Arundell Arms in Devon

A sense of unspoiled wilderness pervades Devon and the West Country’s untamed, brooding moors. And betwixt the moors and the A30 motorway lies the warmth and hospitality of the Arundell Arms in Lifton. At least it is, when you take the right turn off the motorway…

Making a potentially fatal exit after slipping on black ice, I lost my way. Baffled by a signpost pointing in three different directions - none of them Lifton - I told staff from the hotel, who came to collect me. A great welcome!

A member of the Great Inns of Britain, a collection of independent, historic and stylish inns, the Arundell Arms is one of the last remaining fishing and shooting lodges in Devon.

It offers superb facilities to those seeking the tranquillity of one sport and the thrill of the other. Imagine the delights of fishing for salmon and trout along 20 miles of privately-owned river or shooting driven snipe or pheasant, grouse and wood hen in season.

You could also try horse riding and hill walking or trek to the mysterious standing stones and circles of Gidleigh and Challacombe. Alternatively, visit the famous houses and gardens of Cotehele, Lanhydrock and Heligan or the fascinating Eden Project.

Tintagel Castle, home to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, is not far away. Closer, though, is Bodmin Moor, famed as the setting of a famous du Maurier novel and for its Dozmary Pool, the last resting place of the magical sword, Excalibur.

The Arundell Arms has been run for over 40 years by Anne Voss-Bark, a quietly spoken and charming woman with an acute eye for detail. I’m not surprised guests keep coming back for more.

I had a pretty suite with sofa and chairs, its own TV, and a desk in the lounge area. Down a wide corridor were the bathroom and a well-lit bedroom offering differing views.  In one direction was grazing land; in the other was the hotels’ garden and ‘cockpit’. This now sports fishermen’s tackle instead of the fighting cocks of yore.

My bed was very comfortable (blankets are de rigueur) and the second TV set would be a boon for differing personalities. One person might watch Dickens whilst the other catches up on sport.

Eating, however, is a priority. Almost all the Arundell Arms’ meat, fish, cheese, fruit and vegetables are sourced locally. The restaurant, headed by chef, Steven Pidgeon - one of only 80 Master Chefs of Great Britain - will also cook fish or game caught by hotel guests.

Bed & Breakfast
Single Rooms £110, Double Rooms from £180.00 per night (£20 supplement pn for single occupancy)

Leisure Breaks - per room, per night
Inclusive of English breakfast, dinner and vat at 15% (”20 supplement pn for single occupancy)

The Arundell Arms Hotel
Lifton, Devon PL16 0AA

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