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.
If you’re planning a visit to Bovey Castle, then you will know we have the best range of activities for one of the best adventure holidays in Devon this year. From exhilarating off road driving tracks to peaceful visits to our Deer Park we have something for everyone. You will have so much fun at Bovey Castle, why not come and find out for yourself?
We couldn’t run our activities department without our fantastic team, and we are so grateful to have our very own female Bear Grylls right here at Bovey Castle, meet our Activities Manager, Hannah! We asked Hannah a few questions so you could get to know her before visiting, if you’re interested, please keep reading…
Growing up, what did you want to be when you were older?
A dentist or a dancer which I still do.
How did you get into the activities role you are in now?
I had worked here previously in activities from 2008 for 3 years. I had other jobs in between but was looking for an outdoors activity job again years later and the timing was right as they were hiring again. Have been back about 4 years now.
What season is your favourite at Bovey for activities?
Spring because the flowers are just stunning here.
You are a qualified 4×4 driving instructor, tell us about how you got your qualification?
Other instructors and I go to train up at Honiton with Land Rover Experience on their tracks there. I am BORDA British off-road Driving qualified and passed the ‘higher standard’.
What do you do in your spare time? Any interesting hobbies?
I love dance and performing, horse riding and clay shooting. I am a trainee horse trick rider and our team perform in jousting and trick shows up and down the country.
Favourite animal spotting on the estate?
Little baby stoats playing. I love ferrets so it’s a wild version of that.
If you were a Disney character, which one would you be?
Merida from Brave, as she is a strong character and can handle a bow and arrow!
If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Dawn French because she’s really funny and likes chocolate a lot!
What are two items on your bucket list?
Long horse-riding holidays and an aeroplane wing walk.
What would be your dream holiday?
Horse riding across Canada staying in ranches as I go.
If you could choose any superpower, what would it be?
To stop time, as there’s never enough hours in the day!
If you could time travel, where would you go?
VE day on 8 May 1945. There were lots of celebrations and street parties to mark the end of the war, everyone would have been in such good spirits.
If you had a magic lamp, what would your three wishes be?
To have massages every day. Never get old. It not to rain.
Now you know more about Hannah, why not come down and meet her? We have so much to do here and Hannah is very excited to meet you! Discover adventure holidays at Bovey Caslte… Plan your stay here or book your activities here.
The best way to unwind this spring is with a refreshing spring staycation on Dartmoor.
Enjoy fabulous sunsets over the rolling Dartmoor hills, long scenic walking routes visiting the quaint South Devon villages and exciting daily activities to get involved with on site at Bovey Castle.
To help you plan your break, we’ve suggested how to discover the best spring staycation in the UK…
If you’re a nature lover, looking for the great outdoors and some fresh air on your spring staycation, get your walking boots on and discover Dartmoor National Park, we have 275 acres on our doorstep or if that’s not enough we can suggest plenty of scenic strolls around the local villages and beyond.
Explore the nearby village of North Bovey on your walk, with beautiful scenic views of quaint white thatched English cottages and a large village green.
For a more challenging walking route, why not try visiting the nearby Castle Drogo with plenty of walking trails with magnificent views over the Teign Gorge and you can even take your pooch! Castle Drogo was constructed between 1911 and 1930, it was the last castle to be built in England, the rich history of the area can be explored on the many walking routes.
Venture out to Exeter, a 30 minute drive away from Bovey Castle, you will find the Princesshay centre for chain stores and if you look to visit the Castle Quarter you will find independent shops. Fore Street is a haven for hip and historic shops in West Quarter where you will find treasures including vintage clothing and electric guitars.
If you’d rather not travel, we have a wonderful selection of gifts, toys and children’s games, books and outdoor attire for sale in our boutique store on site at Bovey Castle. You can browse high end and designer brands all stocked in our store with no need to leave the hotel!
There’s so much to explore on site at our resort, we have an abundance of activities available daily and suitable for all ages. From deer park tours to horse drawn carriage rides, with so much choice there’s no need to leave the hotel grounds…
If you’re looking for something more hands-on why not try your hand at clay pigeon shooting or archery with one of our experienced activities leaders to guide you through these fun-filled activities.
We have so much more to explore on our resort, play a round of golf on our 18 hole championship golf course, relax in the Elan Spa or discover the many more activities we have to offer.
If you’re ready to explore all that Dartmoor has to offer, why not make the most of your visit with our spring staycation offer?
Our exclusive offer includes one night’s overnight accommodation in a Classic Room, a refreshing glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne and dinner in Smith’s Brasserie. After a relaxing night’s sleep, you can also dig into a delicious full English Breakfast.
With prices from £339.00 per room, per night call our team on 01647 445007 or book online.
Choose to extend your stay with us and spend more time exploring with a two night trip and enjoy all of the above plus full afternoon tea with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne.
