A Memorable Family Escape at Bovey Castle: A Toddler-Friendly Review
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Time to read 3 min
Three years ago, my family and I embarked on a weekend getaway to Bovey Castle in Devon, seeking a balance of luxury, relaxation, and family-friendly fun. With a young toddler in tow, finding the right destination was crucial, and Bovey Castle did not disappoint. From the charming Dartmoor pony farm to the spacious private lodge where we stayed, our experience at Bovey Castle was both memorable and fulfilling.
Accommodation: Spacious and Luxurious Private Estate Lodge
Our stay at Bovey Castle was made extra special by the fact that we booked the Private Estate Lodge – this was a family trip celebrating my father's 60th birthday. As a parent of a young toddler, space and comfort are paramount, and the lodge provided both in abundance. The lodge was beautifully furnished, with multiple bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large living area that allowed us to spread out and relax. The separate sleeping areas were a blessing, allowing our little one to nap peacefully while we enjoyed some downtime.
The lodge’s layout was perfect for families, offering plenty of room for our toddler to play indoors, which was especially appreciated during the occasional rain showers typical of Devon. The large outdoor terrace gave us a safe space for our child to explore the fresh air without straying too far. Overall, the lodge provided the perfect balance of luxury and practicality, making our stay exceptionally comfortable.
The interiors were cosy and comforting – one might compare it to a ski chalet.
Dining: A Culinary Delight with Family-Friendly Options
One of the highlights of our stay at Bovey Castle was the exceptional dining experience. We had the opportunity to dine at the hotel’s restaurants, where the food was consistently excellent, with a variety of options that catered to both adults and children. However, the most memorable dining experience was having a private chef cook for us in our lodge.
The in-lodge dining experience was great. The chef prepared a delicious multi-course meal allowing us to sit back enjoy our dinner whilst our little one slept peacefully in her bedroom.
Activities for Children: Engaging and Varied
Bovey Castle truly shines when it comes to activities for children. During our stay, we found a range of engaging options that kept our toddler entertained and happy. The hotel offers a variety of activities designed specifically for young children, including:
Outdoor Playground: A well-maintained playground equipped with swings, slides, and climbing frames. Our little one loved spending time here, running around and exploring the different play equipment. The playground was a hit, providing a safe and fun environment for energetic toddlers.
Animal Encounters: Bovey Castle’s grounds are home to various animals, and the hotel offers opportunities for children to get up close and personal with them. Our toddler was particularly fascinated by the chickens and ducks, and the staff was kind enough to let us help with feeding them, which was a delightful experience.
Guided Nature Walks: The hotel offers guided nature walks through the surrounding Dartmoor National Park, which are perfect for families with young children. The pace was gentle enough for our toddler, and the guide was excellent at pointing out interesting flora and fauna that captivated our little one’s attention.
Local attraction: Dartmoor Pony Farm
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A highlight of our trip was visiting a local Dartmoor pony farm, located just a short drive from Bovey Castle. This visit was an absolute treat for our toddler, who was thrilled to see the adorable Dartmoor ponies up close. The farm offered a child-friendly environment where our little one could safely interact with the ponies under the guidance of the friendly staff.
"Our stay at Bovey Castle in Devon was a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and family-friendly fun. "
Conclusion: A Family Getaway to Remember
Our stay at Bovey Castle in Devon was a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and family-friendly fun.
For parents looking for a family-friendly getaway that caters to the needs of young children without compromising on luxury, Bovey Castle is an excellent choice. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a change of scenery, Bovey Castle offers an experience that will leave your family with memories to treasure for years to come.
The in-lodge dining experience was great. The chef prepared a delicious multi-course meal allowing us to sit back enjoy our dinner whilst our little one slept peacefully in her bedroom.
