Bickleigh Castle Hotel

Would not recommend until new management. Thankfully celebrating with family so overlooked issues.

I would like to begin by stating that Bickleigh Castle exceeded all my expectations. The castle grounds, where royalty once roamed, were so remarkable that I felt the history of the land intertwining with our family. We were a group of 18 adults, and we essentially had the entire place to ourselves. Our accommodations were splendid; each of us had our own bathrooms, and the hot water was readily available for a refreshing shower after a long day of sightseeing, dining at local restaurants, and simply unwinding. There was an outdoor area where we enjoyed takeout meals delivered directly to the castle. The owner, Sarah, even assisted us in arranging taxis for our local tours and provided us with a delightful breakfast of croissants, seasonal fruits, yogurt, and coffee and tea. Sarah was charming and joined us for several dinners, sharing the castle's history and giving us a tour. Although they offer a tour once a week, we received special treatment since we were guests. Our 10-day stay was both enjoyable and unforgettable. Bickleigh Castle is truly worth the visit. Remember, the castle was constructed in 1018, and the chapel dates back an additional 300 years. Do not expect five-star hotel amenities, as there is no air conditioning in the rooms, but the fact that royalty has slept here and walked these grounds makes the experience invaluable.

We went as we were bought a gift voucher. Only day to visit is Thursdays,. We had to be there by 12.on arrival we were asked if we wanted tea or coffee with our cream tea. We were shown to a room with settees and armchairs (not good to serve up our cream tea) it all came out on one tray!! Looked very much thrown on. We ate that, the scones were okay but not quiet cooked as claggy in the centre. We then were told the tour of the gardens and castle would be at 2.30!!! Two and a half hours after arrival. We decided to go round on our own rather than wait as no more refreshments available. It took 5 to 10 mins to look round a very un kept garden.all overgrown weeds galore coving paths. The chapel was a mess.. What would have been a nice rose glgrowing up the entrance was covered in dead heads.. The band stand where we were told it would be nice to take photos was overgrown.. We checked out a couple of the historical rooms weren't lit up at all or presented nice. Then onto to the main garden which was also a mess. Tennis courts with weeds growing through the court.. Think twice before you go. Photos on line are nothing like it!!!