Planning a family holiday this Autumn? Consider choosing an adventure on Dartmoor with a lodge stay at the award-winning Bovey Castle. Offering privacy within nature, our lodges are an excellent choice for families. Join us as we take a look at why a family lodge holiday in the UK could be the perfect option for your next getaway.
One of the reasons why staying in our Estate lodges could be for you, is the ability to have your entire family under one roof. Unlike hotels where you might need to book multiple rooms, our spacious lodges can accommodate everyone together.
This setup is particularly good for larger families or those staying with extended family members, like grandparents. Shared living areas in the lodges encourage families to spend quality time together, socialising and creating lasting memories in a luxurious and comfortable environment during your family lodge holiday in the UK.
Our luxury lodge facilities include:
Privacy is a huge perk when it comes to staying in one of our lodges. Unlike hotels, where common areas can be crowded and noisy, Bovey Castle lodges provide a secluded space just for your family. This private environment allows you to enjoy your holiday without any disturbances. Getting the chance to spend this uninterrupted time together, can help your family bond and make unforgettable memories.
Nestled in the picturesque Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle offers lodges surrounded by breathtaking nature and wildlife. This setting allows families to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, creating unforgettable experiences. Our estate offers a wide array of family-friendly activities right on your doorstep:
Outdoor adventures: Explore nearby hiking trails, go on a family bike ride, or try something new like archery, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, bee keeping and so much more.
Golf: Our 18-hole championship golf course offers stunning views of the Devonshire countryside, perfect for golf enthusiasts.
Spa & Leisure: Relax in our award-winning spa, take a dip in the indoor swimming pool, or work out in our state-of-the-art fitness centre.
KidsZone: We offer a dedicated kids’ club with a variety of activities to keep the little ones entertained while parents unwind.
For many families, dogs are part of the family. Our lodges are dog friendly, so you don’t need to leave your furry friends behind, and the holiday can be enjoyed altogether. Making for a more enjoyable and stress-free holiday, with your pooch by your side.
Another advantage of a lodge stay is the opportunity to prepare home cooked meals. The lodge comes with a fully equipped kitchen, allowing you to cook your favourite dishes, just like at home. This is especially convenient for families, especially those with dietary restrictions or picky eaters.
Cooking your own meals can be more cost-effective than dining out, and indulging in a homemade dinner in the comfort of your lodge adds to the homely feel and enhances the holiday experience. If you prefer, there is also the added feature of lodge dining, which gives you the option to dine in the comfort of your own lodge too, whilst choosing from an exquisite range of home-style dining and meal options, all cooked with AA culinary excellence.
We understand that if you have young children, you can often have routines that are hard to stick by when travelling. That’s why, our Estate lodges provide the flexibility to stick to these routines more easily. Children can go to bed early in a separate room, while adults stay up without worrying about disturbing them.
Maintaining a familiar routine can make the holiday more relaxing, for both parents and children, ensuring everyone enjoys their time away from home.
This autumn settle down for several nights in one of our Estate lodges, the perfect intimate sanctuary, with our exclusive Stay Longer for Less offer. Choose from…
3/4 nights for a 20% discount
5/6 nights for a 30% discount
7+ nights for a 40% discount
Does a family lodge holiday in the UK sound right for you? Book your family lodge staycation with our discounted offer or call us on 01647 445 000 to speak to a member of our team.
Locals and holidaymakers are being invited to explore why a five-star Devon hotel has been crowned one of the best in the South West at its annual open day.
Bovey Castle, in Dartmoor National Park, is opening its doors to the general public for free on Sunday, September 22nd between 12 noon and 4pm, for its ‘Bovey Harvest Celebration & Open Day’, where visitors can check out the venue and grounds where famous names such as Olympian Tom Daley have tied the knot.
It comes as the resort recently won the gold award for Large Hotel of the Year in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, while also claiming gold in the Large Hotel category at the Devon Tourism Awards.
As well as receiving complimentary guided tours of the 60-bedroom manor house, elan spa and the new kitchen garden, there will be live music and various activities that guests can try out for free on the day – including archery, falconry, ferret racing and kids’ crafting, as well as exploring the wildflower meadow and driving range.
Other activities including laser clay shooting and Land Rover 4×4 tours are available for a small fee.
BBQ food, coffee, cake, and ice-cream is also available to buy, as is the opportunity to dine in the venue’s award-winning 1AA Rosette Smith’s Brasserie.
