Bickleigh Castle Hotel

The breakfast was very basic

Breakfast - basic, only toasted bread and croissants, basic choice of cereals. There’s nothing continental about the breakfast, and no cooked breakfast at all. Fruit - blueberries, strawberries and raspberries - not fresh, and I saw the owner Sarah clearing tables and uneaten fruit was put back onto the main table! Accommodation - Dirty windows, bathroom dirty, new sealant on top of old, black sealant, shower screen grim. And the rest too (walls, skirting boards full of dust). No hairdryer. Beds dirty and uncomfortable, it was as sleeping on bed springs. Don’t expect cleaning on a weekend. We stayed there 11 night, so experienced 2 weekends, when asked why the room hasn’t been cleaned, it’s because they don’t have a cleaner on a weekend! The busiest time for any hotel. Grounds - need to hire a gardener! Overgrown, weeds growing everywhere, fruit orchard neglected, ponds not worth looking at. We stayed there 5 years ago at the height of Covid pandemic and at that time it was more like a 4 star hotel, hence returning! Back then we had cooked breakfast, grounds were beautiful and we took a lot of pictures. Not this time. Nothing worth taking pictures for. We stayed at the very same room, and it hasn’t changed a bit! Same bed spreads, small TV, same paint, as if frozen in time. We won’t be returning ever again. Sarah husband’s health has deteriorated and staying in a room below ours - on late evenings Sarah was arguing with her husband and swearing. Very unprofessional.

On arrival, no one was at reception. We rang the bell for 15 minutes before the owner finally came out and casually told us they had been in the bath. We were given the key to Room 18, only to walk into a disgusting scene—dirty floors, used coffee mugs, an unmade bed, wet towels on the floor, a full bin of leftover food and cigarettes, and a filthy bathroom. The toilet hadn't been flushed, there was urine on the seat, and grime everywhere. We returned to complain but were left waiting another 15 minutes. The manager eventually came and reluctantly agreed to view the room. She apologised and offered to clean it, but told us to be quick getting changed as she "had plans in 30 minutes." Not professional at all. Later that night, it was clear the room had barely been touched. The bin was still full, the toilet still dirty, and the bed just remade—not changed—crumbs and all. Even the bath mat was still wet from the previous guests. The next morning, we were given towels with holes and tears. Breakfast was included, but we felt too uncomfortable to eat anything. This hotel was run-down, unhygienic, and clearly not maintained. By far the worst hotel we’ve ever stayed in. Would never return and absolutely would not recommend.

Goodness

The property is looking tired as well as the rooms. Fantastic surroundings though. Had no TV as the remote control was not available, the lady who booked me in had just had a loss in her family & was under a lot of pressure, so didn’t feel I could trouble her. Sorry to say I wouldn’t stay there again.

Lovely environment, beautiful garden, friendly and helpful staff, I thoroughly enjoyed my three nights stay here. For anyone who love and would like to indulge themselves in history, this IS the place!

Our stay was lovely, relaxing and peaceful. The two rooms we booked were warm and spacious. The kids loved having access to the castle to walk around as well as the tennis courts. The owners were always happy to engage with our children and share their knowledge of the area.

Wonderful gracious hosts in the amazing historical setting of a castle

Interesting tour, lovely scones, nice room

The worst property I have stayed in for the amount paid. Room was dirty, bedsheet and pillow over appeared not to have been washed, the mattress that was exposed had dust visible, bedspread torn, no control on heating. No bath mat provided, no handrails for towels etc, no exhaust..the property is not liveable.breakfast not to mention was sparse and atasted stale! I T

beautiful setting and environment but it is aging

Good value hotel stay, basic rooms but our family room was en suite. The restaurant and bar were closed during our stay so bed and breakfast only. Tranquil setting. Quirky but we had a good weekend with the kids.

Atmospheric, and an experience!

Castle surrounds are lovely, however the room I stayed in was dated, dirty, damp, grass cuttings on the floor and woodlice infestation. Pictures are very misleading on the website. Gentleman was lovely who checked me in, although I was waiting 30 mins.

Fabulous place to stay staff looked after me well.

Fabulous weekend, very clean, breakfast was wonderful, great for history, a very peaceful weekend away.

Very quiet only one staying there, no evening dining.

Room in old thatched cottage adjoining castle with tour of the castle

I stayed with my husband and two children. The setting was incredible and steeped in history. It was a lovely sanctuary of peace and quiet. I recommend it as a truly unique place to stay!

Highly recommended property with a lovely hostess (Sarah) and conscientious family staff. The castle and grounds are fantastic and the church was beautiful (we could only see the outside). I don't care for cats but the one here followed me everywhere and was very precocious. This is a peaceful and beautiful retreat and the castle is beautifully lit at night. Sarah even upgraded our room because we were the only visitors. A gracious hostess with lots of stories and interested us. What a treat.