With its coastal paths that run for 330 km (205 mi), Devon is also known as the English Riviera. This picturesque county enjoys more sunny days than the rest of the British mainland. A huge chunk of the coastline is taken up by the Jurassic Coast that runs for 153 km (95 mi) from Exmouth, Devon to Swanage, Dorset. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its unique rock formations. In the southern part of Devon, you’ll find a harbour town called Salcombe. The poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson, found inspiration for his works at the town’s sand bar. You’ll also find the ruins of a castle here, which dates back to the time of King Henry VIII. With so much to explore, you’ll want to find the most comfortable sojourn. So check out our best luxury hotels in Devon, UK, to find just what you need.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to luxury services and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Bovey Castle (from USD 263)
Luxurious accommodations, but high additional charges for services and activities.
Beautiful grounds, pool, spa, and a variety of activities including golf, falconry, and archery.
Nestled in the picturesque Dartmoor countryside, offering stunning views and dog-friendly grounds.
Fine dining at the Great Western restaurant, casual options at the brasserie, and a delightful afternoon tea.
You can choose to stay at the historic manor house or the private mews building as the 60 guest rooms here are spread out across the two. Each room has its own unique design, but all of them are luxuriously appointed with top-of-the-line furnishings and fittings.
If you’d like some privacy, Bovey Castle also has 22 country lodges on its grounds. These three-storey buildings have all the features of a classic home, with living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen and three en-suite bedrooms.
Bovey Castle
Address: North Bovey, Dartmoor National Park
2. The Imperial Torquay (from USD 75)
You’ll feel on top of the world at this property, which sits atop a cliff on the coast of Devon. Look forward to lovely views of the sea from almost everywhere on this property built in the 19th century. You can also treat yourself to delicious English cuisine at the restaurants here. Palm Court Lounge, for example, serves traditional afternoon tea. Some of the delectables served are the same sort that Queen Victoria once enjoyed!
With 152 guest rooms and suites spread across seven floors, you’re sure to find one that meets your needs. Regardless of which room you select, you’re assured of only the best amenities such as free Wi-Fi, premium toiletries and even an iron and ironing board to add to your comfort.
3. Woodbury Park Hotel (from USD 88)
Reasonable pricing starting at £72. Expensive breakfast.
Good spa, pool, and fitness facilities. Clean, spacious rooms. Slow internet.
Quiet, out of town location near Exmouth. Stunning countryside views.
Varied dining experiences. Limited restaurant menu. Quality breakfast and evening meals. Inconsistent bar food.
Woodbury Park offers different types of accommodation options, but the ones you’ll want are its luxury suites. You have two suites to choose from: The Merehaven Suite and The Castle Suite. Both suites can sleep two adults and two children, and have views of the neighbouring golf course from their private balconies.
For a romantic escape, pick Merehaven. Its four-poster bed and subdued lighting give it a feeling of intimacy, while its large dining area means that you can have all your meals in your suite.
Woodbury Park Hotel & Spa
Address: Woodbury Castle, Woodbury
4. Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel (from USD 85)
Reasonable pricing for central location, but additional fees for parking
Spacious rooms, helpful staff, and good breakfast selection
Convenient location opposite Exeter central station, close to town center and university
Tasty breakfast, good restaurant with attentive staff, but some complaints about limited options and service
The facade of this hotel gives you an excellent clue about what to expect inside. The Victorian building that houses Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel is elegant and timeless, transporting you to an era when travel was done at a more leisurely pace. As you step through the doors, the elegance and classic feel continues in the grand lobby with its high ceilings and giant columns.
The Junior Suites are spacious and decorated in a soothing palette of white and beige. Each suite comes with a Nespresso coffee machine, so you can brew a cuppa whenever you wish. You’ll also get free unlimited Wi-Fi and a complete set of exclusive toiletries to add to your comfort.
5. Saunton Sands Hotel (from USD 170)
You’ll find a warm and inviting atmosphere at Saunton Sands Hotel, which stems from the fact that it’s part of Brend Hotels, a company that has been run and owned by the Brend family for more than five decades. Coupled with a stunning beachfront location, expansive interiors and opulent decor, Saunton Sands epitomises luxury in every way.
