Dartmoor - 4 nights / 5 days

View of Haytor from the 2 Rosette restaurant at the Ilsington Country House Hotel

Join OU Trips on our first 4 night trip to SW England.  

Set amidst the wild, untamed beauty of Dartmoor National Park, Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa invites you to experience an authentic blend of rural charm, timeless elegance, and heartfelt hospitality.

Our family-owned haven has been welcoming guests for generations, offering a sanctuary where luxury meets the tranquillity of countryside living. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat to escape the bustle of modern life, a romantic getaway, or an adventure among Devon’s rolling hills and moors, Ilsington provides the perfect base.

Settle into the rhythm of Dartmoor, where every moment offers an opportunity to reconnect – with nature, with loved ones, or simply with yourself. Indulge in exquisite dining, relax in luxurious surroundings, and let our attentive team ensure your stay is seamless, soothing, and memorable. As you breathe in the crisp Dartmoor air, unwind into comfort, and soak up the serenity of our timeless countryside retreat, allow us to take care of the rest.

What's included?

• Return coach travel from Milton Keynes
• 3 course dinner at the 2 Rosette restaurant, buffet dinner on the arrival night.
• Bed & Breakfast
• Day 1 travel from MK to the village of Ilsington with stops en route (possibly Westonbirt Arboretum or Avebury - TBC)

• Day 2 Trip aboard the South Devon steam railway from the newly refurbished Buckfastleigh station along the former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872 running along the side of the Dart River to Totnes Riverside Home - South Devon Railway, free time in the beautiful and quirky town of Totnes (Dating back to 907 AD, Totnes is a fascinating historical town which combines stunning countryside with independent shopping, local food & drink and interesting attractions. Located in the heart of South Devon on the banks of the River Dart, this unique and charming town has an international reputation for its lively and diverse community and relaxed atmosphere).  

  A 20 minute leisurely walk (or 5 minute taxi from railway station to the Dartmouth River Boat quay).  Join the Dart River cruise for a boat trip Dartmouth to Totnes River Cruise (Return) | Dartmouth Steam Railway to Dartmouth.  Free time to explore Dartmouth and we'll be met by our coach to return to the hotel

• Day 3 Guided day tour of Dartmoor with Dartmoor's Daughter | Explore Dartmoor with our Guided Walks, Talks & Nature-Connection Experiences (walks will be matched to the group)
• Day 4 - relaxed day at leisure - spend some time in the spa, walk up to Haytor or join a visit to the Thunderflower distillery (at an extra cost) for a tour & tasting or a visit to the amazing House of Marbles | Toys, Marbles, Gifts, Dining & Glassworks in Devon, or relax with a Devon afternoon tea, or relax with a local beer in the Blue Tiger bar - this day will be set up depending on the groups preferences. 
• Day 5 Return to MK with some stops en route depending on what we've done during the week. May include coffee and cake at the House of Marbles before we leave Devon

We are looking into having one of the dinners at leisure in the Blue Tiger bar attached to the hotel if preferred - flexible timeslot.

• Local knowledge through 
• Coach service throughout

Prices

Price per person varies depending on number of places sold - final price to be confirmed prior to request for deposit.

Up to 25 people - £1125 per person

Up to 30 people - £1035 per person

Up to 35 people - £979 per person

Up to 40 people - £899 per person

Up to 45 people - £869 per person

Single Supplement - there is 1 single room available at the hotel with no supplement (other rooms can be for a single guest but price will dependent on room availability.

Dates and Times

Monday 12th April 2027 to Friday16th April 2027

• Departure time leaving MK early morning
• It is a good 5 hour drive but there will be stops en route depending on drivers hours and choice of group
• Leaving the hotel after a leisurely breakfast, a coffee stop and lunch stop on route TBC.

Places available

46 places (that's the whole hotel!!)

Booking deadline

To confirm your interest we need to confirm to our suppliers by 31st August 2026.

To request places

By submitting your booking you are confirming you have read and will abide by our terms and conditions. Please note, you are responsible for the full payment once the place request deadline date is past. OU Trips does not have any reserves to cover cancelled places.

BOOKING FORM 

PLEASE NOTE:

Do not submit your request more than once. We would ask you to remember that we are all volunteers, therefore, please don’t be offended if you don’t receive an immediate response.

Payment Deadlines

£100 deposit per person will be required by 25th September 2026

Balance remaining will be due by 25th January 2027.

Gardens of the Ilsington Country House Hotel and Spa

Image: Louise Thomas

Spa pool at the hotel

Image: Louise Thomas

 2 Rosette Restaurant

Image: Louise Thomas

South Devon Railway Buckfastleigh to Dartmouth

Image: South Devon Railway

Contacting us

If you need to contact us regarding a event and your question cannot be answered through our booking information page, please email and ensure that you include the name of the event you are contacting us about in the subject line of your message.