Wonderful, warm and welcoming. The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa is set among the 30,000 acres of the Bolton Abbey Estate and I loved exploring all it had to offer.
The Devonshire Arms Location
Tucked away in the Yorkshire dales is the splendid Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa. Just 35 minutes from Leeds Bradford Airport and easy access from near by Harrogate, Ilkley and Skipton, it’s the perfect weekend location for exploring the beautiful Bolton Abbey Estate.
About at The Devonshire Arms
A former coaching inn built in the 17th century, it was bought by the 4th Duke of Devonshire in 1753 as part of the Bolton Abbey Estate. Over they year’s it’s attracted many visitors for it’s stunning countryside and county sports. Even the Royal Family were regular visitors to The Devonshire Arms, attracted by the grouse shooting.
In 1981, the hotel underwent a major refurbishment and additional bedroom were added. The hotel is also home to artwork from Chatsworth’s Devonshire Collection; one of the finest private art collections in Europe.
The interior of this hotel is traditional country house style with individual touches of contemporary chic. The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire are dog lovers and when they stay the always bring their furry friends with them, making this country retreat dog friendly. So your dog can enjoy the laid back country house atmosphere, ‘off-lead’ walks on the Estate, dog washing facilities, clean blankets for muddy paws!
There’s even a dedicated Dog Lounge where you’ll find some regular visitor portraits hanging on the wall.
The Yorkshire Dales
Whether you choose to explore the ruins of the Priory, wonder along the woodland nature trails, stroll beside the River Wharfe, cross the exposed heights of heather moorland or simply relax in this romantic location, i hope you gain as much pleasure from Bolton Abbey as has my family over the years.
The Duke of Devonshire, KCVO, CBE, DL
The hotel is geared up for people who love country sport. So if it’s a spot of fishing on the River Wharfe or shooting on the moors, the hotel will happily cater to your needs. I’d recommend walking to Bolton Abbey and along the river for beautiful walk – the seasons here are glorious, especially in Autumn when the colour of the landscape really shines.
Sleeping at The Devonshire Arms
The country retreat offers 40 individually styled bedrooms in the old and new wing, including two suites, ‘Herbert Royal ‘ and ‘Lisemore’. All the rooms have a view of the courtyard garden or the Estate. My mesmerising view looked across the manicured lawns, River Wharfe and the dales beyond. It’s the first thing I noticed and I must have spent 20 minutes taking photos of it.
I’d describe the bedroom interior as modern classic. It had all the standard amenities, including:
- En-suite bathroom
- Views
- Flat screen television with free view channels
- Complimentary Temple Spa toiletries
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Nespresso Coffee making machine
- Minibar
- Evening turndown service
- Fridge with complimentary water and milk
- Hairdryer
As an extra special welcome the hotel freshly bakes a treat; a welcoming homemade Parkin sat next to the tea making facilities, willing me to eat it. however, with a tasting menu booked for the evening I resisted and scoffed the next day on my tea break. What a treat!
The hotel also offers rooms rooms fit for Royalty. Four-poster beds carved on the Chatsworth Estate have pride of place in the hotel suites.
Eating at the Devonshire Arms
The Burlington Restaurant has been awarded three AA rosettes for it’s delicious modern British cuisine and the new Head Chef Paul has grand plans for the place. Coming from the Michelin-starred Isle of Eriske, he’s taking all of his knowledge and experience and driving the Burlington Restaurant towards it’s first Michelin star.
For a seven course tasting menu it’s £79.50 per person. Read about my full review of the Burlington Restaurant seven course tasting menu here.
If you are wanting something a little more relaxed then there is the Brasserie. A one AA Rosette rating, the menu is a seasonally-inspired menu including fish, pasta, grilled meats, such as melt-in-your-mouth, locally reared and aged steak.
Pampering at the Devonshire Arms Spa
Set in an ancient barn opposite the hotel, this modern spa includes a heated indoor pool, Rasul med chamber, sauna, steam room, nail bar and treatments using the luxurious and world-renowned ESPA range.
Breakfast at the Devonshire Arms
It only felt right to eat a hearty breakfast at this Yorkshire retreat, so i ordered Egg Benedict but you could have had a full Yorkshire Breakfast or Smoked Salmon. I also chose a couple of items from the buffet of cold pasties, cereals and very healthy fruit and yogurt.
Value for money
A classic bedroom starts from £138.00 which includes a full Yorkshire breakfast in The Burlington Restaurant, full use of the spa facilities (treatments charged as taken, free ample car parking and access to the Bolton Abbey Estate, complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel.
Overall experience
The hotel is perfect for a weekend away. If you like your home comforts but want to explore the stunning scenery on your doorstep or you just cosy up with a good page-turner, this is the perfect spot. For me, it was like going to an old friend’s house for dinner, drinking too much wine and ending up in their spare bedroom. I just want to do it all over again!
P.S. Thank you ever so much to the Devonshire Arms for inviting me. I wish you the very best in achieving all you have planned and I can’t wait to go back!
