Best known for its stunning scenery, ragged cliffs and sandy beaches, quaint fishing ports and villages as well as the desolate Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks, Devon is one of Britain’s favourite counties, full of charm and English traditions.
It is safe to say that when a weekend away in the Devonshire countryside was proposed to me last August, it was an offer I just could not refuse.
After a rather lengthy car journey, we finally arrived at the chocolate box Horn of Plenty Hotel just outside Tavistock and I was ready to experience a short break at the gorgeous 4 star country hotel.
Our weekend package included two nights accommodation, breakfast on both mornings and a three-course dinner on the first night of our stay. Ideal for a relaxing weekend away!
On arrival at the hotel, we were greeted by the hotel staff and speedily whisked off to our elegant room at the front of the main house. Our room was very spacious with rustic wooden floors, high ceilings, large windows and an exposed fireplace and beautifully decorated with country chic décor.
Also provided in the room were tea and coffee facilities, a variety of lifestyle magazines, plush furnishings and an extremely inviting bed! In the bathroom, we had the choice between a shower and the free-standing bath tub, his and her sinks (always handy) and a variety of toiletry products.
We also had a large terrace to enjoy – just take a look at our view!
After freshening up, we headed out into the hotel’s grounds to enjoy some fresh air. With five acres of grounds and orchards to cover it gave us plenty of time to enjoy the peacefulness of our surroundings.
We were soon feeling peckish and just as well, as dinner was fast approaching. Not only am I a self-confessed travel addict but I also have a penchant for delicious food! And with the menu we had been promised, I was in for a treat!
After enjoying a pre-dinner drink and a selection of amuse bouche in the Hotel’s lounge, we were taken through into the Hotel’s acclaimed restaurant.
The restaurant was set in a sizeable room with magnificent views of the Tamar valley through the windows which spanned the length of the room. The views combined with smartly dress staff, blindingly white table clothes and sparkling silver table decorations, made it the ideal setting for a grand three course meal.
The next morning, after having indulged in a full English breakfast with all the trimmings, we set off to explore the surrounding areas. Unfortunately our weekend has not been blessed with sunshine and warm weather, but instead it was rather grey and gloomy but we were determined to make the most of our time away nevertheless.
To begin our day we drove to the nearby national trust property of Saltram, just on the outskirts of Plymouth. Kitted out in our trusty waterproofs, wellies and umbrella (oh so glamorous!) we spent the morning visiting the gorgeous country house and grounds, and learnt about the wealthy Parker family who had once lived on the estate.
Leaving Saltram behind us, we wound our way back over the moor, back in the direction of Tavistock and our hotel. Fortunately the sun decided to come out and so we stopped off at another National Trust property, this time the estate of Buckland Abbey.
The abbey is an old Cistercian abbey which is over seven hundred years old and is noted for its ties to Sir Francis Drake. We spent some time walking around the grounds and exploring inside the abbey which has been turned into a museum/ exhibition centre containing old artefacts (including an original Rembrandt painting) as well as plenty of information on Sir Francis Drake and the Spanish Armada.
The rest of our trip was filled with tradition afternoon tea (eaten in the correct Devonshire way – cream first), a lovely meal in Tavistock itself, yet another full English breakfast and, on the day of our return journey, a trip to the Eden Project.
I can certain attest that we had a fantastic time at the Horn of Plenty and were very impressive with the hotel, the staff and the service we received.
It had been a jolly good weekend indeed!
