Hotel Endsleigh, Devon

English hotels don’t come more quintessential than this. Come spring when the centuries-old manor house becomes enveloped by gardens blanketed in foxgloves, Hotel Endsleigh reveals itself in all its wonder. A place of rural serenity, where the only sound you’ll wake up to is that of birdsong, hideaway in one of the 18 elegant guestrooms and enjoy a tranquil retreat in the secluded Devon countryside. Home to rambling country walks, a cozy and intimate restaurant and a boot room full of Hunter wellies; Hotel Endsleigh oozes charm and will easily win the heart of any city-slicker.

Location

Set within 100 acres of fairytale woodland, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and with views over the River Tamar and into Cornwall, yet just a two-hour train ride from the capital, Hotel Endsleigh is a real escape from the pace of everyday life. Check-in and pull on your wellies before heading out on a leisurely walk, our favorite is from Castle Drogo to Fingle Gorge; wandering through oak-lined avenues, over ancient stone bridges to finish up at a traditional pub, it ticks all the boxes.

Your Room

Individually decorated yet all exuding a sense of understated elegance, no two rooms at Hotel Endsleigh are the same. Featuring everything from handpainted wallpapers and rolltop baths to snugly quilted beds and bookshelves lined with classics, the 18 rooms have everything you need for a quintessential country escape. Snuggle up by the woodburning stove of the thatched Gatekeeper’s Lodge or enjoy breakfast al fresco on the patio of the Stable Suite, but whichever room you choose, you can guarantee to a relaxed start to the day with freshly-brewed coffee delivered straight to your bedside. We could get used to this.

Why we like it

Whilst the guestrooms at Hotel Endsleigh are undeniably beautiful, the real beauty here lies outside your bedroom window. Formal gardens bordered by seasonal blooms run from the doorstep down to the River, where a picturesque dell of streams crisscrossed by charming bridges beckons afternoons picnicking in the spring breeze. An arboretum filled with unusual trees from around the world will transport you to far-off places whilst kingfishers, otters, falcons and the occasional deer connect you to the great outdoors. Not sure where to start? The hotel’s head gardener is on hand to show you around and help satisfy your green thumb.