To book our two night spring staycation offer from £339.00 per room, per night, please call our team on 01647 445007 or book online.
We look forward to welcoming you to Dartmoor on your spring staycation this year.
One of the best ways to discover Dartmoor National Park is on horseback. With magnificent sweeping views; huge skies and wide-open spaces. Dartmoor offers unrivalled opportunities for horse riding and is perfect for seasoned riders seeking an opportunity for adventure.
We’ve put together an exclusive package with Liberty Trails, specialists in tailor-made horse riding holidays on Dartmoor, to offer an exceptional horseback adventure for enthusiastic, confident riders.
The Saddles, Spa and Castle Stay is a two day, three-night package which can be taken either Monday to Thursday or Friday to Monday.
It includes luxury accommodation here at Bovey Castle, dining in our brasserie and relaxing and reviving treatments in the Spa, with either three nights’ livery for your own horse or with horses hired through Liberty Trails. Riders ride with English saddles and can tailor their riding days according to their fitness and stamina levels.
You’ll spend the first full day exploring the best Dartmoor has to offer on an exhilarating ride; with an experienced Liberty Trails guide.
The second day offers you the opportunity to indulge your passions with a choice of three unique experiences:
Prices start from £1500 per person based on two sharing a Castle Room for three nights with dinner, bed and breakfast included and also two full days in the saddle. Additional days can also be added.
The price for one person booking to come on their own to enjoy an exclusive two- day ride with just their guide and horse for company, start from £1995 for single occupancy of a Castle Room for three nights with dinner, bed and breakfast included.
An exclusive day ride for one person booking to come on their own is £500 per day. For two people booking to ride together is £400 per person. (This excludes dinner, bed and breakfast)
You’ll experience the focussed attention of the Liberty Trails team who will make you the centre of their world for the duration of your stay. This means that dates are their most limited resource and so to get your preferred dates into their diary, please email enquiries@liberty-trails.com and or call 01822 851463, or visit www.liberty-trails.com.
Explore more things to do in Dartmoor.
The golf course at the 5 Red Star Bovey Castle Hotel is a challenging and beautiful 18-hole championship course, designed in 1926 by J F Abercromby, one of the finest British golf course designers of the last century.
When the course opened in 1930, it quickly gained national acclaim for its reputation as one of the most enjoyable places to play golf.
Designed to rival its sister courses at Gleneagles and Turnberry, our Bovey Castle golf course has been described as an experience of golf never to be forgotten, presenting the pure challenge of golf to professional and amateur alike. The course meanders through the hotel estate, surrounded by idyllic landscape and challenges to meet any handicap.
To understand the beauty, as well as the complexity of our golf course, we have created a step by step guide to each hole that accurately describes them:
This opening tee shot at Bovey Castle is inviting in the extreme, plunging down into the river valley onto a newly reshaped fairway and leaving a short shot across the River Bovey onto the green.
As the river is very much in play from the tee, it is wise to lay up with a long iron or a wood.
The 2nd is a treacherous hole where placement is everything. A dogleg to the left around a wood, it’s all too easy to over-shoot the fairway. Stay as tight to the left as possible to leave the best line into the green here at Bovey Castle, which again, is on the far side of the river.
Whilst not wanting to come up short, be sure not to over club as two pot bunkers await you.
The river again dominates the 3rd, although the lake around the green is actually an ornamental feature here in the Bovey Castle gardens. The green is sited on a natural promontory and is a target that is almost entirely surrounded by water.
The right half of the green is the side to aim. Here, there is a little more room than the view from the tee may suggest.
A classic hole in the heroic mould awaits you on the 4th here at Bovey Castle. The river catches the eye line from the tee and runs alongside the 4th fairway.
Bunkers and trees lurk on the far side of the fairway for those who take the cautious line, whilst the river awaits those who are over optimistic. The approach to the green is heavily bunkered so lay back to leave a full shot in.
The downhill tee-shot is an inviting one on the 5th here at Bovey Castle, although the trees to the left and right can easily encroach on the demanding second shot back over the River Bovey.
The less powerful may be well advised to lay up. If you do ‘go for it’ it’s wise to take one more club than the yardage suggests.
The 6th is an attractive downhill par three plying back across the river that runs through our magnificent Bovey Castle Golf Course. The green is angled, so that the back right portion is tucked behind the right-hand bunker. Shots to this section of the green need to fly the full distance, although the right to left wind and downhill shot makes this almost a club shorter than normal.
This famous (and equally infamous) hole has tantalised, infuriated and charmed golfers since its creation here at Bovey Castle. Sir Henry Cotton recognised its undoubted quality by listing it in his favourite 18 holes in Britain.
The river meanders in a dangerous fashion down the right. The green is a classic example of Abercromby’s flair for design.
