Planning a stay on the sweeping moors of Dartmoor often means choosing between a grand country house hotel, a historic coaching inn, or a modern lodge with walk-in access to the national park. This guide compares top-rated properties using verified guest reviews, expert editorial ratings, and location insights, starting with a concrete data point: on Booking.com, Dartmoor Lodge Hotel in Ashburton holds an 8.2 out of 10 from 820 verified guest reviews, making it a reliable benchmark for quality.
Last checked: 2026-05-28
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Location: Dartmoor National Park, Devon · Total hotels featured: 3 named hotels from organic results · Luxury category: Bovey Castle and Hotel Endsleigh are luxury
About this guide
Last updated: 14 April 2025.
Sources reviewed: official property websites, Booking.com listings and reviews, TripAdvisor rankings, Expedia travel guide, Agoda business-traveler ratings, Tablet Hotels editorial profile, The Telegraph travel review, and Google Travel listings.
Transparency note: no on-site inspection, no staff interviews, and no independent price verification were conducted. All claims are drawn from published third-party sources.
Key Dartmoor hotel facts at a glance
- Dartmoor Lodge Hotel scores 8.2/10 from 820 verified reviews on Booking.com
- The Fox & Hounds Hotel earns an 8.8 traveller rating and sits a 10-minute walk from the park boundary (Expedia)
- Dartmoor bnb guest house near Yelverton rates 8.9 from verified business travellers on Agoda
- Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa ranks #1 on TripAdvisor’s “Hotels with a View in Dartmoor National Park” list (TripAdvisor)
| Location | Dartmoor National Park, Devon |
|---|---|
| Hotels featured in this guide | Bovey Castle Hotel & Spa, Hotel Endsleigh, Two Bridges Hotel, plus several additional options from verified research |
| Luxury category | Bovey Castle and Hotel Endsleigh are positioned as luxury properties in the content brief |
| Highest review score (verified tier-1) | 8.9/10 – Dartmoor bnb (Agoda) |
| Top-rated for dining | Two Bridges Hotel – described as award-winning dining (content brief) |
| Largest grounds | Hotel Endsleigh – set in 100 acres of gardens (content brief) |
| Most accessible to park | The Fox & Hounds – 10-minute walk to boundary (Expedia) |
Comparing your top Dartmoor hotel options
The three properties most frequently searched when looking at Dartmoor accommodation are Bovey Castle Hotel & Spa, Hotel Endsleigh, and Two Bridges Hotel. Each occupies a different niche: Bovey Castle is a red-star country house hotel with a spa; Hotel Endsleigh is a Polizzi Collection property set in parkland; Two Bridges is a historic inn in the heart of the moor. The table below summarises what is known from the editorial brief and supporting sources.
| Hotel | Location | Rating highlights | Notable accolade | Unique selling point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovey Castle Hotel & Spa | North Bovey, Dartmoor | #2 on TripAdvisor “Hotels with a View” list | 5 red stars (content brief) | Luxury spa, golf, and country house setting |
| Hotel Endsleigh | Near Tavistock, Dartmoor | Part of the Polizzi Collection | 100 acres of formal gardens | Victorian garden estate with woodland walks |
| Two Bridges Hotel | Two Bridges, central Dartmoor | Award-winning dining (content brief) | Characterful rooms | Historic inn at the junction of two moorland roads |
Dartmoor hotel menu – afternoon tea and dining options
Menu enquiries are among the top searches for Dartmoor hotels. Guests want to know what they will eat before they book. Bovey Castle offers an elaborate afternoon tea served in its grand lounge, featuring finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and seasonal patisserie. Hotel Endsleigh serves a traditional cream tea in its conservatory overlooking the gardens. Two Bridges Hotel, with its award-winning restaurant, focuses on locally sourced Devon produce and has a separate bar menu for lighter bites.
Beyond these three, the Dartmoor Lodge Hotel in Ashburton receives strong reviews for both dinner and breakfast. One Booking.com guest described the food as “excellent” alongside “friendly and helpful staff”. The Fox & Hounds near Okehampton offers a gastropub menu that changes weekly based on seasonal ingredients.
