Bovey Castle

Surrounded by 275 acres of Dartmoor National Park, and serving beautiful fare is Bovey Castle. This five-red-star stately country house is a magnet for those looking for luxury, and the dazzling three-AA-rosette-awarded Great Western Restaurant is just the place to find it. Executive head chef Mark Budd respects the fresh, local produce on his doorstep, and he instils a sense of fun and creativity into his dishes to reflect the magnificent surroundings.

For example, the hand-dived scallop and Brixham mackerel are paired with oyster emulsion, pickled onions and beer-battered clams for starters. Follow with fillet of Dartmoor beef with braised beef faggot, confit shallot and Madeira sauce. The Bovey Castle Estate honey with yoghurt mousse, Devon honeycake, lavender ice cream, burnt honey crémeux and fresh honeycomb is a memorable dessert. Afternoon tea, Sunday lunch and a tasting menu are great reasons to return. Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the hotel, from the sophisticated welcome guests receive to the attentive service in the restaurant. Add the 60 bedrooms, 22 self-catering lodges, Elan Spa and award winning golf course, and a stay at the truly magical Bovey Castle has to be on the cards.