The Horn of Plenty is one of those clever hotels that has survived the test of time by constantly improving itself. The latest addition is six gorgeous new rooms, four of which have terraces or balconies with 40-mile views over the Tamar Valley. Potter about outside and find six acres of gardens, then a path that leads down through bluebell woods to the river. Inside, beautiful simplicity abounds: stripped floors, gilt mirrors, fine art, fresh flowers everywhere. Bedrooms in the main house come in country-house style, those in the garden have a more contemporary feel. All have smart colours, big comfy beds, perhaps a claw-foot bath or a ceiling open to the rafters; ten have a terrace or a balcony. Despite all this, the food remains the big draw, so come to eat well, perhaps beetroot mousse with goat’s cheese parfait, grilled duck with chicory and orange, chocolate cannelloni with banana sorbet; views of the Tamar snaking through the hills are included in the price. Afternoon tea is served on the patio in summer. Tavistock, Dartmoor and the Eden Project are close.
We came for a 50th wedding anniversary meal with our family and all of us thought it was excellent. The food highlights were the gorgeous complimentary mushroom soup and the duck. We found the service friendly, professional and unpretentious.