Review of Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel and Spa, by The TI Review Team

By TI Reviewer Olivia De Santos

The Devonshire Arms is situated in the breathtaking 30,000-acre Bolton Abbey estate, and has a long history of hospitality; it was originally a coaching inn, with parts dating back to the early 1600s. The ruins of the abbey stand on the doorstep and the location is perfect for bracing country walks and long drives through the Yorkshire dales.

The facilities

The Michelin-starred Burlington Restaurant is an obvious draw. It serves a sharp menu of modern British cuisine, with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. Diners can choose between the candlelit dining room, decked out with paintings from the Duke of Devonshire's own collection, or the more contemporary conservatory. The award-winning wine cellar houses a selection of rare wines and an impressive list for wine connoisseurs.

The lounge rooms are homely and traditional. Expect comfy armchairs and an impressive array of paintings - many by Herbert Royle - and there is even a comfy dog-themed lounge where hounds and their owners can relax in front of the log fire.

The spa is housed in a renovated 18th-century barn complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gym, sauna and steam rooms, and guests can treat themselves to a range of Elemis spa-therapies.

The rooms

The 40 bedrooms of the Devonshire Arms are individually decorated: some are traditional, whilst others are quirkier and have a distinctly modern feel. Try the Shepherd Room for classic country tastes, with its antiquated furnishings and grand four-poster. For something more contemporary, book into one of the Whafedale rooms: think floral prints, sleek lines and sometimes a surprisingly urban feel.

For romantic evenings a deux book a bathroom with a view. Some bathrooms have a transparent window that looks straight out onto the rolling hills outside; this does mean that guests can also see straight from the bedroom into the bathroom, so shutters are provided for privacy's sake!