Our new Activities Manager brings global adventure experience to the heart of the Devon countryside

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We’re thrilled to welcome Dani Garland to the Bovey Castle team as our new Activities Manager - bringing with her a passion for the outdoors, a spirit of adventure, and a world of experience.

A South Devon native, Dani grew up just 25 minutes from Bovey Castle in Chudleigh. Since then, she’s led an extraordinary career that’s taken her across the globe – from snowmobile tours and husky sled rides beneath the Northern Lights as an Arctic Ranger in Lapland, to travelling through Australia and Thailand in search of new challenges and experiences.

Now, Dani has returned home to Dartmoor – and she’s wasting no time making an impact on our guest experience.

In her new role, Dani is expanding and enhancing our activities and country pursuits programme, helping guests of all ages enjoy everything our stunning estate has to offer. Since joining, she’s reintroduced our popular Bovey Rangers bushcraft sessions for children, grown our offering of seasonal workshops (such as apple pressing and festive wreath making), and added even more outdoor adventures to our calendar.

She also personally leads our guided Deer Park Walks, where guests can explore the estate’s natural beauty, learn about local wildlife, and feed our resident deer. Her work sits alongside an ever-growing range of activities available here at Bovey Castle – including 4x4 off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, archery, falconry displays, and golf.

Dani shared her excitement about the role:

“It’s been quite the journey – from snow-covered forests in Lapland to the rolling hills of Dartmoor. Being back in Devon and part of the Bovey Castle team feels incredibly special.

What I love about working here is the variety – no two days are the same. One moment I’m out on the estate leading a 4x4 session, the next I’m hosting a bushcraft workshop or walking with guests through the deer park. Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing break, a family holiday, or just a day of adventure, there’s something here for everyone.”

Dean Gunston, General Manager at Bovey Castle, added:

“We’re delighted to have Dani on board. Her background, energy and creativity are already enhancing the experiences we offer our guests. The activities programme is a huge part of what makes Bovey Castle unique, and Dani is playing a key role in helping us take it even further.”

Want to see what Dani has in store? Join us on Saturday 12 July for our Country Pursuits Family Day, running from 10:30am to 1:00pm. Enjoy taster sessions in archery, air rifles, traditional countryside games, Ferret Racing, and a guided deer park tour – the perfect way to get outdoors and enjoy a fun-filled family day.

Find out more and book your place here.