A century ago, Dartmoor's Bovey Castle was the country set's newest estate-of-the-art, lovingly built and fashioned, in no-expense-spared Tudor splendour, by the second Viscount Hambleden, heir to the mighty W.H.Smith empire.

Here was where and how the other half lived on long, indulgent weekends, hunting and fishing, wining and dining, with every good chance of rubbing shoulders with the likes of Jeeves & Wooster or Hercules Poirot.

Its impressive gates opened onto endless acres of landscaped gardens, magnificent moorland and meandering rivers, much as it does today, except now there's a helipad, championship golf course, tennis courts, skating rink and every leisure and sporting activity imaginable.

Today, Bovey Castle is a unique luxury resort hotel and, undoubtedly, one of the greatest escapes in the land, for all seasons and reasons. With Peter de Savary now having left the scene, thanks to its inspired new owners, this splendid manor is born again, with something for absolutely everyone - all ages, tastes and energy levels. It even makes business a pleasure.

The range of activities includes golf, badminton, swimming, croquet, cricket, mountain biking, table tennis, archery, pistol shooting, fishing, riding, ferret racing and much more.

More relaxing are the daily falconry displays, art classes, cider pressing, bee keeping, sloe gin making, even hot air ballooning. Or you can indulge in the myriad of stress defying treatments offered in The Spa.

This totally child-friendly environment ensures the kids have the time of their lives playing in the Play Barn, collecting eggs and exploring the estates countless possibilities as one of the fully supervised Bovey Rangers.

Bovey Castle accommodation is absolutely five-star, with more than its fair share of baronial splendour along with deep sprung divans, power showers, and flat screen TV's. Or you may choose to stay in one of the exclusive Castle Lodges - superbly appointed three-bedroom residences within the estate, with every conceivable facility including WI-FI.

As you'd expect, the dining experience is exquisite, featuring modern English cuisine made only from locally sourced quality ingredients, all imaginatively prepared and deliciously presented.

Naturally, Bovey's wine cellar provides a deservingly excellent accompaniment with a truly international list of fine wines.

Contact details:
Address: North Bovey, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, TQ13 8RE
Tel: 44 (0) 1647 445 000
Email: enquiries@boveycastle.com
Web: www.boveycastle.com

Room rates:
Clastle Room from £225
Superior Castle Rooms from £295
Valley Castle Rooms from £340
Valley Superior Rooms from £445
Junior State Rooms from £595
Grand State Rooms from £850
1-bedroom Suites from £1,100
2-bedroom Suites from £1,750
Rose Cottage from £1100
Lodge from £1,750
includes breakfast and VAT

Getting there:
2 hours and 20 minutes by train from London Paddington
2 ½ hours by car from London Heathrow
Exeter 17 miles, Plymouth 35 miles and Bristol 85 miles
Transfers available
Helicopter landing