A ferret from Bovey Castle is in the running to become the oldest of its kind as it gears up to mark its 15^th birthday this summer!

Say hello to Suki

Suki, who is a female silver ferret, is preparing for her major milestone in the grounds of Bovey Castle, where she has lived for the past six years greeting families with her furry friends Henry aged two, and Lilly and Grace, both aged three.

Ferrets live for around six years, but can live up to ten years if in good health, according to the RSPCA.

Suki’s age has been revealed ahead of National Ferret Day (April 2) by Hannah Bathard, Activities Manager at Bovey Castle, who has helped to care for Suki since 2009.

She said: “While I don’t know Suki’s specific birthday, I have a photo of her from September 2009 when she was around eight weeks old, which means she will be at least 15 this July – which is phenomenal.

When we found out there was a National Ferret Day, we felt it was a fitting time to share Suki’s amazing life with the world.

She used to be a working ferret and was given to Bovey Castle around six years ago after she retired by her then owner Martin Whitley, who runs falconry displays at the hotel, and has nurtured ferrets since he was a child.

Suki has always thrived off socialising with both humans and her fellow ferrets, which I think has been the key to her longevity – along with a healthy mixed diet of high protein ferret nugget and off-cuts of meat!”

Meet Suki and her friends

Suki and co have a dedicated structure packed full of hay and tunnels in the grounds of 5 AA Red Star manor house hotel, Bovey Castle, where visitors can pay them a visit.

Hannah added: “Every day at 9am a member of our activities team hosts a 30-minute session where visitors can get hands-on with our ferrets and then go on to feed breakfast to our rescue chickens.

“The sessions are very popular, so we’d urge families to book in advance – especially now that Suki has had her moment of fame!”

For more information about visiting the ferrets at Bovey Castle, head to www.boveycastle.com/meet-the-chickens-and-ferrets

Up for some family fun this spring? If a unique, luxurious and unforgettable family spring break in the UK is what you’re looking for, you’re in the right place. Our beautiful hotel in Devon is the perfect paradise for your family to soak up the long-awaited warmer weather and fully embrace the spring spirit, whether that’s lacing up your boots and enjoying the outdoor activities, admiring the blossoming flora and fauna, or simply spending quality time together… 

1. Say hello to our animals and insects

With the days getting longer and warmer, many of our resident animals and insects around the grounds are coming out of hibernation, and soaking up the sun for themselves. If you’re an animal lover, this is the perfect chance to get up close and personal with some of nature’s friends during your spring break in the UK. 

Choose from our exclusive Deer Park Tour, where you’ll learn all about the deer life cycle, nutrition and how they fit into the conservation model on the Bovey Castle estate. Or perhaps, you’d prefer being introduced to Suki, Lilly, Grace and Henry, our friendly ferrets alongside the chickens, who love meeting and interacting with children. If you’re a honey lover, why not book our Bee Keeping Experience, to see the bees in action, alongside our fantastic bee keepers.

2. Outdoor activities galore

A visit to Bovey Castle wouldn’t be complete without checking off an outdoor activity or two. Liven up your spring break in the UK and discover our range of on-site activities that promise to keep the whole family entertained. From our air rifle shooting experience where you can practise your aim using an array of targets, to one of our guests favourites, archery, where you can embrace your inner ‘Robin Hood’. Whether you want to learn a new skill, or get competitive with your family, our on-ground activities will keep you busy this spring.

3. Indulge in our delicious treats

There’s nothing better than indulging in some delicious treats on a well-deserved spring break in the UK. We invite you to enjoy an array of award-winning dining experiences with us here at Bovey Castle. From our quality, classic meals served in the Great Western Grill, a traditional Sunday Lunch fit with all the trimmings, to an unforgettable Afternoon tea experience full with sweet and savoury delights, ready for you and your family to tuck into. What’s not to love about all these delicious dining experiences in Devon this spring?

4. A fun family day out at Canonteign Falls

Discover Devon’s hidden gem, Canonteign Falls, and experience fun for all the family. Nestled at the edge of Dartmoor, these breathtaking waterfalls and lakes reopen March 18th… explore 90 acres of rolling Dartmoor scenery, abundant with adventure play areas and a brand new family of willow dinosaurs to find. If that isn’t exciting enough, you can also experience a one-of-a-kind encounter with the many alpacas from April 9th.

This family-fun day out is the perfect place to relax, laugh, play and embrace the quality time you spend together. 

5. Explore Dartmoor with your best friend

When we say the whole family can enjoy this spring break, we really mean it. As a dog-friendly hotel, we welcome your four legged friends, so you don’t have to leave them behind. Treat them to a trip to Dartmoor National Park, a beautifully unique location all year round, the open moorlands, deep river valleys, and rare wildlife are in abundance during spring, making it ideal for your dogs to explore the great outdoors and for you to soak up the glorious views too. 

Spring offers at Bovey Castle

Your spring break in the UK begins here, with our exclusive two or three night stay offer or our relaxing spring lodge retreats. Make the most of your spring getaway, and escape the usual hustle and bustle of life on a fun-filled break with the family. Our spectacular Spring offers and lodge stays are available from 1st March 2024 – 30th May 2024. Book your stay and offer today.