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