THE OXENHAM ARMS HOTEL DEVON, South Zeal

The Oxenham Arms Hotel Devon - Historic inn with walking guides near Dartmoor National Park

The Oxenham Arms Hotel Devon is a Grade II Star listed property dating back to the 12th century, located in South Zeal village on the edge of Dartmoor. Originally built as a monastery by Benedictine monks around a prehistoric standing stone that remains inside the building today. The hotel features thick stone walls (5-15 feet), oak beams, and a granite frontage described by English Heritage as the finest of its period in Devon. The property offers a bar first licensed in 1477, a restaurant serving high-quality cuisine, and four acres of grounds with views of Dartmoor. The hotel is 45 km from Exeter International Airport. For outdoor activities, detailed walking guides are provided with line-by-line instructions, map references, and points of interest for routes directly from the hotel.

Additional perks of the hotel

Dogs on leads welcome in bar and gardens (free dog biscuit on arrival)

Private dining rooms available for groups and parties

Car park with 54 spaces located 3 minutes' walk away

CAMRA Heritage Inn status (oldest in Devon and Cornwall)

Detailed walking guides covering routes from 30 minutes to 5 hours

Historical connections to Charles Dickens, Admiral Lord Nelson, and King Charles III

Room Options

The hotel offers seven rooms on the first floor of the main manor house/monastery building, accessible via 10 stairs with handrails. Room types include super king-size four-poster bedrooms, king-size four-poster rooms, and twin options. The South Zeal Menhir Room is positioned above the prehistoric standing stone. The Chagford Room was once occupied by Charles Dickens. Rooms feature views of either the village or Dartmoor's Cosdon Beacon. Some rooms are located in the original 12th-century monastery section with ancient stone walls and oak doorways.

Other conveniences

En-suite bathrooms with showers or walk-in shower rooms

Duck Island Collection vanity products

Luxury Egyptian cotton bedding and fluffy cotton towels

In-room tea/coffee/chocolate making facilities and herbal teas

LCD Freeview wall-mounted TVs

Free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping

In-room mood ceiling lighting and heated towel rails