Dean Gunston is the General Manager at Bovey Castle, and is hoping to emulate last year’s open day attendance when hundreds of people turned out to explore the picturesque hotel and grounds, which includes an 18-hole Championship golf course and 22 self-catering country lodges.
Dean said: “This is a great opportunity for locals and holidaymakers to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the fascinating history and prestige of our venue – not to mention the scenic backdrop of Dartmoor itself.
“Last year’s open day proved so popular that we have decided to bring it back for this year so that couples and families have the chance to capture memories on a special day out in the countryside – whether that is trying your arm at archery, watching mesmerising falconry and exploring the hotel and grounds – or even meeting the world’s oldest ferret, Suki, who resides with us!”
Book your place here
Whether you’re staying in one of our luxurious rooms or you’ve opted for a self-catering UK luxury family break in one of our spacious lodges, we’ve got you covered with a useful itinerary for each member of the family. Let us map out your visit to Bovey Castle for you, so you can sit back, soak up the glorious weather and enjoy spending quality time with the family.
10.00am: Start your UK luxury family break by arriving at one of our luxurious private lodges, designed to help you escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Kick off your stay with a selection of breakfast hampers delivered straight to your door, or make it a family affair by preparing breakfast together in your self-catering kitchen.
12.00pm: After breakfast, step outside for a leisurely stroll around our beautiful grounds, soaking up the morning sun. If you prefer, take a guided Dartmoor Tour to explore Devon in all its glory, or experience the true art of falconry with expert guidance from our internationally-renowned falconer.
1.00pm: Enjoy lunch at our award-winning Smith’s Brasserie, then challenge your family to a round of golf on our 18-hole championship course, where you can test your swing. For younger or less experienced players, we also have a putting green and driving range.
6.00pm: End the day with a home-style dining experience in your lodge. Watch the sunset while enjoying a classic summer BBQ on your balcony or decking, with all ingredients provided by us. From Teriyaki Mediterranean prawns and scorched lime skewers, to our succulent Bovey Castle burgers, this is a meal you won’t want to miss. Finally, unwind and ready for another day of adventure.
10.00am: As our luxury private lodges provide the perfect blend of privacy and access to top-notch amenities, why not start your morning with a refreshing swim in the Elan Spa pool with your family. If you manage to get some alone time, indulge in our spa packages and treatments, there to help you relax, unwind and ground you.
1.00pm: In the spirit of ‘me time’ during your next luxury family break in the UK, treat yourself to our Afternoon Tea experience, featuring sweet and savoury treats paired with quality tea or Champagne. Spend the rest of the relaxing afternoon in your scenic lodge, shaded by woodland and bordered by lakes and manicured lawns.
6.00pm: For dinner, indulge in the award-winning cuisine at the newly reopened Great Western Grill. Our relaxed, yet elegant atmosphere is the ideal spot to enjoy the finest dishes, made from local produce. As the evening slips into dusk, stroll back to your luxuriously furnished lodge and enjoy a well deserved sleep in your comfortable bed.
9.30am: For those children who are real animal lovers, there’s the chance to meet our friendly chickens and ferrets, available to enjoy right on your lodge doorstep in the morning.
12.00pm: After a hearty breakfast and a friendly meeting with our chickens and ferrets, let the kids dive into our summer adventure activities during your luxury family break in the UK. From swimming and tennis, to falconry displays, there’s plenty to keep them entertained.
3.00pm: Later on, explore Dartmoor National Park and all the natural beauty it has to offer. Visit Canonteign Falls, home to England’s tallest waterfall, or enjoy the panoramic views at Burrator Reservoir. After a busy day, retire to your room as a family and indulge in a delicious home-style cooked meal.
1.00pm: Give yourself a child-free afternoon by signing the older kids up for Bovey Bushcraft, where they can channel their inner Bear Grylls. Meanwhile, you can relax at the spa or enjoy a drink on the South Terrace.
3.00pm: In the afternoon, choose from a variety of on-site activities. From bike riding and archery, to off-road driving and beekeeping experiences, there’s something for everyone.
6.00pm: Wrap up your family holiday with an intimate evening meal in your home from home style luxury lodge.
Planning the perfect summer family holiday in Devon has never been easier. Spend your summer days exploring our beautiful grounds, creating everlasting memories with your family in our luxury lodges, and enjoying a range of unique onsite activities that promise fun, laughter and good times.
