Family Adventure Time? Try Bovey Castle
Looking for inspiration as to what to do with the kids this weekend? We reviewed how Bovey Castle, Devon, fits the bill for family fun. Could Bovey Castle be the best place for your summer holiday break? It certainly has some brilliant activities that the kids will love…
Getting to Know Bovey…
This family destination in Devon sits in 275 acres within Dartmoor National Park. It is an Edwardian castle that is designated a Grade II Listed Building; they have around 60 rooms and 22 private country lodges for you to choose from. You can find it near Moretonhampstead and about a 15 minute drive from the A30.
Bovey Castle was built for a politician’s son in 1907 but it was already a hotel thirty years later. It has changed hands many, many times throughout the years and now finds itself as part of a chain of elegant buildings of similar stature. The expansions over the years have seen it grow to accommodate a few different architectural styles and its own set of Edwardian Gardens. On top of all this, it offers stunning views of the moors from every angle.
When you stay at Bovey Castle you are treated to satellite TV in your bedroom, tea and coffee facilities, free parking and either breakfast or afternoon tea. Their eatery; the Great Western Restaurant, serves game from the moors of the estate and fish sourced from the Devon coast. They also have their own gastro pub named Smith’s Brassiere. If you need good food on holiday then they have you covered.
Family Activities at Bovey Castle
Bovey Castle does both family and team building from the same areas. This means that it is ideal for corporate events, but that families can have plenty of fun. There are ten different team-building activities so if you have a big family these will bring you all closer together.
Some of the activities offered at Bovey castle don’t seem so family-friendly, but are actually all closely supervised. For some parental accompaniment might be best. For example; they offer a 4×4 off-roading adventure that you might think was not suitable. This is a ranger-accompanied activity but you would probably still want to be there. Other activities of this nature include air rifle challenges and camp fire building.
There are a few things you can do while there during the summer holidays while the kid’s groups are running. If you get some child-free time, Bovey Castle has both a Spa and golf course. On top of this they have Sloe Gin making and Cider making workshops which you can bring the kids too… it’s just a shame when they can’t try the produce!
You can watch the Bovey Castle Activities video by following this link.
Paid activities at Bovey
Not all of the activities in Bovey Castle Grounds are free. We noted the activities with an extra price attached, below. This does mean, however, that you don’t need to be a guest in order to go for an afternoon and enjoy one or two activities.
Some of the paid activities at Bovey Castle include:
- Bottle feeding fawns in the summer holidays will cost £30 per person. The Baby Goat bottle feeding costs the same but is only available in the May half term holiday (this is when the animals are born).
- Tours of the deer park last for about an hour and cost £15 per person.
- Notably, they offer special deals during May half term called the Dartmoor Escape Offer. Additionally they have a 4 nights for the price of 3 offer that you can read about through the same link.
Free family fun
Just as some of the activities need to be paid for, there are lots of free things to do included within the price of a stay. Some of these family adventures include:
- Eggs need to be picked daily from the hens!
- You have the chance to meet the estate ferrets while you pick the eggs.
- There is a playroom for the younger children.
- You can walk around the stunning Edwardian gardens.
- The daily falconry display is complimentary and takes place on the balcony.
- There are outdoor tennis courts.
- A shooting range for air rifles.
- A croquet course for the discerning guest.
- Fly fishing on their own stretch of river – bring your own rod!
- Two kid’s groups run throughout the summer holidays. One for the younger children and one for teenagers.
With all of these things to choose from, the kids will find something to do every minute of every day!
Family Activities in Moretonhampstead and South West Devon
Moretonhampstead has some nice attractions too, on the tiny chance you run out of things to do on the estate. You can visit the Moretonhampstead Motor Museum and see their classic car collection. They also have a pony centre for little horse lovers to go and ride.
If you prefer to stay out in nature then the Becky Falls Ancient Woodland park offers spectacular natural sights, a few hiking options, and an adventure for everyone! Down in Exeter you can visit Castle Drogo – but it isn’t as spectacular as the one you will already be staying in! The nearest swimming pool is five miles away in Chagford and is outdoor. There is another in Newton Abbey which is more child-friendly.
Remember that you will have all the exploration of Dartmoor National Park to fit into your break too. In addition, Crealy Theme Park is in the vicinity… it really is one of the best areas in the country for kids.
Where to book a holiday to Bovey Castle
If you are as interested as we are in the family fun found at Bovey Castle, then you can book your stay through Booking.com. If you would like to compare prices then you can also book via Bovey Castle’s own website by following this link.
Want More Family Fun Day Ideas?
Don’t forget that you will find all sorts of other ideas for Sunday Fun-day, family days out, and trips for special occasions, all nestled within our pages.
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park, North Bovey, Devon TQ13 8RE
Telephone: 01647 445000
Website: https://www.boveycastle.com
