From Dartmoor to Boringdon Hall: A South Devon Motorcycle Journey

Guest Blog Post - Mark, IX Magazine

Revisiting childhood roots takes on a whole new energy when done on two wheels. Growing up around Plymouth, the drama of South Devon, where the rugged granite of Dartmoor rolls down to meet the South Coast, shaped my earliest memories. Carving back through these landscapes decades later aboard a motorcycle completely reimagines that nostalgia. The journey across the moor is an experience unto itself, culminating in a stay at one of the West Country’s most remarkable historic destinations: Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa.

Crossing Dartmoor on the Road Glide Limited

Leaving the A38 at Bovey Tracey, our route climbed straight into the high heart of Dartmoor, providing a dream run for a grand touring machine like the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited. The climb past Haytor Rocks delivered an immediate sense of scale, the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine thrumming effortlessly as we crested the open moorland. Steering two-up with Kate through the narrow, high-hedged descents into Widecombe-in-the-Moor meant I had to keep my wits about me before the road opened out once more toward the river convergence at Dartmeet.

Sweeping past Two Bridges, steeped in local folklore of the infamous ‘Hairy Hands’, the B3212 led us up to Princetown and past the grim, historic silhouette of its decommissioned prison. The road then charted south past the quiet waters of Burrator Reservoir and Sheepstor before dropping into Yelverton. Passing the former site of RAF Harrowbeer, the World War II fighter station built partly from Plymouth Blitz rubble, where I first learned to ride a pushbike, I was reminded of simpler times, Dad running alongside me telling me to pedal.

Crossing Cadover Bridge and winding past grazing Dartmoor ponies, the moor gave way to the clay workings of Lee Moor. Descending off the heights into Plympton, the grand entrance to Boringdon Hall appeared ahead, bringing an exhilarating moorland crossing to a luxurious close.

An Elizabethan Welcome in the Great Hall

Rolling up the driveway, the contrast between our contemporary American cruiser and the 16th-century manor was striking. Tucked away in Colebrook on Plymouth’s outskirts, Boringdon Hall is a five-star Elizabethan estate with deep historic ties to figures like Sir Walter Raleigh.

Stepping through the heavy oak entrance feels like crossing a threshold in time. The heart of the property is the Great Hall, a dramatic room defined by soaring vaulted ceilings, original plasterwork, and a colossal granite fireplace. It serves as an atmospheric space to unwind post-ride, offering deep leather seating and a quiet setting to reflect on the road taken.

Biophilic Sanctuary: The Wellness Wing

After a seamless check-in, we were shown to our room in Boringdon’s modern Wellness Wing. Positioned directly adjacent to the spa, this wing trades dark timber for a bright, biophilic design. Corridors lined with living moss walls filter the air and create a fresh, grounding atmosphere from the moment you arrive.

Our Wellness Room features a light, airy layout anchored by a Hypnos super-king bed, an in-room freestanding bathtub, private outdoor space, and dedicated yoga equipment. Natural oak, earthy tones, and floor-to-ceiling glass frame views over the surrounding meadowland, while the en-suite features rainfall showers stocked with plant-based GAIA Skincare products.

For those wanting extra space, the wing also houses the Apollo and Hypnos Master Suites, which add private lounge areas, fireplaces, and outdoor decked terraces complete with heated spa baths.

Decompression at Gaia Spa

After hours in the saddle, the award-winning Gaia Spa is the ultimate sanctuary for road-weary muscles. Spanning two floors, the facility prioritises natural materials and panoramic glass to keep guests connected to the surrounding countryside.

The hydrotherapy circuit centres on a large indoor pool that flows directly into an outdoor infinity pool, letting you soak in warm water while taking in views over the re-wilding meadows. Complementing the water is a comprehensive thermal suite featuring a Laconium, Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, crystal steam room, and salt room.

Upstairs, the Spatisserie provides a serene dining environment. Sitting out on its terrace the following morning for breakfast, looking out over the manicured grounds, was a highlight of the stay.

Michelin-Starred Gastronomy at Àclèaf

A great journey calls for exceptional dining, and Boringdon Hall delivers through its signature restaurant, Àclèaf. Holding a Michelin star and four AA Rosettes, Head Chef Scott Paton crafts a refined, produce-driven menu highlighting prime South West ingredients.

Perched on a gallery overlook directly above the Great Hall, Àclèaf offers a four-course format with flexible choices rather than a rigid tasting sequence. From delicate amuse-bouches to precise main courses and clever desserts, every dish is executed with remarkable technical artistry. Supported by an insightful sommelier team and warm, unpretentious front-of-house service, dinner proved to be a masterclass in modern Devonian dining.

A Premier Devon Destination

Tracing childhood roads through Dartmoor aboard a Grand American Touring bike was an extraordinary experience, made all the better by ending at Boringdon Hall. By seamlessly bridging 16th-century heritage, world-class wellness, and Michelin-starred gastronomy, the estate stands as the pinnacle of luxury hospitality in South Devon—a must-visit retreat for touring travellers exploring the West Country.