Arriving for the first time, as you round the corner of the long and winding drive, from the distance appears Gidleigh Park. The quintessential country house is nestled in a wooded valley within the natural beauty of the wilds of Dartmoor, Devon. Its location is breath taking and the views are something else altogether. Taking in the gardens and grounds of the estate and the river running through, the house is a backdrop to showcase an eclectic art and privately owned antiques collection. The journey to Gidleigh Park is of course so often made by those seeking to enjoy one of the finest dining experiences in the UK.

There are 24 luxurious bedrooms at Gidleigh Park to choose from. Named after local landmark tors, each room is luxuriously appointed and individually designed, featuring fine antiques and artwork. Naturally, all come with crisp white linen, plumped up pillows and Vispring beds to guarantee that perfect night’s slumber. Nestled in the grounds, 350 yards from the hotel, The Pavilion is a charming thatched cottage reached by a footpath along the river, ideal for a more secluded stay. Many of these indulgent spaces command views over the grounds and the magnificent countryside beyond.

Joining Gidleigh Park in September 2019, Chris Eden arrived from Driftwood in Cornwall after 12 illustrious years as Head Chef. Chris was awarded a Michelin star in 2012, becoming the first Cornish born chef to hold a star in their home county and awarded again in March 2023. Bringing his produce-led ethos to the kitchens of Gidleigh Park, Chris’ style is beautifully laced with touches of adventure and invention, creating refined plates where flavour is king. Undeniably refined with an exacting technique, Chris is also renowned for his honest, unfussy approach to cooking. His menus are contemporary with a nod to tradition, supporting local Devonshire farmers and producers to ensure that only the finest quality ingredients make it on to the plate.

This Tudor-style house sits in 107 acres of gardens and woodland on the northern bank of the North Teign River in Dartmoor National Park. Guests are able to expend some energy on the croquet lawns, Peter Alliss designed 18-hole putting green or grass tennis court. A walk through the bluebell woods in the grounds in spring is quite magical and meandering through the kitchen garden, resisting the temptation to eat the produce then and there, is a tantalising way to while away an afternoon.