, the valet was no longer there which is fine. The next morning we decided to skip breakfast as we never buy the half board or any type of inclusions when we travel as for us the value is never there and the food is always disappointing. When given the bill at check out, we were billed for the spa, 130£ for two 30 minute treatments, what a bargain for Mayfair, I mean Dartmoor. After a few words the bill was adjusted but not before explaining that this was due to their own staff running late in the first activity. But the spa staff emailed the front desk and stated it was our fault and nothing overran to hinder us from being on time. My favourite part of the hotel is my wife and I have been travelling to various smaller 5* hotels throughout Cotswolds, London, Dartmoor, and Europe for a exclusive buyout for our wedding in 2025. I emailed the hotel before checking in and advised of this and was given a brochure in the room, no other mention, option for a tour, or anything to express the fact that I wanted to spend 30K for one night in 2025, but they made our decision easy at least. Beautiful grounds and setting, room was good, service was that of a canteen with a suit on, price is not that of value or anything really. Shooting and the staff there was Amazing, pool is old and desperately needs some TLC, there's seating for 12 max, and the family swim is from 9-5 so if you want to avoid kids and have some adult time, avoid the pool. We went to another hotel for dinner which I will not mention and many of the old staff are there. They said hotel used to be great but the staff have no idea how to work in hospitality and do not have enough people with skills to make this hotel to what it should. If you do not travel that much you may still like it but they will not see me return and defintely would not be hosting a buyout anytime soon.
T283JCmatthewb - Winchester, United Kingdom
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