Book your family summer stay today or call us on 01647 445007 to speak with a member of our team.
With your secateurs at the ready, be guided through our estate to gather foliage before creating your personal wreath for the festive season.
£50.00 per person
With your secateurs at the ready, be guided through our estate to gather foliage before creating your personal wreath for the festive season.
£50.00 per person.
Thursday 28th November | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: £50.00 per person.
Venue
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park
TQ13 8RE
Our alternative Halloween celebrations with marshmallow toasting, traditional apple pressing, and stargazing guided by our professional Astronomer.
£15.00 per person.
(Weather permitting)
Our alternative Halloween celebrations with marshmallow toasting, traditional apple pressing, and stargazing guided by our professional Astronomer.
(Weather permitting)
£15.00 per person.
Thursday 31st October
Cost: £15.00 per person.
Venue
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park
TQ13 8RE
Meet our expert wedding team whilst enjoying cocktails and canapés. Explore our fabulous estate, the perfect venue for your dream wedding. Pre-registration required.
Meet our expert wedding team whilst enjoying cocktails and canapés. Explore our fabulous estate, the perfect venue for your dream wedding.
Pre-registration required.
Monday 4th November
Cost: Free
Venue
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park
TQ13 8RE
The Caterer Best Places To Work in Hospitality 2024 has released its top 30 operators who are leading the way in employee engagement and workplace culture, and the Eden Hotel Collection – which Bovey Castle is a part of – was included after generating an overall employee satisfaction score of 86.6 per cent – a 16 point increase on the previous survey.
Companies included within the top 30 are recommended by their own employees, and the rankings are seen as an influential tool in helping hospitality organisations retain and recruit talent.
In the survey of Eden’s 500-strong workforce – 150 of which are from Bovey Castle – more than 80 per cent agreed that the company cares about its people, creates a welcoming work environment, and provides recognition for a job well done.
It comes as Eden Hotel Collection has seen vacancy levels reduce by 62 per cent across the Group over the last three years, while the business’s 90-day retention rate has risen to 96.4 per cent over the same time period.
A key driver behind this has been the introduction of a new reward and recognition programme for staff to celebrate each other – called The Happy Hub – which promotes feel-good hormones amongst teams via a social recognition wall, instant rewards through gift vouchers and peer-to-peer e-cards.
Lisa Redding, Group People Director at Eden Hotel Collection, said: “This recognition underlines our commitment as an organisation to create an environment where people can thrive and develop, while having fun along the way.
“Seeking and acting upon feedback from our people has been key to our success in building a positive working culture where they can be the best version of themselves, which not only benefits their own lives, but upholds a great experience for our guests too.
“It was particularly pleasing to see that more than 90 per cent of our staff felt like the company cares about its people – which has been supported by our Happy Hub initiative which has generated more than 400 pieces of recognition in under three months.
“Recruiting and retaining the best talent is also a priority for us and underpins everything we do, so it was also useful to gather constructive feedback to ensure we are continuously enhancing our working environment for our people to aid our ongoing growth.”
Dean Gunston, General Manager at Bovey Castle, added: “There’s a real team spirit that runs throughout our workforce – whether it is covering someone else’s shift at short notice, or recognising a colleague when they have gone the extra mile for a guest – which truly makes this a great place to work.”
Mark Chambers, Managing Director at The Eden Hotel Collection, commented: “It is no secret that the hospitality industry has struggled with recruitment for a mixture of reasons, but at Eden we are making headway in bucking this trend by creating an attractive environment to forge a long-term career that is based on feedback from our people.
“Our low vacancy and high retention levels underline the great culture at all of our hotels. While it is vital that we conduct regular health checks with our own people, participating in external surveys such as Best Places are equally important to understand how we compare to the wider market to ensure we remain one of the leading hospitality employers in the UK.”
We have now completed our Kitchen Garden following a six-month project – and it has been created to impress guests both inside and outside of the dining room.
Our restaurants, the 3 AA Rosette Great Western Grill and 1 AA Rosette Smith’s Brasserie, will both be served by the new 1400 sq m facility, which will grow herbs, vegetables and specialist seasonal ingredients such as edible flowers as chosen by its chefs.
