Welcome To The Castle
The drive into Bovey Castle is magnificent, you drive through the grounds anticipating what is to come and you won’t be disappointed. A stunning County House awaits. At night the towers are lit with flames which makes it more majestic.
A warm and efficient welcome from reception staff and although we were checking in early our room was ready. Our car had been valet parked which was a nice touch and a porter helped us to our room on the third floor with our luggage. A note of warning for the less able, the lift was only working until the second floor and then a couple of small flights of stairs needed to be negotiated.
Suite Life
We had been very lucky to be upgraded to a suite and it was fabulous. The room was very well appointed with a large comfortable king size bed and very comfortable pillows. The duvet and all furnishings were of a good quality. There was a seating area with a good size, comfortable couch adorned with scatter cushions. A decent size tv, which could be angled towards the seating area or the bed was on the wall.
There were two good size wardrobes so no fighting over storage here. A pleasant dressing table was in the window giving good lighting.
The bathroom was spacious with a lovely bath and a shower which was a decent size and good quality toiletries that were regularly replenished. Bath towels covered my generous frame so another plus!
The views from the windows were sublime over the golf course.
Nice touches, popcorn and apples and a small decanter of what I think was port.
The room had a safe and a kettle and coffee maker. A small fridge housed bottled water and fresh milk which was replenished twice a day.
We had a turn down service at night which was cute, tea cups were left with camomile tea, curtains were drawn, bed covers turned and fresh water and glass by the bed and a copy of the Bovey news with all the information you needed with activities for the next day.
Time For Lunch
We had lunch in Smiths Brasserie; a club sandwich which was delicious but huge, we probably could have shared. We did share a portion of triple cooked chips which were well cooked and yummy. Prices were average I would say for this type of eatery and there was a good selection from fish and chips, burgers to steaks. Staff were pleasant and friendly. Surrounding area is inviting well-spaced out, a good bar and overall, an inviting ambience.
A Short History Lesson
We then took a stroll through the building. In 1890 William Henry Smith (later to become WH Smith and Viscount Hambleden) purchased 5,000 acres of land, and his son, Frederick, later built a lavish Neo-Elizabethan Manor House for the family’s country retreats. In 1928 the estate was sold to Great Western railway who went on to develop the estate adding the golf course. Many celebrities came to stay during the 30s and there definitely seems to be a nod to the 30s heritage with some of the artwork and style in some of the rooms.
During the first and second world wars the House was used for a convalescent home and a military hospital.
In more recent years Bovey Castle has achieved five-star status and I would say they are very deserving of that accolade.
Sitting Pretty
There are several lounges with large comfortable seating and huge fireplaces with super log fires burning brightly to keep the winter chill out. It was very pleasant to sit and while away an afternoon having a coffee and a chat to other guests. Each area has its own style, whether the library, or the bar area or the lounges and there is plenty of great artwork to draw your eye and attention.
Wedding Bliss
While we were there a small wedding was taking place. One of the rooms were turned round into an elegant ceremony room. There were plenty of staff on hand to stop hotel guests wandering into the wedding area and they were waiting on hand with champagne for when the couple were married. They then seamlessly moved the wedding party to their drink’s reception and then to their private dining space which was beautifully dressed. I was really impressed with how the wedding was managed from start to finish, it didn’t impact hotel guests at all and the wedding party had all the privacy they needed. If I was getting married, I would definitely consider this elegant venue.
A Valentine Meal To Remember
In the evening, we had booked the Valentine meal, £95 including a champagne cocktail. I have to say it was worth every penny. The Great Western Dining room (named as a nod to its heritage) is refined and delectable. The food was outstanding, one of the best meals I have ever eaten. Every course was a delight and delicious. It was hard to choose which course was my favourite but the lobster dish adorned with caviar was incredible.
During our stay we found the staff to be friendly and helpful and there were plenty of waiting staff in the restaurant who were extremely well organised by the amazing Maître d. All couples had a red rose on the table and a welcome champagne cocktail and it was a very memorable and enjoyable evening.
Top tip: When we checked in we were asked if we wanted to book into the main restaurant on the Saturday night, we said we would think about it as we wanted to see what the Valentines meal was like. When we tried to book first thing on Saturday morning the restaurant was full and we were bitterly disappointed as we had so enjoyed the meal the night before so please book on arrival to avoid disappointment. We ate the second evening in the Brasserie which was very pleasant. We will be back however as the Great Western is too good not to return too.
The Morning After
Breakfast was plentiful with everything you could want from a fruit platter, cereals, yoghurt, continental cheeses and meats, and bakery items. An extensive hot menu was also offered and I enjoyed the full English very much with great quality locally sourced produce.
Mark made good use of the spa, the pool length is good so he could enjoy a proper swim. The steam room and sauna were good. The changing rooms were tired and the lockers a bit fiddly so maybe some updating is needed in this area.
We had a look in the spa area which smelt heavenly. All massage bookings were full for the Saturday so maybe pre-book if you would like a treatment.
There is a full events program if you wish to partake, some are free, feeding the chickens, watching falconry display, croquet etc, others you pay a small charge for, generally £37.50 for an hour of archery, shooting, cider making etc. There was something for everyone whatever your age. There is a special host who will help book whatever activities you chose.
Watch Out Golfers
We used a golf buggy to drive round the estate and locate all the activity areas. What fun that was! I think I terrified a few golfers but as I was only going around one mile an hour, they had plenty of time to jump out of my way. We drove around the lodges, a great addition to the estate particularly for those with families or who might like to self-cater. They can house up to six people and are a short walk from the hotel. You can pre-order food packs and get some food delivered to the lodges and also use the hotel facilities.
Five Star Luxury
What I particularly liked about Bovey castle was the little bits of luxury that, especially since covid, you don’t always see anymore. Apples on reception, proper napkins being placed on your lap, bread being offered before your meal. Good quality furnishing, weighty cutlery, a wine cellar that was well stocked, plentiful staff to cater for your every whim. Everything about Bovey Castle said comfort, elegance and quality. I seriously considered extending my stay and to me that says it all. Bovey Castle I will see you again soon.
For Hotel Information- https://www.boveycastle.com/
For Wedding Information- https://www.boveycastle.com/wedding-packages/