Ilsington Country House Hotel and Spa

Ilsington Country House Hotel

Overview

Ilsington Country House Hotel sits on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, a few miles from Newton Abbot in Devon. With sweeping moorland views and a distinct country house atmosphere, the hotel offers an appealing base for food-lovers and walkers looking for a relaxing break in the south-west. The tranquil grounds, spa and spacious lounges make this an inviting destination for couples, families and friends planning a weekend exploring Dartmoor’s villages, tors and walking trails.

Eat

The restaurant at Ilsington Country House Hotel is recognised for its focus on local sourcing and its carefully composed, seasonally led dishes. The menu showcases produce from Devon’s farmsteads and the hotel’s own kitchen garden, served in an elegant dining room overlooking the moor. Expect classic British cooking with modern touches—dishes may feature Dartmoor lamb, line-caught fish or just-picked vegetables, handled with precision and a restrained hand. A hot breakfast is a highlight here, while the restaurant also offers a popular afternoon tea for guests and day visitors alike. For a more relaxed bite, the Blue Tiger Inn pub offers bistro-style plates and real ales in a casual setting, plus a terrace for fair-weather dining.

Sleep

Accommodation at Ilsington Country House Hotel blends classic country style with modern comforts. Many rooms feature sweeping moorland views, cosy seating areas and luxurious bathrooms, alongside essentials like WiFi, flat-screen TVs and tea making facilities. Upgraded rooms and suites add extra space and period features; family rooms are available for those travelling with children. The overall feel is warm and welcoming, ideal for both romantic escapes and laid-back family weekends.

Retreat

A stay at Ilsington is as much about unwinding as exploring. The hotel’s impressive spa includes an indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and a well-equipped gym, with a menu of treatments available. The extensive grounds and sun terrace lend themselves to lazy afternoons, while Dartmoor National Park’s wild beauty is a short stroll from the door, offering everything from gentle woodland ambles to more adventurous hikes up nearby Haytor. Newton Abbot rail station is under 20 minutes by car, and the sandy beaches of the south Devon coast can be reached in around 40 minutes, making it easy to combine rural and seaside pleasures for a well-rounded Devon break.