You’ll fall in love with Bovey Castle’s incredible family offerings: thrilling outdoor adventures like archery and falconry, spacious private lodges with full kitchens, dedicated KidsZone play areas, exceptional dining at two restaurants, luxurious spa facilities including an indoor pool, breathtaking Dartmoor estate views, professional activity instruction, year-round entertainment options, pet-friendly accommodations, and educational experiences like the Bovey Rangers program. Each element creates unforgettable memories while you discover why this 275-acre paradise continues enchanting families seeking the perfect Devon getaway.
- Endless Adventure Activities for All Ages
- Dedicated Children’s Entertainment Zones
- Exceptional Dining Experiences for Every Taste
- Thrilling Outdoor Dartmoor Explorations
- Luxurious Spa and Wellness Facilities
- Pet-Friendly Accommodation Options
- Private Family Lodge Retreats
- Year-Round Indoor Swimming and Recreation
- Breathtaking Gardens and Valley Views
- Professional Activity Instruction and Safety
- The Sum Up
Endless Adventure Activities for All Ages
When you’re searching for a destination that’ll keep every family member engaged, Bovey Castle delivers an impressive array of adventure activities that span all ages and interests. Your family can test their aim with free archery sessions on the hotel grounds, while mesmerizing falconry displays captivate everyone with live birds of prey.
For adrenaline seekers, Land Rover 4×4 tours and quad biking adventures await across the Dartmoor estate for a small fee. You’ll find shooting activities like air rifle, laser clay, and clay pigeon shooting alongside unique experiences like ferret racing.
Don’t miss the brass rubbing trail—a clue-led adventure that combines problem-solving with exploration. This gentle journey takes you through gardens, woodland, and activity areas while you discover hidden brass plaques that create personal keepsakes from your adventure. The wildflower meadow offers wildlife spotting opportunities that create lasting family memories.
Dedicated Children’s Entertainment Zones
While parents appreciate having multiple entertainment options, your children will absolutely love Bovey Castle’s dedicated play zones that cater specifically to their energy levels and interests. The KidsZone Play Area offers unlimited playtime with structured activities for just £15 per child or £25 for two children.
When weather keeps you indoors, head to TechZone’s Xbox gaming room for hours of virtual entertainment. Outside, swings, slides, and climbing frames complement the nearby trampoline area perfectly.
The Bovey Rangers Program transforms adventure into learning for ages 5-12, featuring kid-friendly archery and outdoor excursions. Don’t miss the indoor swimming pool, tennis courts for family games, and deer park visits. Children can also enjoy egg collecting sessions with the activities team at 9:00 am each morning.
Each zone targets different age groups, ensuring every child finds their perfect entertainment match.
Exceptional Dining Experiences for Every Taste
After working up an appetite from all those family activities, you’ll discover that Bovey Castle’s dining scene truly delivers exceptional experiences for every palate. You can choose between the award-winning Great Western Grill for sophisticated British cuisine featuring local Devon beef and game, or head to Smith’s Brasserie for relaxed Mediterranean-inspired dishes with stunning Dartmoor views.
What’s brilliant is how both restaurants cater to different family moods and preferences. The Great Western offers formal dining with a champagne bar, while Smith’s provides a bright, casual atmosphere perfect for lighter meals after spa time. Whether you want to dress up, or dress down, both venues welcome all types of dining experiences to suit your family’s style.
You’ll love that everything’s sourced locally and seasonally, ensuring fresh flavors while supporting sustainable practices. Multiple menu options—from tapas-style sharing plates to traditional Sunday roasts—mean everyone’s happy.
Thrilling Outdoor Dartmoor Explorations
Beyond the castle walls, Dartmoor National Park becomes your family’s ultimate outdoor playground, where purpose-built 4×4 tracks and wild moorland adventures await just steps from your luxurious accommodation. You’ll tackle steep climbs and water splashes on Bovey’s dedicated off-road course, while professional instructors guarantee everyone participates safely regardless of skill level.
Don’t miss the falconry demonstrations on the hotel terrace – watching birds of prey soar over granite tors creates unforgettable memories. Your kids will love archery sessions in the castle grounds, while adventurous families can explore Teign Gorge for wild swimming opportunities.
The estate’s deer park tours offer close wildlife encounters, and ancient Wistman’s Wood reveals mystical moss-covered oaks that’ll spark imaginations for years to come. Families can also experience unique cider making sessions together, creating lasting memories while learning traditional crafting techniques on the beautiful estate.
Luxurious Spa and Wellness Facilities
When adventure calls for recovery, Bovey Castle’s Elan Spa transforms your active family getaway into a complete wellness retreat.
You’ll love the stunning Art Deco swimming pool with breathtaking views over River Bovey and Dartmoor National Park. Your family can splash in the leisure pool, then unwind together in the whirlpool, sauna, and steam room. The pool welcomes adults from 7:00am until 8:00pm daily, with dedicated family swimming hours from 9:00am to 5:00pm for children accompanied by adults.
