Bovey Castle

From the sweeping driveway leading to this neo-Elizabethan manor house to the warm welcome from tweed-clad porters, a visit to award-winning Bovey Castle always starts in style.

The impressive venue is set on the edge of Dartmoor within 275 acres of lush countryside, where guests can indulge in an array of traditional English country pursuits – from clay pigeon shooting and off-road driving to fly fishing and falconry. There’s also an 18-hole championship golf course, along with an all-weather driving range and short-game practice area.

After an action-packed day of activities (or a more leisurely stint of pampering in the Elan Spa), the three-AA-rosette Great Western Grill awaits. Here, head chef Mark Budd puts a modern spin on classic dishes such as fillet of Dartmoor beef wellington with madeira wine sauce and fondant potatoes. Or take a trip to the coast with a salad of native lobster and heritage tomatoes with basil mayonnaise and violet potatoes.

The chef makes the most of the estate’s abundant produce, which includes seasonal vegetables, locally reared beef and game, and produce from the kitchen garden. Even desserts get the homegrown treatment in dishes such as the estate’s honey and lavender peach-melba baked alaska.

For a more informal dining experience, visit Bovey Castle’s Smith’s Brasserie where tapas-style snacks and small plates are served with a Dartmoor backdrop.

Trencherman’s tip

Begin the dining adventure in style with an aperitif at the glamorous Champagne Bar.