Watersmeet Hotel, UK Hotel

Devon, England

The North Devon coast is far too often overlooked, either by those passing through to Cornwall or those who head south of Dartmoor, but at Watersmeet Hotel you see the best of what this area has to offer. Wild, rugged and breathtaking, with huge swathes of perfect sandy beach, the shoreline is something to behold whatever the season; dramatic in colder months, tantalising on hotter days. And even if you’re just sipping sundowners from its lofty perch above the beach, or taking a dip in the outdoor pool, being in such close proximity to a shoreline as splendid as this is good for the soul. Inside, you have a hotel that knows old-school charm and, more importantly, has the excellent produce of the west to play with in the kitchen, be it juicy Exmoor steaks or a trio of local lamb – breast, cutlet and sweetbread, the perfect meaty hat trick. Being family friendly too without compromising on quality for the adults, it’s a good reason to give Center Parcs a swerve. Doubles from £190.

Words by Alex Mead.

This review was taken from the August/September 2024 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.