Mill End Hotel: Dartmoor’s Dog Friendly Country Hotel

If you’re looking for a luxurious dog-friendly hotel in the best location on Dartmoor, Mill End Hotel needs to go to the top of your list!

This 15th century watermill turned country hotel is situated right on the River Teign just outside the quaint Dartmoor village of Chagford, and offers the perfect peaceful hideout for hikers, dog walkers, and anyone wanting a relaxing stay while they explore the beauty of this National Park.

We have stayed a couple of times now during different seasons, and so I wanted to share a little of what you can expect from your experience at Mill End!

The Location: North East Dartmoor

The positioning of Mill End Hotel could honestly not be more idyllic. Based on the North East side of Dartmoor National Park, the quick 10 minute drive off the A30 makes it easily accessible from the main road and just 25 minutes from the city of Exeter.

The nearest town is Chagford, which is known for its quaint stone houses and independent shops, and is within walking distance to the hotel (around 40 minutes each way).

Being an old watermill, naturally the hotel is based right on the River Teign, and even has its own ‘secret beach’ on the river’s edge if you have a nosy down to the end of the gardens!

From the hotel’s doorstep you have multiple walking options through public footpaths and along the river, one of which includes the incredible Teign Gorge / Teign Valley walk which takes you up to Castle Drogo and along the river to Fingle Bridge. This walk is renowned as one of the most beautiful in Dartmoor, and it’s literally 30 seconds from Mill End’s front door.

Location-wise, you just can’t beat this if you’re wanting easy access to Dartmoor walks and adventures.

Things To Do & The Best Walks Nearby

You could easily stay for a weekend at Mill End and not need to drive anywhere, thanks to the gorgeous walks surrounding the hotel, but being on the edge of Dartmoor, there’s so much more to explore as well.

• Walk from Mill End to Fingle Bridge through Teign Valley (with wild swimming!)
• Visit Castle Drogo (re-opening mid-March)
• Climb Belstone Tor (with amazing moorland views)
• Walk around Fernworthy Reservoir
• Experience the waterfalls of Lydford Gorge

The Hotel & Rooms

The hotel itself feels cosy & homely yet luxurious, with a comfy lounge and log fires to relax in after a day of walking, and even a boot room to store muddy boots and clean mucky paws.

There are just over 20 rooms, plus a couple of breathtaking suites to enjoy, with just over half being specifically dog friendly too.

I love the thoughtful details including home-made cookies on arrival, and luxury toiletries in the bathrooms.

The 2 AA Rosette Restaurant

As well as offering a delicious, breakfast to guests the hotel restaurant is also open for evening meals serving an incredible fine-dining style menu with local ingredients that’s earned it a two AA Rosette award.

We have eaten here twice now and both times the food has been unbelievable. The quality and care taken in the cooking and presentation is amazing and with the menu changing every evening, there’s guaranteed variety for longer stays as well.

The restaurant also serves light lunches and specialises in decadent Cornish cream teas and Afternoon Teas, and is open to the public too!

Dog Friendly Features

Mill End Hotel is brilliant for dogs! The team make sure to cater for your pooches during your stay, from the personalised dog biscuits to the boot room and dog cleaning area.

With all the walks on the doorstep, it’s like doggy heaven outside, meanwhile the lounge offers the perfect relaxation spot for your pups in front of the fire. Plus you can choose ‘doggy dining’ for your evening meal to eat in a dedicated dog lounge too, ensuring you’re still able to enjoy the full restaurant experience.

Interested in booking your next Dartmoor stay? Check out the Mill End Hotel website.

*please note I personally affiliated with this hotel, but all opinions are my own; it’s honestly an incredible place!