Grand Serenity

Words by Hannah Tapping

Escape the everyday and experience the magic of an enchanted place on the hill; where timeless opulence blends seamlessly with modern touches for a luxurious and unforgettable stay.

From the moment you turn into the driveway and catch your first glimpse of Boringdon Hall’s grand façade, you can sense that something special awaits. The historic stonework, sweeping lawns and manicured gardens set the tone for a magical stay in the heart of Devon.

Boringdon Hall is a place with many stories to tell and there is an unmistakable sense of history within this 16th-century manor. Its rich history spans royalty and rebellion dating back to 956 AD. Once owned by Henry VIII’s court, it later passed to the Parker family, who remodelled it into an Elizabethan masterpiece. In 1587, John Parker celebrated the completion of Boringdon Manor with a grand banquet honouring Sir Francis Drake’s victorious raid on Cádiz, attended by notable guests including Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Richard Grenville.

Stepping through the flagstone halls, it’s impossible not to pause in the Great Hall, taking in the glittering chandeliers and high ceilings, as light streams through the leaded windows. The great mantel above the fireplace depicts the coat of arms of King James I, bearing the date 1640 and ornamented with figures of peace and plenty.

Boringdon Hall’s four-poster rooms also carry a slice of history and a story of their own. The Francis Room honours Sir Francis Drake, while the Elizabeth Room recalls Queen Elizabeth I’s stay in 1588. The Catherine Room is named after Lady Catherine Parker, married to John Parker (the first Baron Boringdon), and it was here in this very room that the fireplace caused the first fire that ravaged Boringdon Hall in the 1700s. Today, all of these exquisite rooms immerse guests in history with antique furniture, stone fireplaces and rich tactile furnishings, evoking a sense of grandeur. In 1549 Thomas Wriothesley sold the manor to Henry Grey the Duke of Suffolk and father of the fated Lady Jane Grey, who became Queen of England for only nine days in 1553. In her honour, the Lady Jane Suite delights with pastel tones, a crystal chandelier over a freestanding bath and a cosy window seat overlooking the grounds.

However, it’s not just these rooms that stand out. Across its 55 rooms and suites, Boringdon Hall always offers a blend of heritage and bespoke elegance. Courtyard Rooms are sophistication personified with spacious layouts, garden views and dog-friendly touches, for a restorative stay. For a more modern aesthetic, the Wellness Rooms and Suites focus on natural textures, creating a serene cocoon designed for relaxation and wellbeing, with direct access to the Gaia Spa.

The Saltram Suite combines historic charm with modern comfort, including a super-king bed and garden-facing bath and, for the ultimate indulgence, the Executive and Royal Suites feature private terraces, heated hot tubs and multi-level layouts. In the Royal Suite, the outdoor hot tub is sheltered in the manor’s original turret, ideal for stargazing with champagne in hand. It is the considered touches across all of the rooms that ensure each stay at Boringdon Hall feels luxurious and welcoming.

Boringdon Hall feels perfectly removed from the everyday, tucked away in the rolling Devon hills. Its elevated position overlooks sweeping countryside, offering a sense of peace and privacy, while still being only 20 minutes from Plymouth. Outside, guests are welcome to wander the landscaped gardens, pause for a drink on the lawn, or simply soak up the tranquillity. At the adults-only Gaia Spa, the stunning Devon landscape can be enjoyed from the warmth of the hydrotherapy pools or while reclining on the spa terrace. Inside, centuries-old stone walls and latticed windows frame views of picturesque scenes, whether from the bar in the Great Hall, the comfort of your room, or even while soaking in a long, luxurious bath.

Boringdon Hall is home to two exceptional restaurants. Overlooking the Great Hall is the intimate and elegantly romantic MICHELIN-starred and 4 AA Rosette restaurant Àclèaf. Menus are expertly curated by Head Chef Scott Paton, celebrating the flavours of Devon, where each inventive dish is a testament to his creativity and innovation and guests are invited to embark on a culinary journey. To further elevate the evening, an expertly selected wine flight complements every course. 

Just off the Great Hall, the 2 AA Rosette Mayflower Brasserie is a warm and welcoming space, blending contemporary style with the historic character of the manor. The menu celebrates local, seasonal produce, with beautifully crafted dishes perfect for everything from a relaxed lunch to a celebratory dinner. At Boringdon Hall, every moment is something to savour. Try a cocktail from master mixologists or take a moment to indulge in a luxury afternoon tea, served in the grand setting of the Great Hall or the ambient space of the Mayflower Brasserie. 

Nourishment doesn’t simply appear in its culinary form here. The award-winning Gaia Spa (named for the ancient Greek goddess of the Earth) reflects the holistic philosophy that health and wellness come from nature. Exclusively for adults, Gaia Spa prides itself on offering a truly immersive experience, where guests can escape the pressures of everyday life and indulge in bespoke wellness journeys designed to restore balance to the mind, body and soul. Gaia Spa is continuously recognised as a destination spa in the South West and is a haven for guests seeking a moment of tranquillity. 

In the spa, light radiates through floor-to-ceiling windows around the indoor pool, whilst a hydrotherapy pool allows guests to swim seamlessly from inside to out, taking in the surrounding countryside vistas. Guests can unwind in the crystal salt steam room, Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, laconium, experience showers, outdoor hot tubs, treatment rooms and deep relaxation room. This is an exceptional spa experience that nurtures guests’ wellbeing in every way, from therapeutic treatments to holistic rituals. All of the treatments use Gaia Skincare products, developed in-house from the finest natural ingredients. Guests staying at Boringdon Hall have full access to Gaia Spa and the state-of-the-art gym, with 10% off spa treatments.

If you love to mix relaxation with a little adventure, then Boringdon Hall is also perfectly placed for days of discovery. Nature lovers can lose themselves in the wild beauty of Dartmoor National Park, where heather-covered hills, ancient tors, and rushing rivers never fail to inspire. For gentler days, explore peaceful woodland trails at Plymbridge, the heritage charm of Saltram, or the dramatic coastal paths at Wembury and Noss Mayo.

The historic city of Plymouth is just a short drive away, with plenty to explore, from the historic Mayflower Steps to Plymouth Sound. For a showstopping evening, guests can catch world-class performances at Theatre Royal Plymouth, one of the UK’s leading regional theatres. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s plenty to try: a round of golf at Boringdon Park Golf Club, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, or even seeing the countryside from above on a hot-air balloon or helicopter tour. Whatever your pace, unforgettable experiences are never far.

Boringdon Hall is also brimming with character and hides many surprises – you must seek out the Secret Bar. A bookshelf hides a concealed door and, if you pull the right book, you’ll find your way into a cosy, intimate space tucked away from the outside world. It’s this kind of character that makes Boringdon a special place for celebrations, from magical weddings and sophisticated corporate functions to seasonal events.

Boringdon Hall feels like stepping into a storybook right in the Devon countryside. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, indulge and truly switch off. It’s grand, yes, but it’s also warm and inviting, where guests are treated like old friends, as the team take pride in the little details that make a stay feel personal and thoughtful. Boringdon Hall is a five-star hotel with both heart and history. Add that to its deep connection with Devon, and you have an authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere.

boringdonhall.co.uk