Centuries of Documented History
Explore 7 detailed historical articles from devon's most historic hotels. From medieval origins to modern preservation, discover the rich heritage of this remarkable county.
Site of a Benedictine monastery.
Benedictine monastery established around the standing stone.
Home to the Oxenham family; visited by Charles Dickens, Sir Francis Drake, Admiral Lord Nelson.
Converted into a hotel.
Some parts of the building's foundation may date to this period.
Main construction of the inn by church builders.
Believed to have hosted Henry VIII. Spanish Armada panelling installed.
Associated with Bertram Fletcher Robinson and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
+16 more historical events documented across our articles
The Bedford Hotel
The Bedford Hotel in Tavistock, built in the 1800s, stands on the historic site of a Benedictine monastery and later served as a retreat for the Dukes of Bedford, embodying layers of Devon's rich heritage.
The Oxenham Arms
The Oxenham Arms in South Zeal is not just Devon's oldest heritage inn but a site of continuous human activity for millennia, from its prehistoric standing stone to its time as a Benedictine monastery and coaching inn.
Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel
The Lord Haldon Hotel, set in Dunchideock near Exeter, originated as an early 18th-century country home for the Haldon family before its conversion into a hotel.
The Old Church House Inn
The Old Church House Inn in Torbryan, Devon, is an ancient hostelry with parts dating to 700 AD, built by church masons and featuring a secret tunnel, Armada panelling, and links to historical figures like Henry VIII.
Fisherman's Cot By Marston's Inns
Built in 1933 as a fishing lodge, The Fisherman's Cot in Bickleigh, though relatively modern, sits in an ancient village and gained fame from Paul Simon's stay.
Royal Castle Hotel
The Grade II* listed Royal Castle Hotel in Dartmouth, built in 1639, boasts a history rich with royal patronage, from Charles II's mistresses to Queen Mary and later Queen Victoria.
The Devil's Stone Inn
The Devil's Stone Inn in Shebbear, a 17th-century coaching inn, derives its name and much of its mystique from the ancient 'Devil's Stone' located in the village, a site of annual folkloric tradition.
Tavistock, Devon
Building Age: Built in the 1800s (19th century)
1 historical article available
South Zeal, Devon
Building Age: Built in the 1100s (12th century), contains a 5,000-year-old prehistoric standing stone
1 historical article available
Dunchideock, Devon
Building Age: Built in the 1700s (early 18th century)
1 historical article available
Newton Abbot (Torbryan), Devon
Building Age: 13th century, with some parts dating back to 700 AD.
1 historical article available
Bickleigh, Devon
Building Age: Built in 1933 (20th century)
1 historical article available
Dartmouth, Devon
Building Age: Built in 1639 (17th century), with evidence of earlier inn on site.
1 historical article available
Beaworthy, Devon
Building Age: Built in the 1600s (17th century), over 400 years old.
1 historical article available
These historic hotels aren't just accommodations—they're time capsules where you can sleep within centuries of documented history.
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