Set on the northern edge of Dartmoor, Gidleigh Park is the classic country house hotel. The Tudor-style building has been beautifully restored; its wood-panelled rooms and open fires are cosy without being old-fashioned, and the modern touches make for a comfortable stay. The restaurant serves inventive but unfussy food based on local, seasonal produce - lots of it from the kitchen garden, which you can see as you stroll through the 107-acre estate. Perhaps even more impressive is the wine list; Gidleigh Park has one of the best cellars in Britain. Once you've had your fill of luxury, head out to explore the moorland, visiting charming villages of stone cottages, or spotting wild Dartmoor ponies grazing as you walk along ancient paths.
Rebecca is an experienced travel writer, specialising in Japan and the UK. Born and raised in the West Country, she's also spent time living in London, Cambridge and Kyoto, and is now based in Newcastle. She loves promoting independent and inclusive businesses, and sustainable off-the-beaten-track travel.
We love being well connected to roads and footpaths at Gidleigh Park, but still feeling nicely secluded. Dartmoor is perfect for hiking, cycling and horse-riding.
The hotel is surrounded by countryside, in the north of the huge Dartmoor National Park, close to the village of Chagford and 22 miles from Exeter.
By car: Gidleigh Park is around 2 hours' drive from Bristol, 4 hours from London and 3 hours 30 minutes from Oxford. There is free parking on-site.
By train: London Paddington to Exeter St David's takes around 2 hours 30 mins. Trains from Bristol take 1 hour 30 mins. Exeter St David's station is a 40-minute drive from the hotel. thetrainline.com
The hotel's relatively small size, attentive staff and secluded location make it perfect for an indulgent, romantic break. From the moment you arrive, you feel like you're being welcomed into a home rather than checked into a hotel - there's not even a reception desk.
As a guest you have access to the Pantry, so you can pick up more tea, coffee or snacks without needing to ask anyone. There are three pet-friendly rooms available - the Pavilion, Bellever, and Lydford - and there are also some heated kennels on site.
- Award-winning restaurant
- 107-acre grounds
- Croquet lawns
- 18-hole putting green
- Grass tennis court
- Bluebell woods
- Kitchen garden
- Sun terrace
- Dog-friendly rooms
- Kennels
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room service
- Beauty treatments
- Guests' pantry
Even the smaller rooms feel light and spacious, with room for both a bath and a walk-in shower.
Classic Rooms, Deluxe Woodland View, Deluxe Garden View, Master Rooms, Family Loft Suite, The Pavilion, Spa Suite
Facilities include: king-sized Vispring bed, marble en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and bath, spring water from the Gidleigh estate L'Occitane skincare and bath lotions, slippers, bathrobes, complimentary Wi-Fi
The menu features as many ingredients as possible from the estate, such as veg from the kitchen garden and honeycomb from the apiary. The "Thunder and lightning" tart is a fun twist on the Westcountry favourite of sweet buns or scones served with clotted cream and treacle.
The restaurant: award-winning, wholesome dishes from Michelin-starred chef Chris Eden. Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner Tues-Sat. Mains from £18.
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