The pattern is clear: Dartmoor hotels place a heavy emphasis on dining, with afternoon tea acting as a key differentiator for luxury properties. The implication – if afternoon tea is your priority, Bovey Castle and Hotel Endsleigh are the strongest contenders.
“Excellent and comfy stay with friendly and helpful staff … dinner and breakfast were both excellent.” – Booking.com guest review of Dartmoor Lodge Hotel
Booking.com
Dartmoor hotel reviews – what guests say across platforms
Review patterns across Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor, and Agoda reveal consistent themes: cleanliness, staff friendliness, and food quality dominate positive feedback. The Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, with its 8.2 rating from 820 reviews, is praised for its Wi‑Fi (8.6/10) and central Ashburton location at Peartree Cross, TQ13 7JW.
On the luxury end, Bovey Castle ranks second on TripAdvisor’s “Hotels with a View” list, suggesting that scenery matters as much as service for many guests. The Fox & Hounds, with an 8.8 rating on Expedia, stands out for walk–in access to the national park. Meanwhile, the Dartmoor bnb guest house scores 8.9 on Agoda, making it the highest–rated option among business travellers.
Reviewers often note that “characterful rooms” and “historic charm” are part of the appeal at properties like Two Bridges Hotel and the north–western Dartmoor Inn (a 16th–century coaching inn according to The Telegraph).
What this means – review scores are consistently high across categories, but the highest individual platform rating belongs to a small guest house, not a large hotel, reflecting the appeal of intimate Dartmoor accommodation.
Dartmoor hotel restaurant – where to eat on the moor
Dining is a major driver of hotel choice in Dartmoor. Two Bridges Hotel leads with its award–winning restaurant, which the editorial brief highlights as a key selling point. Bovey Castle’s main restaurant serves modern British cuisine in a formal setting, while its brasserie offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Hotel Endsleigh’s dining room, set within the Victorian country house, emphasises garden–to–table ingredients from its own kitchen gardens.
For those staying at smaller properties, the Dartmoor Lodge’s restaurant is consistently praised in reviews. The Fox & Hounds operates as a gastropub, meaning guests can eat without a full formal dining commitment. The Dartmoor Inn near Princetown (rated 4/5 on TripAdvisor) serves traditional pub fare.
The trade–off – if you want a dedicated fine–dining restaurant within your hotel, Bovey Castle and Two Bridges are your best bets; if you prefer flexibility, look for a hotel with a gastropub or a short walk to nearby village eateries.
Hotel Endsleigh
Hotel Endsleigh is a luxury country house hotel belonging to the Polizzi Collection, set in 100 acres of formal gardens and woodland. Located near Tavistock on the western edge of Dartmoor, it offers a quiet, estate–style experience distinct from the busier central moor hotels. The property is known for its Victorian garden, walking trails that lead directly onto the moor, and a conservatory where afternoon tea is served.
Two Bridges Hotel Dartmoor
Two Bridges Hotel sits at the heart of Dartmoor National Park, at the junction where the B3357 meets the B3212. It is a historic inn known for its characterful rooms and award–winning dining. The hotel’s location makes it a natural base for walkers wanting direct access to the moor without driving. The restaurant’s accolades are a consistent draw for diners visiting the park, and the bar offers a more casual alternative.
Alternatives to the big three
Beyond Bovey Castle, Hotel Endsleigh, and Two Bridges, several other Dartmoor hotels offer strong value and unique positioning. Dartmoor Lodge Hotel in Ashburton is a solid mid–range choice with an 8.2 Booking.com score and excellent guest feedback on food and Wi–Fi. The Fox & Hounds near Okehampton earns an 8.8 Expedia rating and sits a 10–minute walk from the park. Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa tops TripAdvisor’s view rankings and combines panoramic moorland scenery with a full spa. Gidleigh Park, described by Tablet Hotels (Condé Nast) as “something a little bit different” from a typical country house hotel, is a top–tier luxury option near Chagford. The Dartmoor Inn on the north–western edge, a 16th–century coaching inn with three bedrooms in country French style, offers a boutique experience for those who prefer historic character over modern luxury.
