Dartmoor

Gidleigh Park

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with the River Teign and Dartmoor creating a perfect backdrop, Gidleigh Park offers an exquisite take on the English country house hotel experience.

Eat: Understandably dogs aren’t allowed in the main restaurant (the Michelin inspectors tend to frown on it), but they are allowed on the terrace and in the conservatory (where light lunches and teas are available). But they can stay in the bedroom unattended, while the hotel also offers a dog-sitting service at no extra charge. This is excellent news as you will definitely want to enjoy one of the main attractions of Gidleigh Park, namely the fine cooking of celebrity chef Michael Caines.

Sleep: There are three dog-friendly rooms, including the wonderful two-room semi self-catering suite, the Pavillion. Located a little way from the main hotel (which sadly means no room service is available), the Pavillion is in an idyllic thatched cottage in a restful, isolated location. The other two rooms are located in the north wing, which has its own entrance. Lydford is a deluxe view room, with a Juliet balcony, whereas Bellever, a king-size master room on the 1st floor, offers a spacious balcony, again with fantastic views. If you're happy to put your dog in kennels, there are complimentary heated kennels 50 yards from the hotel. If you want your dog to stay with you in your room, there is a £10 surcharge per night. The hotel suggests bringing your own bed, but it does provide dog blankets, bowls, leads, and a torch for late night or early morning walks.

Walk: The hotel is situated on 107 acres with access to the moors, so there are lots of walking options. Nearby is the splendid 275-acre Dartmoor National Park, encompassing one of the National Trust's jewels,  Castle Drogo, which rises high above the Teign Gorge and marks the start of one of Dartmoor's most famous walks through the Teign Valley. You are also not far from the glorious Devon coast, which offers everything from sandy beaches to towering cliffs and deserted coves to busy ports.