Bovey Castle

From the sweeping driveway leading to this neo-Elizabethan manor house to the warm welcome from tweed-clad porters, a visit to Bovey Castle starts in style. Set within 275 acres on the edge of Dartmoor, the country estate combines grand surroundings with golf, outdoor pursuits and an Elan Spa.

At the three-AA-rosette Great Western Grill, head chef Mark Budd puts a modern spin on classic dishes while drawing on produce from the estate and surrounding area. Fillet of Dartmoor beef wellington comes with Madeira sauce and fondant potatoes, while native lobster is paired with heritage tomatoes, basil mayonnaise and violet potatoes. Estate-grown ingredients make their way into puddings too, in the likes of honey and lavender peach-melba baked alaska.

For a more informal visit, head to Smith’s Brasserie, which serves snacks and small plates against a spectacular backdrop.