The garden features a vegetable bed, cut flower bed, potager bed, tiered garden beds with perennial planting, a soft fruit bed, and salad beds as well as a pair of greenhouses and a polytunnel.
Visitors will also be able to roam around, explore the space and even enjoy a drink or canapé as part of their visit – with plans to host horticulture-inspired activities within the picturesque countryside setting, including garden tours which will take guests through the entire process up to harvesting.
John Mann, Head of Estates at Bovey Castle, said: “This project has been created completely in-house, drawing on a wealth of knowledge from across the team over the last six months and we are really excited to see the results.
“Our kitchen garden will be an active food source supplying the kitchen, but also as enrichment experience for our guests who can get a full sense of that farm-to-table ethos, enjoy an al fresco canapé and even take part in activities and workshops such as seed sowing.
“Sustainability is a huge priority for us and the Kitchen Garden will allow us to minimise our food miles, as we can grow a portion of what our chefs need just a few metres from the kitchen.
“It’s part of a wider push to recycle everything we use and work with local suppliers wherever possible – and you can’t get more local than this.”
We will also see the walled Victorian garden, used to supply the kitchen in the past, converted into a wildflower meadow to encourage greater biodiversity in the 275-acre site, with 60 fruit trees also planted.
Bovey Castle has won the gold award for Large Hotel of the Year in South West Tourism Excellence Awards, with over 300 delegates attending the event in the Great Hall at the University of Exeter.
The hotel, which is part of the Eden Hotel Collection, fought off stiff competition from the regional finalists in Gloucestershire and Dorset to claim the top prize, with a £1.2m kitchen refurbishment, significant investment in employee development, a commitment to local produce and an unforgettable guest experience all contributing to the winning entry.
The award comes after Bovey also claimed gold in the Large Hotel category at the Devon Tourism Awards.
The ceremony capped a 12-month selection and judging process, with cafes, pubs, karting centres,schools and distilleries up for a total of 89 awards alongside attractions, camping and glamping sites, holiday parks, B&Bs and cottages.
As well as its 3AA Rosette Great Western Grill restaurant and 1AA Rosette Smith’s Brasserie, Bovey Castle has 60 bedrooms throughout the historic manor alongside 22 self-catering country lodges, as well as on-site activities from archery and golf to 4×4 driving experiences and deer park tours.
Dean Gunston, General Manager of Bovey Castle, said: “We are extremely proud of this award as there has been a monumental effort from people throughout our team to raise the bar in terms of the visitor experience and further establish Bovey as a special place to visit.
“It was fantastic to see so many great businesses and venues in the region being recognised for the brilliant work they do in creating such a strong tourism offer in the South West.
“To secure the national award would be an amazing achievement both for ourselves and the wider region, and would set us up nicely for an exciting year ahead.”
Experience Dartmoor’s lively transition to spring, as the beautiful landscape bursts with vibrant colours and energy as the season shifts. From an ancient woodland walk, to a scenic picnic and even a visit to Dartmoor Zoo to spot the local animals, there’s plenty of things to do on Dartmoor National Park this spring…
If you’re looking for things to do on Dartmoor National Park that gets you stuck into the great outdoors, why not visit Wistman’s Wood. Embark on a journey through one of Britain’s last remaining ancient temperate rainforests during this long, but beautiful, trail. This is also perfect for botanists to discover the diverse flora while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Explore the rugged beauty of Dartmoor at the luxurious Bovey Castle, with years of history to uncover, make the castle your home during your visit to Dartmoor and book a stay. With the chance to indulge in award-winning meals, exhilarating outdoor activities, and serene walks, our hotel, located in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, is the perfect home away from home.
The hotel is also open to visitors who want to explore everything the castle has to offer.
What better things to do on Dartmoor National Park than uncover its rich history at Foggintor Quarry of all places. This abandoned quarry offers a glimpse into the region’s industrial past, set amongst the stunning natural surroundings.
Create unforgettable family memories at Dartmoor Zoo, and get up close and personal with a variety of exotic animals, while learning about their fantastic conservation efforts.
Experience the wonder of nature at Buckfast Butterfly Farm & Otter Rescue. Where you will have the chance to witness a variety of butterfly species in their element, and spot the playful antics of rescued otters.
Great for history buffs looking for things to do on Dartmoor National Park, step back in time at Buckland Abbey. This historic estate offers fascinating insights into Dartmoor’s rich heritage, with family-friendly activities.
