Gidleigh Park: A Timeless Escape on the Edge of Dartmoor

Tucked away in the quiet upper reaches of the River Teign, Gidleigh Park is the kind of place that feels a little unreal. A Tudor-style country house set on the edge of Dartmoor, wrapped in 107 acres of woodland and gardens, it carries an air of old-world elegance without feeling stuffy. The Brownsword family has shaped it into something special, refined, yes but still deeply welcoming.

The grounds are a joy to wander. Bluebell woods in spring, a kitchen garden humming with life, and the river threading through it all, adding to the sense of peace. Our stay was in the Master Room, a space that felt instantly calming timeless without being fussy. A Vispring bed, soft lighting, antique furniture, and a view of the river framed by trees. The details mattered L’Occitane skincare, plush robes, good coffee. Nothing overdone, just quietly perfect.

Food is a serious affair here, led by Head Chef Chris Eden, whose menus lean into seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with the kind of skill that feels effortless. There’s a precision to everything he does, dishes that celebrate simplicity but land with real depth of flavour. The kitchen garden plays its part, too, with the freshest picks making their way onto the plate. Dinner was a standout, ending on a cheese course lifted by estate-grown honeycomb and a sharp, bright gooseberry chutney.

And then, the people. The team at Gidleigh Park are exceptional, thoughtful, intuitive, present without being overbearing. They set the tone for a stay that feels genuinely warm, where service isn’t just polished but personal.

Gidleigh Park is a place to slow down, to sink into its rhythm and let the rest of the world disappear for a while. The setting is stunning, the food exceptional, the experience quietly luxurious in all the right ways. I left with the sense that I’d been somewhere rare and with every intention of coming back.