Rebecca is an experienced travel writer, specialising in Japan and the UK. Born and raised in the West Country, she's also spent time living in London, Cambridge and Kyoto, and is now based in Newcastle. She loves promoting independent and inclusive businesses, and sustainable off-the-beaten-track travel.
Gidleigh Park is near the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park. The River Teign meanders by the hotel, and you can follow its path along to the Lutyens-designed Castle Drogo and picturesque Fingle Bridge. The Mariner's Way, Dartmoor Way and Two Moors Way walking and cycling routes pass nearby. The attractive village of Chagford is also worth a visit.
By train: London Paddington to Exeter St David's takes around 2 hours 30 mins. Trains from Bristol take 1 hour 30 mins. Exeter St David's station is a 40-minute drive from the hotel. Book train tickets.
By car: Gidleigh Park is around 2 hours' drive from Bristol, 4 hours from London and 3 hours 30 minutes from Oxford. There is free parking on site.
The Tudor-style building dates to 1925; when the Brownsword family acquired it in 2007 they restored its historic features and turned it into the modern ideal of a country house hotel. The interior is inspired by the Arts and crafts movement, but always feels modern, with a mix of antique and bespoke furnishings. Outside, the 107 acres of grounds are a pleasing mix of manicured gardens and woodlands.
Service is friendly but not overbearing. You can hire waterproof coats and hiking boots to explore Dartmoor comfortably, and choose from activities including guided walks, horse-riding, foraging and wine tasting. There are three pet-friendly rooms - the Pavilion, Bellever, and Lydford - and there are also some heated kennels on site.
- Restaurant
- Croquet lawns
- 18-hole putting green
- Tennis court
- Bluebell woods
- Beauty treatments
- Guests' pantry
- Free Wi-Fi
The 24 rooms are named after nearby tors. There's bowl of fruit and decanter of Madeira to welcome you, plus spring water from the estate. Manaton is a large, comfortable room with a garden view and private rooftop hot tub.
Room types: Classic, Deluxe Woodland View, Deluxe Garden View, Master, Family Loft Suite, The Pavilion, Spa Suite
Key amenities: marble en-suite bathroom with L'Occitane toiletries, king size bed, bathrobe and slippers, free Wi-Fi
The hotel is famous for its food and wine, with non-guests booking in every day for afternoon tea, lunch and dinner. Cornish chef Chris Eden keeps the focus local and seasonal, creating classic dishes with a sense of fun and humour. The hotel also has one of Britain's best cellars, with a wine list over 50 pages long.
The restaurant: award-winning, wholesome dishes from Michelin-starred chef Chris Eden. Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner Tues-Sat. Mains from £18.
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