Luxury and Dogs Converge at Bovey Castle on Dartmoor

It’s rare that you find a hotel that is genuinely dog-friendly. Some will claim to be dog-friendly, but then impose lots of restrictions on your furry friends. But not at Bovey Castle. Nestled within 275 acres in the heart of wild Dartmoor, at Bovey Castle dogs are treated with as much care as humans. In fact, dare I say, they’re treated better than humans?! From the moment we walked through the grand, stately entrance, my pup Frank was surrounded by Barbour-cloaked guests in Wellington boots and staff members all wanting a pet and a cuddle. He was thoroughly overjoyed with this attention, rolling onto his back dutifully, tail wagging like he had been starved of affection for weeks (he had not).

Arriving at Bovey Castle

Our arrival at Eden Collection owned Bovey Castle was a smooth one, and the drive through the grounds as you approach the castle standing proud in the distance was spectacular. Parking is handily directly in front of the hotel next to the rows of golf buggies, and check-in was a breeze with friendly staff and a real feeling of homely cosiness. Soon, Frank and I were making our way upstairs to our Grand State Suite.

Bovey Castle Accommodation

The suite was comprised of a spacious hallway, separating a large bedroom and ensuite, and an even larger living area with walk-in closet, desk space, table with teas, biscuits & coffee maker, and plush sofas to lounge on. The hotel – originally built in 1907 as a home for the WH Smith stationary family and turned into a hotel in 1929 – has done a brilliant job of keeping the heritage features and character while providing modern comforts.

The suite not only had a large, ridiculously plush bed for me, but the hotel provided a large bed for Frank too, as well as a bag of treats and water bowls for him to use. Frank loved racing around the huge space and making himself at home, while I investigated the rest of the suite. I found the small bottle of homemade sloe gin and instantly thought of my dad, who loves to make his own sloe gin. After a taste test to see whose is better (the jury’s still out on that), I stepped into the bathroom to find a beautiful roll-top bath and separate shower.

But what really took my breath away was the views.

Endless rolling countryside, gorgeous late autumn leaves on the trees and the feeling of serenity. So much serenity. From my suite I could spy golfers far off on the hotel’s own golf course, walkers strolling the grounds and over bridges that sat atop small streams, and dogs running and playing freely on the grass. The following morning I woke from a restful sleep to an even more magical view: a beautifully frosty sunrise.

Food & Beverage at Bovey Castle

Happy with my comfortably huge suite, I wasn’t sure if my stay could get any better. Then I pootled down to dinner at Smiths Brasserie (which is also dog-friendly), and, unsure what to order, sort of ordered two main meals and a starter. My eyes were far bigger than my stomach, but I did my best and my goodness was it worth it. The Chicken, ham & prune terrine with pickled mushrooms and toasted sourdough was divine, the perfect balance of terrine, mushrooms and bread. Next up I tried the carbonara, but the stand-out dish was the hotel’s famous Pork belly.  Accompanied by carrots and bramley apple sauce, it was quite literally mouthwatering.

Breakfast the next day was another incredible meal. I was kindly set-up in the Cathedral room next to a roaring fire, and with Frank happily napping in the middle of the room (he always plonks himself in the most inconvenient places), I enjoyed a full English breakfast. You can actually visit the hotel’s kitchen gardens where the majority of the seasonal fruit and vegetables come from – just don’t take any dogs up there if you can help it as there are chickens there too.

Recreational Activities & Amenities

Activities-wise the hotel has plenty to entertain both young and old. Next to the kitchen gardens is the children’s activity room, a calm and serene space with soft, muted colours ideal for children with neurodivergencies. Filled with wooden toys and activity spaces for both youngsters and teenagers, it’s perfect if you want to leave the kids to play, safe in the knowledge that they’re being supervised by Bovey’s kids club staff while you head to the golf course.

If you want to spend as much time as possible enjoying the outdoor space, there’s an overwhelming amount of activities to sign-up for. From falconry to laser clay shooting, archery to fly fishing, they really have it all. You can even learn how to make your own sloe gin and cider, or attend a beekeeping experience! Or of course, there’s the tennis courts and the 18-hole championship golf course, designed in 1926 by J F Abercromby.

Indoors, there’s the gym as well as a large swimming pool with sauna and steam room, although this area is looking very tired and could really do with a refresh and modernising. However, it’s fine for swimming a few laps before breakfast and the views over the grounds from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows are lovely.

Group Getaways at Bovey

One area where Bovey really shines, is when it comes to group bookings. Whether you’re planning a wedding, or need a place for a large family getaway or a corporate escape, Bovey has it all. As well as its 59 rooms and suites, there are dog-friendly x lodges dotted across the estate  providing a home away from home with all the perks of a hotel. Each sleeping eight people (max six adults and 2 children), you can book lodges next to each other so family groups or teams can enjoy their own space but be close enough to gather for activities and dining.

Final Thoughts

Bovey Castle is one of those rare hotels that really gets everything right. It’s a destination in itself, with no need to leave the hotel’s property for the duration of your stay if you so wish. With comfortable accommodations, 275 acres of countryside to play in, and a truly dog-friendly atmosphere, this is a luxury stay you cannot miss.

Book a stay at Bovey Castle, Dartmoor.