Perhaps you’re looking for things to do on Dartmoor National Park that are a little bit more romantic for you and your partner. The picturesque Cadover Lakes is the ideal base for indulging in a peaceful picnic, taking in the stunning lake views that are surrounded by Dartmoor’s natural splendour.
Talking about romance and peace, treat your significant other to a relaxing and rejuvenating sauna or spa treatment at Bovey Castle. Our award-winning spa is perfect for couples seeking a tranquil retreat amidst breathtaking scenery.
Discover the tranquil beauty of Canonteign Falls, and the hidden landscape at Lydford Gorge, with both offering a refreshing escape and unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike.
With the weather perking up, savour the sophistication of Alder Vineyard on a warm spring day. Sample exquisite wines amidst scenic vineyards, offering a unique and memorable experience.
Castle Drogo is a beautiful 20th century castle that overlooks the Teign Gorge, and is a popular choice with tourists and locals alike. The walk to Fingle Bridge is only 5 minutes from our hotel, with an amazing view and a lovely walk to the river where you can cool off and enjoy a wild swim.
From thrilling outdoor adventures, to wholesome family outings and romantic getaways, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during their visit to Dartmoor National Park. Don’t miss out on all the fun this season, book our exclusive spring offer now at Bovey Castle or our luxury lodges, and unearth the natural beauty and charm of this captivating destination this spring.
Dartmoor is a beautiful and rugged region in the Southwest of England. Known for its rolling hills, granite tors, and vast moorland landscapes, it is hardly surprising that by this unique landscape has inspired numerous writers and artists, and helped to birth awe-inspiring literature. Some of the most famous works to have been set on Dartmoor include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and “The Sittaford Mystery” by Agatha Christie. There are many authors who feature Dartmoor in their work, and the area continues to be a source of inspiration today.
An author who has written extensively about Dartmoor is Simon Hall. Hall is perhaps best known for his TV and radio work, following a 20 year career as a BBC News Correspondent. However, he has also written a number of very successful books, both fiction and non-fiction. His compellingly written crime novels are set in ‘Evil Combe’, a real place located in the south of Dartmoor National Park. The protagonist, a TV reporter named Dan Groves, finds himself investigating crimes in rural Devon in a series titled “The TV Detective”. Each tale serves up a new, intriguing mystery to solve and is sure to leave readers guessing until the final pages!
It has been pondered, how much of Simon’s career as a correspondent and his real life experiences have influenced his narratives? We are left to speculate on this with great intrigue – where does fiction end and real life begin? One thing that is clear however, is that the beauty of Devon and Dartmoor depicted in stories is in fact no work of fiction.
“Dartmoor has always been a source of great joy, comfort and soulfulness to me. I delight in the changing moods of the moor, from those wonderful days of sunshine, to the glowering fogs, and the shifting scenery, from the wooded valleys to the wide open moorland. There’s an experience to match every mood.
In my books, Dan, the hero, will often take his dog Rutherford to Dartmoor when he needs space to think about the crimes he’s covering and attempting to crack (he’s a Plymouth based TV reporter with a side-line in detective work!) The majesty of the moor always helps to inspire his thinking.
I’m also very proud to have made my own small contribution to the great history of Dartmoor. I found the hidden memorial to the late Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes, after a long search. The story appears in the first of my novels, The TV Detective. It’s also a wonderful walk, if you fancy it. The details are here: http://www.richkni.co.uk/dartmoor/hughes.htm”
Today, Simon shares his time between Devon and Cambridge, where he works at the university – though Devon will always be home for him.
Photo credit: @simonhallnews
Another well-known author to have not only written about the area but has also called it home, is Michael Jecks. Jecks is a prolific writer of historical fiction, and many of his novels are set in and around Dartmoor, Exeter, and Devon. Perhaps his most famous series, the Knights Templar Mysteries, features Sir Baldwin Furnshill, a knight who solves crimes in medieval Devon. Jecks vividly evokes the rugged landscapes and writes with a historic accuracy that is incredibly compelling.
“When I first started to think about trying my hand as a writer, I knew that I would have to write about Dartmoor. Whether it was a mediaeval story or a modern day thriller, I was always drawn to the moors. Much of my research has been spent walking the moors with a rucksack on my back, camping out for two or three days at a time. There is no better way to see how our ancestors used to live, out in the wild without the noise of cars or aircraft to distract, but instead the wind soughing through the grasses – or the battering of rain as the weather changes.