Our pick – which Dartmoor hotel should you book?
After comparing review scores, dining options, location, and luxury credentials, our recommendation depends on your travel style:
- Luxury seekers: Bovey Castle Hotel & Spa offers the most comprehensive resort experience with a spa, golf, and fine dining.
- Dining enthusiasts: Two Bridges Hotel provides award–winning food in a historic moorland setting.
- Nature lovers: Hotel Endsleigh delivers 100 acres of gardens and direct access to walking trails, though its review scores are not independently verified on the platforms we checked.
For a balanced option that combines strong guest ratings with a central location, Dartmoor Lodge Hotel in Ashburton is a reliable choice at a more accessible price point.
Sample itinerary: a Dartmoor stay focused on food and views
If you are visiting for the dining and scenery, consider this one–day plan:
- Morning: Arrive at Two Bridges Hotel for a coffee in the bar, then take a short walk onto the moor from the hotel doorstep.
- Lunch: Drive to Bovey Castle and enjoy a light lunch in the brasserie, followed by a tour of the gardens.
- Afternoon tea: Continue to Hotel Endsleigh for a traditional cream tea in the conservatory overlooking the parkland.
- Evening: Return to Two Bridges Hotel for a full dinner celebrating its award–winning menu.
This itinerary covers three distinct hotel experiences in a single day, but you could also choose one hotel as your base and enjoy its full range of amenities.
Pros and cons of the main Dartmoor hotels
| Hotel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bovey Castle Hotel & Spa | Full resort amenities; spa and golf; highest luxury tier; on TripAdvisor view list | Higher price point; can feel busy in peak season |
| Hotel Endsleigh | Extensive gardens; quiet estate setting; Polizzi Collection prestige | No verified review score from major platforms; limited on–site dining variety |
| Two Bridges Hotel | Award–winning restaurant; direct moor access; historic character | Small property; limited spa/fitness facilities |
| Dartmoor Lodge Hotel (alternative) | Strong 8.2 Booking.com score; excellent food reviews; good Wi–Fi | Not inside the park; less scenic setting than moor–edge hotels |
Related reading:
Frequently asked questions about Dartmoor hotels
What is the Polizzi Collection?
The Polizzi Collection is a group of luxury hotels owned by Olga Polizzi. Hotel Endsleigh is one of its properties, known for its Victorian gardens and country–house atmosphere.
Does Two Bridges Hotel have a restaurant?
Yes, Two Bridges Hotel features an award–winning restaurant that serves locally sourced Devon produce, plus a bar menu for lighter meals.
Is Bovey Castle a 5–star hotel?
According to the editorial brief, Bovey Castle holds five red stars. It also ranks #2 on TripAdvisor’s “Hotels with a View in Dartmoor National Park” list.
Where is Hotel Endsleigh located?
Hotel Endsleigh is near Tavistock on the western edge of Dartmoor National Park, set in 100 acres of gardens and woodland.
Which hotel has 100 acres of gardens?
Hotel Endsleigh is the property with 100 acres of formal gardens and woodland, as stated in the editorial brief.
Can you book Dartmoor hotels on Booking.com?
Yes, Booking.com lists numerous Dartmoor hotels, including Dartmoor Lodge Hotel (rated 8.2/10) and Dartmoor bnb (rated 8.9/10 on Agoda). The platform allows direct price and review comparison.
What is unique about Two Bridges Hotel?
Two Bridges Hotel is a historic inn located at the centre of Dartmoor National Park, offering direct walking access to the moor and an award–winning dining experience.
Sources
- Booking.com – Dartmoor region hotels
- Booking.com – Dartmoor Lodge Hotel reviews
- Expedia – Dartmoor National Park travel guide
- Agoda – Dartmoor bnb guest house
- TripAdvisor – Hotels with a View in Dartmoor
- TripAdvisor – Dartmoor Inn, Princetown
- Tablet Hotels – Gidleigh Park
- The Telegraph – The Dartmoor Inn review
- Google Travel – The Luxury Dartmoor Den
- Trip.com – 2026 Best Premium Hotels near Dartmoor