Book the Rest and Restore package at £100 per person—it includes a rejuvenating 25-minute treatment plus full facility access. Your kids will enjoy supervised pool time while you indulge in TEMPLESPA facials or bespoke ESPA treatments.
The yoga studio offers daily stretching sessions perfect for post-hiking recovery. Residential guests receive complimentary gym access, making this wellness experience even more valuable for your family stay.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation Options
Your furry family members deserve the royal treatment too, and Bovey Castle delivers with all-encompassing dog-friendly accommodations that’ll make your pet feel like true nobility. Every room category welcomes dogs—from cozy Singles to spacious Castle Rooms accommodating two pups. You’ll pay just £25 per dog nightly, which includes bedding, bowls, and crates upon request.
Your four-legged companions can join you practically everywhere: lounging in the Library, dining at Smith’s Brasserie’s designated dog tables, or enjoying afternoon tea in the Cathedral Room. The 275-acre estate provides endless walking adventures, and reception offers detailed trail booklets. Dogs must be house trained and at least six months old to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests.
The pet-friendly lodges accommodate full families with up to two dogs, ensuring nobody gets left behind during your Dartmoor getaway.
Private Family Lodge Retreats
Picture having your own private manor house nestled within Bovey Castle’s sprawling 275-acre estate—that’s exactly what you’ll get with their spectacular three-storey family lodges. These granite and oak retreats offer 110m² of space across three ensuite bedrooms, sleeping up to eight guests while maintaining that coveted sense of seclusion.
You’ll love the flexibility of having a fully-equipped kitchen for managing picky eaters and family meal schedules. Plus, there’s the option of door-delivered themed dinners when you want restaurant quality without the restaurant chaos.
Each lodge features open-plan living areas flowing onto private balconies overlooking Dartmoor’s stunning landscapes. Children will delight in the outdoor green space surrounding each lodge, perfect for games and exploration.
The beauty lies in combining villa-style privacy with resort amenities—you’re minutes from activities, pools, and dining, yet completely secluded in your woodland sanctuary.
Year-Round Indoor Swimming and Recreation
While Dartmoor’s weather can be unpredictable, you’ll never have to worry about cancelled swim plans thanks to Bovey Castle’s stunning Art Deco indoor pool housed within the historic Orangery. The heated pool operates year-round from 7:00-20:00, with dedicated family swim times from 9:00-17:30 when children can splash freely with adult supervision.
What makes this special? The glass-walled Orangery setting offers breathtaking views across the River Bovey and Dartmoor National Park while you swim. Your spa access is included—no extra charges for the whirlpool, sauna, steam room, or adjacent gym. The facilities are designed to relax, revive, and restore both body and spirit for the entire family.
After outdoor adventures like golf or moorland walks, it’s perfect for warming up or unwinding. Both lodge and hotel guests enjoy the same privileges, making it your family’s all-weather activity hub.
Breathtaking Gardens and Valley Views
Where else can you step from your castle suite onto terraced gardens that frame the River Bovey like a living masterpiece? Bovey Castle’s 275-acre estate delivers panoramic Dartmoor views that’ll leave your family speechless.
You’ll discover Edwardian gardens where your kids can explore market-style vegetable beds while you savor championship golf course vistas. The head kitchen gardener offers fascinating tours through herb and flower gardens that supply the castle’s restaurants. These educational experiences happen twice weekly and showcase the farm-to-fork journey from sowing seeds to harvesting fresh ingredients.
Don’t miss the wildflower meadows – they’re perfect for family picnics and peaceful moments. Your children will love spotting wildlife among the diverse plants, while you’ll appreciate the granite construction from estate quarries that frames every scenic overlook.
These rolling valley perspectives create unforgettable family memories.
Professional Activity Instruction and Safety
Beyond the stunning scenery, you’ll discover that Bovey Castle’s activities come with something many family resorts lack – genuine expertise behind every experience. Your children won’t just be handed equipment and left to figure things out. Instead, they’ll learn archery from specialist instructors, experience falconry with an internationally-renowned expert, and master 4×4 driving with dedicated professionals.
The Bovey Rangers programme perfectly demonstrates this commitment. Your 7-14 year olds join supervised sessions where trained leaders teach campfire building, archery basics, and survival skills within a structured framework. It’s not unguided play – it’s proper instruction that builds confidence safely.
You’ll appreciate how activities are age-banded and timetabled during holidays, ensuring adequate staffing and manageable group sizes when families need it most. The natural beauty surrounding the castle provides the perfect backdrop for these outdoor learning experiences, with panoramic views enhancing every activity session.
The Sum Up
You’ll discover that Bovey Castle isn’t just another family getaway—it’s where lifelong memories take shape. Whether you’re watching your kids’ faces light up during archery lessons or unwinding in the spa while they’re entertained, you’ll find something magical here. Don’t hesitate to book that family lodge; you’ll thank yourself later. Trust me, once you’ve experienced Dartmoor’s beauty combined with Bovey’s luxury, you’ll already be planning your return visit.