Even with my latest book, Portrait of a Murder (April 2023, Severn House Publishing), much of the story is based on a real series of locations on Dartmoor. Why? Because Dartmoor has a unique atmosphere. It can be bright, picturesque, green and clear, with gorgeous views – but in moments all that can be snatched away, and suddenly the walker is in the midst of a fog that conceals everything more than a few paces away. On Dartmoor the visitor is always aware that behind the grandeur stands nature in all her wild and brutal beauty. And that, for an author, is captivating and inspirational.”
Photo credit: Michael Jecks
Dartmoor has been the inspiration for works of fiction for many years. ‘The Dartmoor Enigma’ an Inspector Richardson Mystery by Sir Basil Thomson, explores a questionable ‘motor accident’ on Dartmoor and the subsequent investigation that follows when a mystery letter eludes to foul play. It is the 5th book in this crime novel series and was first published in 1935.
Perhaps the best known tale featuring infamous protagonist Sherlock Holmes, The Hound of the Baskervilles was inspired by a local legend – the ghostly hounds that howl for blood in the dead of night. The novel explores the rolling, wild landscape in great depth, painting an eerie and sometimes chilling atmosphere. Dartmoor is expansive, unruly, wild, and strikingly beautiful – with the ability to inspire both fairy tales and nightmares alike. Bovey Castle offers folklore tours to hotel guests and day visitors, giving people a taste of this incredible wildness, that has evoked such powerful imagery in the minds of authors and artists throughout the ages.
There is an extensive list of highly talented authors who have featured Dartmoor within their work. Heartfelt children’s illustrated story books, such as ‘Bertie’s Dartmoor Adventures by Sally Anderson, to poetry anthologies by local poets, wildlife inspired tales such as ‘A Black Fox Running’ by Brian Carter, fabulous works of non-fiction depicting the landmarks across the region, have all been born from the passion and emotion the moors evoke. It is impossible to credit all the incredible pieces that have taken inspiration from the region, so we encourage you to do a little research and discover your next literary escape for yourself. Or, perhaps venture to Dartmoor for a little inspiration of your own.
In conclusion, Dartmoor continues to be a rich source of inspiration for writers and artists. Whether it is the rugged beauty of the moorland landscape or the rich history and culture of the region, Dartmoor has a unique and enduring appeal. The living authors who have written about Dartmoor are all able to capture some aspect of this appeal, whether through historical fiction, crime novels, or non-fiction exploration. For those who have yet to experience the magic of Dartmoor, these writers offer a tantalizing glimpse of what the region has to offer.
Photo credit – Mark Lakeman
Happy Birthday Dartmoor! 70 years ago, Dartmoor was designated as one of the the UK’s first National Parks, on 30 October 1951! In the same year, the Peak District, Lake District and Snowdonia were also awarded the designation. Dartmoor is a beautiful, wild, and incredible place to visit and explore, why not visit for yourself and find out why we love it here so much.
To celebrate Dartmoor’s 70th Birthday we have come up with the top 7 things to do on Dartmoor in 2021 (there’s so much to do here it was hard choosing just 7), keep reading to find out more…
The rich history of Dartmoor dates back to around 10,000 years ago, where people were visiting Dartmoor to hunt for food and then, from about 4,500 years ago people who were known as the Bronze Age Farmers began to settle down and farm the land. In medieval England, roughly 1,000 years ago the improving climate and increasing population brought many new settlers on Dartmoor. And even today you can still see the medieval landscape the same as it would have looked 700 years ago.
When visiting why not explore the old manor houses, churches, and medieval fields. You can take a short trip from Bovey Castle to the iconic Hound Tor Medieval Village which is a deserted village from the Bronze Age, consisting of a cluster of 13th century stone longhouses or why not visit the restored longhouse in Higher Uppacott?
The history continues with the Victorians, who brought different industries and lots of wealthy people to change the Dartmoor landscape, inviting steam trains to be built with a train line running over the Wray Valley which can still be visited and explored today!
Did you know? Dartmoor was covered in tropical forests for millions of years! Today, Dartmoor is an important reserve for rare species including different varieties of plants and animals, it also has one of the main concentrations of oak woods in the UK.