For the ultimate family experience, the Penthouse Apartment will suit you nicely. Children will be well taken care of in the supervised playroom. If it’s a school holiday, they can take part in the hotel’s entertainment programmes.
6. The Ilsington Hotel & Spa (from USD 227)
Great value for the quality and amenities offered.
Exceptional spa facilities, well-equipped gym, and beautiful grounds for walking and relaxation.
Set in a tranquil countryside location with stunning views of Dartmoor National Park.
Delicious, well-above-standard meals with a variety of choices, attentive and accommodating staff for dietary needs.
A stay at this hotel gives you access to award-winning meals and spa treatments as well as a chance to explore the wilderness of the surrounding countryside and its moor. There is ample opportunity to rest and relax here. You could choose to dawdle over lunch while admiring the amazing views or take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool to untie knotted muscles.
The suites here are large enough to accommodate two adults and two children aged below 16 years. There’s lots to keep the young ones entertained as every suite has two TVs, a games console, a DVD player and an iPod docking station. You’ll get complimentary Wi-Fi too.
7. The Victoria Hotel (from USD 253)
Once you step inside this hotel, you’ll find it incredibly difficult to leave it. The Victoria Hotel offers an amazing array of facilities and amenities to captivate you. You could book a facial or body massage at the spa, for example. After your treatment, chill in the spa’s serene relaxation area on a lounger, with fresh fruits and magazines to add to your comfort.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can make it extra special by asking the hotel’s staff to provide a bottle of wine, champagne breakfast or a cake.
8. Boringdon Hall Hotel (from USD 185)
Reasonable room rates with additional charges for breakfast and spa treatments.
Exceptional spa facilities, spacious and comfortable rooms, and a beautiful historic building with modern amenities.
Set in a peaceful and stunning location, close to Dartmoor and easily accessible from the South West.
Delicious dining options including a Michelin-starred restaurant, although some guests found the breakfast overpriced.
Imagine sitting in a hot tub with your loved one under a starry night sky with a glass of bubbly in your hands. But you’re not in someone’s backyard. Rather, you’re at Boringdon Hall Hotel’s The Royal Suite. This three-level suite comes with its own terrace, which is set in a turret of a manor house built during the Elizabethan era.
If the night gets too cold, you can soak in the freestanding Duvalli eggshell bath, which is located in the suite’s elegant marbled bathroom.
9. Crowne Plaza Plymouth (from USD 314)
One of the first things to do at Crowne Plaza Plymouth is to head to Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. It bears the name of the youngest chef in Britain to receive three Michelin stars (White was only 33 years old then!). The menu includes a range of classic English and French dishes. You can enjoy your meal with beautiful views of the sea, thanks to the restaurant’s location on the penthouse floor.
The staff here speak six European languages, including English, French and German. People with disabilities are also well catered for, with special features such as wheelchair-accessible rooms and vibrating pillows to help the hearing impaired.
10. Gidleigh Park (from USD 393)
Luxurious stay with prices reflecting the high-end experience.
Extensive grounds, beautiful gardens, and various activities including tennis and golf.
Nestled in a picturesque location, ideal for peaceful walks and tranquility.
Exquisite dining experiences with superb food quality and attentive service.
Your whole family, including babies and pet dogs, will be welcomed wholeheartedly by the staff at Gidleigh Park. Children aged up to two years old can stay for free. There are two dog-friendly rooms, called Lydford and Bellever, in the main building if you’d like your pet to sleep with you. If you want privacy, there’s The Pavilion. This is a standalone cottage with two en-suite bedrooms and is also dog-friendly.
Many of the ingredients used in the hotel’s restaurants come from its own garden. Join a gardening tour or foraging event conducted by Gidleigh Park’s executive chef and estate manager to get some insider tips.
Cherish your time in dreamy Devon
Beautiful coastlines, inspiring scenery and historic attractions make Devon, UK, a top destination worthy of a visit. Experience all its wonders and the hospitality of its people at any of our picks of the best luxury hotels in Devon, UK.
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