November 28, 2023
Destination: Devon & Cornwall
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Best Luxury Hotels in Devon & Cornwall
If you’re planning a trip to the rugged Cornish coastline or to explore the stunning Devon countryside, you’ll need a place equally as beautiful to stay.
Luckily, there are plenty of luxury hotels for you to relax at after a long day of adventures, whether you want coastal chic, a countryside manor, or a boutique bolthole.
From the Jurassic Coast to picturesque towns and rolling countryside, here’s our pick of the best luxury hotels in Devon and Cornwall.
Bovey Castle – Dartmoor National Park, Devon
In the rolling valleys of the Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is a 5-star luxury hotel surrounded by 275 acres of countryside and woodlands.
With 60 elegant rooms, two restaurants, a spa, a bar, and activities from 4×4 driving to archery, there’s so much to do at the hotel you may not want to leave. But, if you do, you’re under an hour away from the coast and there are plenty of hiking routes, right on your doorstep.
Address: Bovey Castle, North Bovey, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, TQ13 8RE. Boveycastle.com.
The Idle Rocks – St Mawes, Cornwall
Sitting on the Cornish coast in St Mawes, Idle Rocks is a 19-bedroom Relais & Château hotel, with an award-winning restaurant, serving up everything from cream teas to Sunday roasts, and even supper clubs – and you can bet the seafood is as fresh as you can get.
Situated on the end of Roseland, a peninsula on the southern coast, you’re in a great location to visit many of the neighbouring villages and beaches. This is a great hotel for summer holidays.
Address: The Idle Rocks, Harbourside, Cornwall, TR2 5AN. Idlerocks.com.
The Pig – Harlyn Bay, Cornwall
The iconic Pig hotel has taken residency in one of Cornwall’s most historic houses, dating back to the 15th century. With far-reaching sea views, tonnes of quirks and character, and a destination restaurant, this is a great place to stay if you love colourful, seasonal home-cooked food.
In addition to the characterful and oh-so-stylish bedrooms in the main house, there are also four garden wagons tucked away in the gardens – closer to nature but with all the comforts of the house.
In autumn and winter, the Lobster Shed fires up on Friday evenings, with wood-fired flatbreads topped with locally sourced delights.
Those wishing for relaxation can book a treatment at the Potting Shed and Sheep Hut.
Address: The Pig at Harlyn Bay, Harlyn, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8SQ. Thepighotel.com.
Gara Rock Hotel & Spa – Salcombe Devon
Set on the clifftops of the jagged coastline, Gara Rock Hotel, near Salcombe, is a luxurious hotel with chic rooms, stunning views, a cinema room, and a proper spa.
The hotel offers a variety of experiences and packages and is just a short drive or walk from the beautiful town of Salcombe.
With an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, there’s no reason you can’t visit this hotel all year round.
Address: Gara Rock Hotel & Spa, East Portlemouth, Near Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8FA. Gararock.com.
The Driftwood – Portscatho, Cornwall
The Driftwood is a boutique hotel, perched on the Roseland Peninsula, near St Mawes and Portscatho. Wake up to sweeping sea views, enjoy your morning coffee on the deck, and after a day exploring the coast, feast on the delights in the hotel restaurant, cooked up by award-winning Head Chef, Paul Green.
This is a great location to slow down the pace and get some truly needed R&R.
Address: The Driftwood, S W Coast Path, Portscatho, Truro, TR2 5EW. Driftwoodhotel.co.uk.
Gidleigh Park – Chagford, Devon
This Tudor-style country house in Chagford sits on the banks of the River Teign. Surrounded by 107 acres of grounds and the beautiful Dartmoor National Park, this is a great place to stay if you’re looking to do some countryside walking.
Take your pick from one of the 24 rooms, dine at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, get active with croquet or golf, or take a revitalising yoga class.
Address: Gidleigh Park, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8HH. Gidleigh.co.uk.
Watergate Bay Hotel – Cornwall
If you love surfing, watersports, and wild swimming, the Watergate Bay Hotel is the place to stay.
Situated on the famous two-mile surfing beach on the North Cornwall coast, the hotel is the perfect spot from which to explore the coastline, whether on foot or surfboard.
The hotel offers a variety of different packages for families, couples, foodies and sea-lovers – they even offer surf and swimming lessons. Spend your time out of the water in the hotel’s treatment room or explore the local towns.
Address: Watergate Bay Hotel, On the beach, Watergate Bay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA. Watergatebay.co.uk.
Burgh Island – Devon
Burgh Island is a spectacular Art Deco hotel on a tidal island surrounded by sandy beaches.
The hotel holds some of the most regarded original Art Deco pieces of the era, so even if you don’t stay the night, it’s worth popping in for a cream team and a little peek.
First built in 1929, the hotel has held on to some of the quirks and character of the original building. The rooms take you back in time, with 1930s furnishing; no two are the same with each being named after an original famous occupant.
The hotel also offers a spa and pool, sports such as tennis and croquet, and a fine dining restaurant, too.
Address: Burgh Island Hotel, Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon, TQ7 4BG. Burghisland.com.
Lympstone Manor Hotel – Exmouth, Devon
Lympstone Manor offers something a little bit different: in addition to the suites in the main house, they also have luxury shepherd huts tucked in the woodlands.
The huts are a great way to be close to nature, yet you get to swap the tent and sleeping mat for a luxuriously comfortable bed. There’s even space to cook, should you choose to make yourself breakfast rather than dine at the restaurant.
If you like wine, you’re also in for a treat, as the hotel has its own vineyard on the grounds. If you visit during the summer months, you can usually book a vineyard tour, too.
Address: Lympstone Manor Hotel, Courtlands Ln, Exmouth, EX8 3NZ. Lympstonemanor.co.uk.
The Nare – Cornwall
Opening directly out onto Carne Beach, The Nare is one of the most spectacularly located hotels in Cornwall. A privately owned 40-bedroom, five-star country house hotel it’s traditionally decorated and oozing character.
With everything from swimming pools and a spa to activities like horse riding and sea-fishing, it offers a fun-filled trip for the whole family.
Address: The Nare, Carne Beach, Veryan-in-Roseland, Cornwall, TR2 5PF. Narehotel.co.uk.
Planning a trip to the South West and tempted by our pick of the best luxury hotels in Devon and Cornwall? Have a look at our guided walking tours of the region.