Visit Dartmoor are celebrating the 70th Birthday of Dartmoor with their ‘Time for Nature Challenge’. Come and test yourself with this interactive nature challenge which was created to help visitors not only explore the wildlife make new discoveries about the world around us. It’s important to recognise how the small changes we can make as individuals have a great impact on protecting the wildlife around us for future generations. Discover how to get involved with the ‘Time for Nature Challenge’ on their website click here.
There’s so much wildlife to enjoy and the Dartmoor Ponies are a species that are iconic to Dartmoor. So iconic that the pony was chosen as the National Park’s logo in 1951. They are an integral part of the moorland landscape and one of the main attractions for visitors to the area, contributing to Dartmoor’s unique character. There are lots of different types of ponies who reside on Dartmoor today, they have been used for many different jobs including pit ponies, shepherding, taking the family to the market and even sometimes carrying the postman to deliver the mail! The smaller ponies are called Shetlands and were originally used in the mining industry. Click here to read more about the Dartmoor Ponies and how to keep yourself and the ponies safe when visiting.
If you want to spook yourself out, discover the many legends and folk lore’s that reside on Dartmoor! These stories are passed on by word of mouth down the generations and are based on true tales. Discover the stories of the past giants, witches, pixies, and evil ones who have inhabited Dartmoor over the years. Learn about ghost stories of Dartmoor too. Click here to discover myths and legends on Dartmoor and learn about all the strange phenomena’s that have prevailed over the years. Delve deep into your imagination and picture the wicked Vixana peering over the top of Vixen Tor or imagine the body of poor Childe the Hunter lying next to the cross which marks where his body was found.
Moor Otters is a feel-good public arts project that attracts young and old for an amazing journey of discovery and making memories. The Moor Otters Arts Trail consists of 81 stunning sculptures of otters with cubs, all designed by local and national artists creating a total of four arts trails. This fun and interactive arts trail encourages visitors to spot the otters on the moor. Ending on Sunday 19th September 2021, where the otters will then be rounded up ready for auction and be available for collectors to purchase their favourite piece. The funds raised are put towards vital conservation projects for the National Park. Find out more about the Moor Otters Arts Trail here.
The granite that belongs to Dartmoor was produced over 300 million years ago and over the past 10,000 years humankind from the Middle Stone Age have shaped the landscape into a beautiful place to live. People have been living on the moor for thousands of years, explore the moors and you can discover traces of past lives etched into the land itself! Together, Mother Nature and Humankind have joint forces to create a stunning landscape full of varied for beautiful nature and wildlife to inhabit. If you’re into rocks and geology, why not visit the top 10 archaeological sites on Dartmoor, discover more by clicking here.
Rivalling Africa’s infamous ‘Big Five’ wildlife (the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros), Dartmoor’s ‘Little Five’ are infamous on the moorlands and are rare, secretive and fascinating…
First up, the blue ground beetle. The ancient oak woodlands contain moss-covered boulders and tree trunks where this fierce predator hides. The blue ground beetle is one of the largest and rarest beetles in the UK it grows to a whopping one and a half inches and has long metallic blue legs. Next, the cuckoo bird. The cuckoo is a dove sized bird with grey colouring. They spend summer on Dartmoor and migrate 10,000 miles to the Congolese tropical rainforests in winter. The marsh fritillary butterfly is a rare, medium sized butterfly which can be spotted from May to June in the wet grassland on Dartmoor. Otters are infamous to Dartmoor with a medium-dark brown colouring and grow up to a metre in length. Otters are mainly nocturnal and travel large distances of up to 20km of river habitat. And finally, the ash black slug which is renowned as the world’s largest slug and can exceed 20cm! Another nocturnal animal, it can be found in the woodlands on Dartmoor and will feed on fungi and algae along the tree stumps. Did you know? Slugs are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. Find out more about Dartmoor’s ‘Little Five’ wildlife and how to find it by clicking here.
Sound like fun? If you need more time to ‘Explore More on the Moor’ why not enjoy a fabulous private lodge break with our exclusive offer. Get either five nights for the price of four or seven nights for the price of five! Discover our fabulous lodge offer and book now by clicking here.
Eden Hotel Collection is part of Rigby Group (RG) plc.
Bovey Castle Property Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with Company Number 09552863.
Registered office address: c/o Eden Hotel Collection, Bridgeway House, Bridgeway, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6YX
VAT Number: 806641241
