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Hotel
4 star

Hotel Endsleigh

Milton Abbot, near Tavistock · Hotel

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Photo: Hotel Endsleigh

Olga Polizzi's restored Regency fishing lodge on the Tamar, with 21 rooms and 108 acres of Humphry Repton gardens on the edge of Dartmoor.

Photos

Photos via Google

About Hotel Endsleigh

Hotel Endsleigh is a Grade I listed cottage orne, built in 1814 as a fishing and hunting lodge for the Duke and Duchess of Bedford and set above the River Tamar on the western edge of Dartmoor. Olga Polizzi bought the house in 2004 and reopened it as a hotel, keeping the eccentric Regency architecture intact while making the interiors properly comfortable. It is one of the more distinctive places to stay in the West Country and feels far more like a private house than a hotel.

The 21 rooms are all different, decorated by Polizzi with period furniture, contemporary art, book-lined shelves, roll-top baths and deep sofas. The best have views down the valley towards the river; a few of the smaller ones under the eaves are noticeably cosier and cheaper. There are no televisions in most rooms, which is deliberate, and the mobile signal is poor.

The grounds are the other reason to come. Humphry Repton laid out 108 acres of gardens, woodland walks, follies, a shell house and a grotto, and the hotel has restored much of it. Guests get a private mile of fishing on the Tamar, and there is a games room, a small bar and a dining room serving a short daily-changing menu of West Country produce. Afternoon tea is served in the drawing room or on the terrace.

It suits couples and small groups who want somewhere quiet and unusual rather than somewhere with a spa and a gym. Walkers, gardeners and anglers do particularly well from it. Tavistock is about seven miles away, Dartmoor starts more or less at the gate, and the north Cornwall coast is under an hour by car. Dogs are welcome, which many guests treat as a deciding factor.

Reception hours

Monday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours
Thursday
Open 24 hours
Friday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
Open 24 hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

What guests say

Mike K

We enjoyed afternoon tea at the Endsleigh on 10 July to celebrate a birthday. The location really did have the ‘wow’ factor. An impressive exterior, interior and with some superb views from our table on the terrace. And with the temperature at 30 degrees and the sun shining brightly, it was the place to be seated. Despite arriving before afternoon tea had started, we were still invited into the dining room and offered drinks, with it being explained that the food might not be immediately available. What was particularly good was that sweet and savoury dishes were delivery separately and not together on the more traditional tower. Doing this avoided cold scones by the time that we reached them. We both felt that quality of service was a little cold to start - perhaps even robotic. There wasn’t much in the way of interactions with guests/customers and plates of food were simply plonked on the table with no explanation of what was what. Yes, we had a menu, but having never enjoyed a Parmesan craquelin before, and it resembling more of a profiterole on the plate, some guidance would have been appreciated and would have elevated the experience somewhat. The quality of the food was excellent and it was great to have some twists on the more familiar afternoon tea offering e.g. apricot sausage roll, gazpacho etc. The scones were the highlight for me. Not warm, but scorching hot, brilliantly risen and with the most perfect glazed square on the top of each. Each of us received one plain and one fruit scone. The provided portion of cream and jam was a little on the small side but staff provided more on request. The quality of service did improve as our experience progressed. Staff became more interactive, ensured of enjoyment of the tea and escorted us to the toilet facilities - found down a maze of corridors. A very pleasant experience and on that we will one day repeat. There wasn’t much never any rush to move on to the next food offering nor an expectation to leave once finished eating.

a month ago · via Google

Jane Askew

We enjoyed a lunch party at this fabulous, breathtaking spot. From the moment you open the heavy, old entrance door, one is spoilt with every detail of the visit. We all thoroughly enjoyed the excellence of Hitel Endsleigh. Thank you to all the team, as usual, special thanks to Harry, who looked after us so well. His smile and service didn't miss a beat for the 6 hour lunch....we will definitely be back, and back.. a true favourite, special place. Thanks to Alex Polizzi too for creating this wonderland.

2 months ago · via Google

Claire Bailey

My first visit for a special birthday lunch and it certainly didn't disappoint in any way. The food was delicious, the service was impeccable (not overbearing at all), and the grounds were lovely. A magical walk through an archway of climbers. A gorgeous lawn with over pilling borders where you can flop on a sun lounger and wish you never had to get back up.

2 months ago · via Google

Melanie K

So extraordinarily beautiful it makes you want to cry. We came in April but would have been happy coming even in winter. Just an absolutely charming property, beautifully decorated, stunning gardens worth exploring. We stayed in the guardhouse cottage by the entrance to the estate - initially we weren't sure we wanted to be that far from the main house, but it turned out to be absolutely charming. Amazing dinner, lovely breakfast, cozy conversation by the fire at night, and badminton that kept my kids entertained by themselves on the lawn for hours. My only regret is we didn't have time for a second night. Endsleigh is an absolute must for any traveler in SW England, especially for couples looking for some quiet time in the countryside.

2 months ago · via Google

See all reviews on Google →

People say this hotel offers delicious food, including afternoon tea and breakfast, and features stunning, expansive gardens perfect for exploring. They also highlight the excellent service and attentive staff. Guests mention the beautiful, authentic English country house atmosphere and the great value of special offers.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
Hotel Endsleigh, Milton Abbot, Tavistock, PL19 0PQ Get directions
Property type
Hotel
Location
Milton Abbot, near Tavistock
Star rating
4 star
Guest score
9.1 / 10 (620 reviews)
Prices from
£265 per night
Good for children
No
Destination
Devon