Dittisham Hideaway, Devon: review

Tucked away amidst the serene landscapes of Devon, just a mile from the River Dart, Dittisham Hideaway is a tranquil haven for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. After trudging through a winter in London, I jumped at the chance to escape the city for the weekend and get into the beautiful English countryside. With a setting as picturesque as you could possibly imagine, and endless outdoor activities right on its doorstep, I had no doubt that this was going to be a truly wholesome and memorable break.

Fairytale setting

From the moment I arrived I felt all of my stresses melt away. Winding through a wooded valley, I soon arrived at a sun-filled clearing with five utterly charming Shepherds Lodges, each sitting within their own private patio area. One of these was going to be home for the weekend, and I couldn’t wait to get settled in. 

A cosy space with special touches

Designed to perfection with bespoke fittings and furnishings, the small space was homely and sweet while being so satisfyingly functional. The wonderful, warm decor paired with modern amenities ensured that comfort was maximised, and I couldn’t wait to earn a long soak in the wood-fired hot tub after a day of exploring. Waking up to a view of the trees and the sound of birdsong was the most serene start to my day, and the breakfast hamper - enjoyed out on the peaceful patio on a sunny morning - was a real treat. With every aspect being so carefully crafted I felt truly looked-after, and only wish I could have stayed for longer!

Something for everyone

On offer alongside the Shepherds Lodges are four Treehouses and a luxuriously restored 1956 Vintage American Airstream, all maintaining the same feeling of seclusion. There’s a space to suit everyone, from couples to families to groups of friends, and with dogs very welcome I can attest to this making a brilliant holiday for them too! 

The perfect base to explore

The grounds are as well put together as the accommodations, with a woodland walk, outdoor chess, ping pong table and Boules providing plenty of ways to stay entertained (as if sitting out with a book and a glass of wine isn’t enough). But despite its secluded location, a real benefit of this retreat is its proximity to some of Devon’s most treasured spots - beautiful beaches, quaint villages and brilliant hiking trails.

With the River Dart less than a mile away, it’s a great chance to have a go at watersports, such as paddleboarding or kayaking, as well as providing many scenic walking routes. The beaches are expansive and clean, and are as wonderful for a stroll as they are a picnic or even a wild swim if you’re brave enough! The nearby town of Totnes is so charming and full of character, while Sharpham vineyard is one of my favourite spots in the area and makes for a lovely day out. Without a doubt, you will never be short of things to do here! 

Eat like a Queen

And how could you visit Devon without enjoying the wonderful food on offer. Dittisham, Dartmouth and the South Hams are renowned for incredible local produce and are full of award-winning restaurants, pubs and bistros. While there are endless options to choose from, the highlight for me was undoubtedly the Anchorstone Cafe. Aside from the breathtaking setting, the meal I had was absolutely outstanding and left me wanting to sample everything on the menu. I also had a wonderful and relaxed dinner at the Sportmans Arms just 5 minutes down the road. Serving proper pub grub, this was a fantastic low key option. The quality was top, and my only regret was not staying long enough to come back for their Sunday carvery.

Whether you want to switch off and relax, or get active outdoors, Dittisham Hideaway is the perfect base for a special stay. As ideal for a romantic getaway as it is for a wholesome break with family or friends, this little slice of paradise has something for everyone and is a real reminder of how beautiful the UK can be. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough, and must admit I’m already thinking of an excuse to visit again! 

Lily was a guest of Dittisham Hideaway