The final river hole in one of the most daunting opening stretches of golf here at Bovey Castle. Here, the river nibbles in alongside the landing area and the green is set alongside a stream that winds all down the left hand side of the green and the approach.
The bold line from the tee will hug the left so that a shot up the length of the green is set up.
Newly restored from Abercromby’s original design, the 9th hole is a par 3 with a small green that is closely guarded by 6 treacherous bunkers. Choose your club wisely.
The 10th is the only par 5 on the back 9. It plays across a valley through a saddle in the hill here at Bovey Castle… leaving a second shot across another valley. Players laying up need to be wary of the ditch at the bottom of the hill.
Players going for the green in 2 must carry the 3 big bunkers short of the green.
This is a superb par 4 with a dramatic approach across our lake-filled, Bovey Castle valley. Any shot even slightly short of the green is likely to roll back down into trouble. Many should lay up, but even this leaves a demanding pitch to an elevated green.
Take plenty of club on this shot as well, because it predominantly plays into the wind.
The final short hole may be the hardest of them all. From the back tee, it is frighteningly tight with an angled green guarded by a deep front bunker. The prospect from the forward tee is a little less daunting, but still calls for a deceptively long uphill shot.
It is certainly better to be long than short, as the back of the green is free of bunkers.
The 13th provides possibly the first light relief of the round and is in range from the tee for the longer players. Bunkers hug the left hand side of the fairway for the last 100yards and any shot destined for the green must flirt with them. The green is on 2 levels so an accurate approach is essential to create a birdie opportunity. The right side of the green runs off quickly, so it is usually better to aim a little left with the approach shot.
Another short par 4 through a narrow gap in the trees, the 14th is a fun hole, rewarding accuracy rather than raw power. The bunker in the fairway is the line, everyone having to decide how to carry or circumnavigate it.
More powerful players will drive straight over it and may well reach the green, although the green’s cunning undulations make putting a challenge.
This hole swings to the left around a dense stand of fir trees. The ideal line is to stay on the left half of the fairway making the approach shot shorter. On a course where most of the greens are small, this hole differs
by providing a generous target, but it is elevated. Take plenty of club, especially if the flag is cut behind the bunker.
If conditions are firm and fast, stay right of the marker post but be careful to avoid the bunkers. Longer players may fancy hitting it to the right, but this leaves an awkward angle to approach the green.
A running approach shot is often a good idea to this small green. Anything over the green is not easy, so it is better to be a little on the short side.
The key to the 17th hole is choosing the right line from the tee. For the longer players straight over the top of the highest tree, whilst the shorter player should hug the right of the copse. Once over the hill, the green is an inviting target, but testing to hit from a downhill lie.
This hole requires a drive up around the bunkers if the green is to be in view for the second shot. Drives hugging the left will leave a shorted second, but will be blind with the approach to the green tilting sharply from left to right.
Bovey Castle also offers a fully-equipped club house, driving range, golf academy and brasserie for pre and post-match meals and snacks to complement the golf course.
If you would like more information about our golf course, or golf holiday offers to play the course at Bovey Castle, please contact the golf team on 01647 445009 or email golf@boveycastle.com.
For a conference venue in Devon with a difference, try our Bovey Castle Country Pursuits Day. The ultimate conference package for all of your business needs! Discover the perfect conference venue in Devon…
Start the day with a half day meeting in a complimentary room along with refreshments for your team. Break away at lunchtime with a delicious spread of food served as a buffet lunch. If needed, afternoon refreshments will be available for all delegates. Save the best til last! Once your day’s meetings are complete, you and your team can also enjoy archery and shooting on the estate, as well as the chance to enjoy the stunning views and luxurious castle surroundings.
Why choose any other conference venue in Devon? Bovey Castle has so much to offer for the best business meeting, with private meeting rooms, delicious refreshments, 5-star service from our attentive team and country pursuit activities to add a bit of extra fun to the meeting day!
Our conference venue offer is available at just £65.00 per person (max 30 delegates)
For more information, please contact us today. Call our team on 01647 445000.
Discover the spectacular splendour of Bovey Castle with our latest meeting offer. Equipped with all the business essentials to make your meeting the best it can be, why choose any other venue?
Discover the ultimate meeting venue in the heart of Dartmoor National Park… so if you’re looking for a peaceful countryside retreat to inspire look no further than Bovey Castle for all of your meeting venue needs!
Upon arrival, you and your team will be greeted by our attentive team, served with delicious refreshments. After use of your meeting room for the day sit down with a delicious buffet lunch with a selection of dishes. Then, back to your meeting room before more afternoon refreshments and enjoy a sloe gin & cider tasting class for additional fun and to round off the day with this fun team building activity.
Our meeting venue offer is available at just £65.00 per person (max 20 delegates). Room hire for your meeting is also included, as well as those stunning Dartmoor views!
For more information, please contact us today, call our team on 01647 445000.
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
