The Lodges at Bovey Castle

The Lodges at Bovey Castle are situated between the lake and the tennis courts on a private estate surrounding the five-star Bovey Castle Hotel. They offer a relaxed place to stay with access to a hotel that has been deemed by the AA as one of the best in the British Isles, boasting a range of five-star offerings, such as a spa, golf course and a couple of really good restaurants. Deep in Dartmoor National Park, the hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1930s. The Lodges, like the spa, are later additions, but their appearance and style mirror those of the hotel and ooze the ancient charm of Dartmoor granite.

Each of the 22 lodges sleeps up to eight in three en-suite bedrooms (maximum 6 adults), making them a great choice for anyone who prefers the flexibility of self-catering but craves the facilities of a top-notch hotel. Particularly convenient for families or friends going away together, and also for dogs, along with their owners, the spacious Lodges fit right into the grounds, gardens, and wooded surrounds. You can also take advantage of any of the activities on offer to hotel guests, ranging from falconry to clay-pigeon shooting. Or, just pull on your wellies and Barbour and strike out from your doorstep to make the most of the moors.

Named after Dartmoor tors, these three-storey lodges have a balcony or terrace off an open-plan living space. The attention to detail inside is something to write home about, and there’s no faded grandeur about these buildings: they’re constantly attended to and kept in great shape. The contemporary and well-equipped interiors include a few hotel-style extras, as you’d expect. Your luxury lodge boasts a well-equipped kitchen, but if you want to feel properly on holiday, you can pre-order a pantry hamper or from the hotel's 'Take me away' and 'Big night in' menus. Enjoy the view and a cocktail until the food turns up at your door.

When it comes to other dining options, you're similarly spoiled for choice by the hotel's two excellent restaurants, The Great Western Grill and Smith's Brasserie. The Grill offers local fare, traditional Sunday roasts, and a champagne bar, but of course with the renowned Bovey Castle luxury finesse. The Brasserie is captained by head chef Mark Budd, who brings an original and sophisticated style to international dishes that make the most of local produce.