Back to Gidleigh Park, Devon

This is a beautiful place, from the surroundings to the place and to the food. We came here two years ago, skipped a year, and came back to find the place, the staff, the welcome and the food, all a delight.

Travelling along the single track road where there are only passing places perhaps every 500m, we were welcome by the wild flowers growing out of the crevices of stone walls - among them in profusion are the bluebells that are my spring time favourites. Last time the dirt tracks were flooded at places but this time the weather was much kinder. And when we saw the notice "Take heart, you are on the right way" we knew we were not too far away from the hotel. The front of the hotel remains as impressive as ever - it is a rather grand country house.

Gidleigh Park, Devon

The front of the hotel & restaurant

The beautiful acer at the front of the hotel

This time we found our way to the back of the hotel to visit the water garden. Hidden in the woods, it was an enchanting place: the rush of the water, the chirping of the birds and otherwise the serenity of nature. 

Man made small waterfalls, Gidleigh Park water garden

Water garden, Gidleigh Park

More of the water garden, Gidleigh Park

Blazing azaleas at the water garden

It was such a restful break, away from the pressures of work, from the tyranny of the phones, and to be with my loved one. I can still hear the sound of the stream and the singing of the birds. We will be back one day, and I hope soon.