Bovey Castle

We arrived on a beautiful Sunny day to meet friends for afternoon tea but parking was extremely hard to find. We were greeted at the door and told afternoon tea did not start till 1 so waited in the foyer but not offered a drink whilst waiting. Once the doors opened we took ourselves through to the dining room but the staff were rather uninterested in us. Took our drinks order and food was delivered promptly which was all delicious and fresh but sadly the smoked salmon wrap still had cling film bits on it. We were not offered further drinks or asked how we were and were just left to it. We had travelled an hour for something special but sadly felt a bit disappointed by the service. The external buildings all look rather run down and in need of some painting and repair. Wouldn’t rush back sadly.

What a beautiful hotel, set in stunning grounds with an incredible team who really looked after us extremely well. We stayed for a couple of nights and really enjoyed the crocket and walks. We used both restaurants, the Smiths Brassiere was our favourite. The architecture everywhere was amazing, showing off the amazing history of Bovey Castle.

We stayed as a family for one night on a road trip from London to Cornwall for an extended stay in Bodmin. The staff made us feel very welcome in what is a very well-kept main house and grounds. We made good use of the spa, tennis courts, and surrounding space for a nice relaxing time having spent the best part of the week in London. Of particular interest or any subsequent visit is the fly-fishing instruction. We would definitely go back and found the experience, short as it was, to have been a lovely relaxing break in the middle of a busy two-week vacation.

Had an afternoon tea booked by friends so decided to use it when we were away on holiday in the area… Lovely warm welcome at reception and shown to the lounge area as we were a few mins early. Taken to our table and had the offer of several different tea options and then waited for a few minutes until our food was brought out. 2 pots of tea, Fantastic finger sandwiches, homemade scones and jam/cream ( jam 1st as a Cornishman…shhh) and then more cake. Couldn’t eat a thing afterwards. Nothing more to add other than it was perfect. Was it worth £95.00? Not sure, I would try and get a deal perhaps, however, staff and food could not be faulted.

A group of us decided to play golf at Bovey and thought will make a night of it… so we stayed at Bovey castle overnight and played golf there the next day… We booked a lodge for the evening… Played at a golf course on the way up to Bovey… The hotel is lovely/ stunning… even in the wet weather Excellent welcome… parking our car, welcome at reception, showing to our lodge, The lodge it self was stunning, with the wet weather having an open fire was warm and welcoming We was going to eat out but once informed we could have a food package from the hotel we decided to go with that… wow the food we had including steaks and all the trimmings, we used the BBQ and had a lovely evening , all the food provided was excellent… thank you chef Breakfast the next day was also top notch All the staff in the restaurant and bar area was fantastic Thank you Bovey castle, I’m sure we will be returning… soon

We recently had afternoon tea for two at Bovey Castle, using a Red Letter Day voucher. The food was excellent - extremely delicious cakes (on an "Olympics" theme) and scones and very nice sandwiches. The general ambience and some aspects of the service, however, were very disappointing. When we arrived at the entranceway to the restaurant, a waiter turned his back on us and walked away - not a very warm welcome! He returned after a wait of at least 5 minutes. His manner towards us was surly and rather rude and we observed similar attitude to some other diners who had been a little delayed and who had arrived a few minutes later than their booked time. Other waiting staff, including a gentleman who brought us our tea and a waitress, were more pleasant and helpful. The waitress offered to box up the cakes we did not eat, and we observed that she did this with other guests. When an adjoining table asked for a box, the waiter who had originally served us did not offer to box up their cakes, but returned from the kitchen and practically threw an empty box on their table. He did not smile the whole time that we were in the dining room and did not engage with us in a pleasant way. We have stayed and eaten at Gidleigh Park and the level of service we always receive there is exemplary - this is what we would have expected at Bovey Castle but, sadly, did not receive, and we would not recommend to others.

I booked a 1 night stay here to break a trip up and celebrate an occasion. The hotel and grounds are beautiful and very impressive as you drive through the gates and up the long drive. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the entrance there was no valet or parking spaces! The welcome at the reception desk was warm and friendly and we were accompanied to our room. The room we had on the 2nd floor was refurbished and was exactly what I expected from the photos on the web site. It was well appointed with a very comfortable bed, large bathroom with a separate shower and bath together with all the amenities you need. The room was extremely hot as there is no air conditioning, but we were told they would bring a fan, we also asked for some ice - we were still waiting for this an hour later! Tried calling reception but no reply. Called housekeeping who was very apologetic and said he would bring a fan but could not help with Ice. Tried room service and again no answer so ended up going down to the bar to get myself. We had a dinner reservation at the Western Grill - this experience was AWFUL On arriving at the restaurant, we were left standing there, no one greeted us for about 5 mins. The dining room is nice and decorated well, with the tables nicely spaced. We were eventually seated at our table and given the menus and wine list - on checking in, the receptionist recommended the Beef Wellington, so we already knew we wanted this. Firstly, we ordered wine, but the wine waiter came back saying they don't have it and offered a bottle at £180.00 instead or a Petit Chablis. We waited 10 more mins for our order to be taken and then told one of the starters we wanted was unavailable and the beef wellington was also unavailable - Any decent restaurant would make you aware of this before you sit for 10 mins choosing! We were not offered any bread, and our starters arrived after sitting there for 45 mins. The starters were delicious and very well presented. We both then ordered a fillet steak with sauces - mine was fine, however my husband tried to pour his sauce on, and it was just gloop in a jug - totally congealed. It is extremely hard to get the attention of any of the waiting staff but when we did, they did apologise and said they would get another - they then bought back a jug that was overflowing, not fine dining! - my husband then poured over his food only to then find the sauce was cold!. so whole plate sent back - By this time our celebration was ruined, and I had almost finished my food before they brought his back. Breakfast is also served in the Western Grill - again all the staff ignored us on arrival we then decided to just go and sit at a table, but oh no - we were then led back to the front and then told to follow the waiter. The continental breakfast laid out; is probably the worst I have ever experienced at a 5 star hotel. The cooked items had a good selection and were well cooked. However, the plate was thrust into my husband’s hand rather

mums birthday surprise for aftenoon tea On telling my mum about this place as we visited in December I was excited to take her Incredible food amazing grounds simply stunning Staff so attentive to each detail was so nice to watch while being looked after like anyone else vip status valet parking all staff has smiles happy to help I would recommend bovey Castle for aftenoon tea for any occasion I will be staying for sure as soon as I can My mum absolutely loved it she was taken away by the whole place On being let down at the last minute with out fuss sorted for me and not made a issue with one from our party being missing Look forward to our stay soon Next time will have food too

If you like the idea of a hotel whose website shows security issues, whose receptionist cannot pass on an afternoon tea booking despite showing all signs of competence, and whose greeting waiter will resent your very presence as a result of his colleague's errors, then Bovey Castle will deliver a five-star experience on all fronts.