4th August 2020

Five Devonshire activities that will bring you closer to nature

Naturally, Boringdon Hall is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

No setting offers quite the eclectic mix of dense woodland, beautiful coastal paths and the wild open moorlands of Dartmoor than us. To enrich your stay, we have compiled a list of pursuits that will bring you closer to nature and breath new life into your stay in Devon.


Saltram House
One full of treasures, stories & intrigue. Set beside the River Plym and enveloped in lush greenery and open spaces, Saltram is one of a kind. For those interested in the house itself, one should note it’s magnificent collection of original Chinese wallpapers and the Parker family’s impressive collection of paintings. It also boasts a superb country house library and a neo-classical saloon. Outside the house, The 18th-century estate boasts a secret garden to lose yourself in and a park that cyclists, walkers and dogs adore. The garden is mostly 19th century in design, with a working orangery and follies. Saltram remains as a working estate to this day, with much of it’s anchorage used to farm cattle.

Plym Valley Trail
If you’re looking for a more active activity, The Plym Valley Trail may interest you. Suited to both walkers and cyclists alike, this path follows the route of an old Great Western Railway track. Starting from Plym Bridge Woods, you’ll venture deeper and deeper into the beautiful oak woodland, finally emerging to the open Devonshire countryside. This trail offers great views and the opportunity to get close to nature, as well as being a sight of interest for those interested in geology. In particular the disused Cann and Bickleigh Vale quarries that were used to mine slate in the 1600's.

Gaia Boringdon
If your stay at Boringdon is more about relaxation than exploration, the award-winning Gaia Spa is naturally going to be our next suggestion. Gaia Spa promotes your personal natural well-being in an environment designed to transcend the stresses of the modern day routine. Creating spaces where you find yourself naturally relaxed, Gaia Spa facilities and therapies will provide the opportunity to nourish mind, body and spirit, resulting in a balance between the individual and the wider world we live in. As a hotel guest, you'll receive 10% off spa treatments during your visit.

Horse Riding
Cheston Farm is situated on the edge of Dartmoor’s most southern point, tucked between farmland and trees just underneath the Ugborough Beacon. The farm’s location provides access to amazing riding opportunities whilst raining easy access to the A38 Devon Expressway. Cheston Farm offers something for every equine enthusiast, whether you’re an advanced rider who dreams of rides across the beach, to beginners who may be best suited to the quiet yet beautiful single-track lanes. Rest assured, a day riding on horses on wild Dartmoor is as close to nature as you can get.

The South West Coast Path
Experience the natural surroundings a little differently and visit the Waterfront Walkway, a unique part of the South West Coast Path National Trail that any visitor should see.  It’s an entertaining and enlightening journey where note-worthy landmarks are used to highlight Plymouth’s history and heritage. The walk starts with the Cremyll Ferry landing stage on the shores of the Tamar. Sail past the historic Royal William Yard and admire its larger than life architecture, before passing by the infamous Drakes Island. As the waterfront walkway progresses, be greeted with such figures as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Robinson Crusoe and Lawrence of Arabia and so much more. Allow yourself to be swept up in the coastal scenery and history of the Plymouth peninsula, and opt in for this adventure.

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