Background....

Ancient Land, Humble Beginnings

The very ground the Two Bridges Hotel stands upon has ancient roots, belonging to the Duchy of Cornwall since the year 1337. So, before any stone of the current building was laid, this spot was already steeped in history, a place where the wild Dartmoor wind had whispered for countless generations.

The name "Two Bridges" itself is a nod to its location. While some say it comes from an old Saxon word, "Tobrygge" meaning "by the bridge," the more widely accepted tale is simpler: it stands near two river crossings over the River Dart. In the 18th century, maps from 1765 show that the road here actually crossed both the West Dart and the River Cowsic, just before they joined, truly requiring two separate bridges. Even though today's bridges might not be the exact ones that gave it its name (a more modern structure sits alongside an older one), the essence of being a crucial crossing point remains.

Before the hotel as we know it, this isolated spot was known for its bustling potato market in the 18th century. Farmers from places like Chagford and Moretonhampstead would bring their goods here to sell, making it a lively hub of trade. Where there's trade and travel, there's a need for sustenance and shelter, and so, a simple establishment to serve these weary travellers was bound to spring up.

From Coaching Inn to Grand Hotel

The foundation of what we now know as the Two Bridges Hotel was laid in 1794 (though some sources suggest as early as 1762) when it was first built as a coaching inn. It wasn't the grand hotel we see today; it was originally named "The Saracen's Head." Picture it: a vital stopping point for stagecoaches, horses needing a rest, and travellers seeking warmth, food, and a bed after a bone-jarring journey across the wild and often unforgiving Dartmoor.

By 1803, the Saracen's Head had already elevated its status to "Hotel," becoming a popular port of call for moorland travellers, keen sportsmen, artists seeking inspiration from the dramatic landscape, and even, it's said, French royalty in the form of a Prince. Over the 19th century, it continued to grow in prominence, noted in publications for its essential accommodation on the moor.

However, it wasn't always smooth sailing. Stories from the late 1800s hint at some dramatic and even tragic events occurring within its walls, adding to its mysterious Dartmoor character. Owners changed hands, with names like John Pooke, Peter Chaffe, John Hamlyn, and Henry Trinman leaving their mark.

It was in the early 1900s, under the ownership of the Allanson family, that the hotel finally took on its current and iconic name: The Two Bridges Hotel. By the 1930s, it had expanded significantly, boasting some 35 bedrooms, a testament to its popularity and the increasing number of people venturing onto Dartmoor.

A Haunt for the Famous and the Notable

The Two Bridges Hotel has seen its share of famous faces and interesting characters pass through its doors, adding to its rich tapestry of stories:

Vivien Leigh: Perhaps the most famous connection is to the legendary Hollywood actress, Vivien Leigh. It's said that in 1931, at a Hunt Ball held at the Two Bridges, an 18-year-old Vivien Harley (her maiden name) met Leigh Holman, who would become her first husband. She reportedly visited the hotel several times, and today, Room 5 is named "The Vivien Leigh" in her honour.

Edward VIII (as Prince of Wales): The future King Edward VIII, and even Mrs. Simpson, are believed to have visited the hotel, particularly due to his presidency of the Devon Hunt Club in the early 1930s, which often held its annual dinner here.

Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould: This prolific Victorian antiquarian, best known for composing hymns like "Onward, Christian Soldiers," was deeply passionate about Dartmoor's ancient history. He was a frequent visitor, involved in excavations of the numerous prehistoric sites that surround the hotel, including Neolithic stone rows and Bronze Age hut circles.

Eden Phillpotts: The renowned Dartmoor author was also a regular, drawing inspiration from the wild landscapes and the lives of those who inhabited them.

During World War II, the hotel even took on a unique role, reportedly becoming a boys' school – one of the only ones in England with a full liquor license. This quirky detail further cements its place in history.

The Two Bridges Today

Today, the Two Bridges Hotel, now part of the Warm Welcome Hotel Group (which also owns The Bedford Hotel in Tavistock and Dartmoor Brewery in Princetown), remains a much-loved Dartmoor landmark. It has been lovingly restored, retaining many of its original features, like crackling log fires and beautiful antiques, that evoke its long and storied past.

It offers 31 individually styled rooms, some with charming four-poster beds and luxurious spa baths, blending modern comfort with historic character. The hotel is renowned for its award-winning restaurant (holding 2 AA Rosettes), which proudly showcases the finest local and seasonal Devon produce. Its riverside location on the banks of the West Dart River makes it an idyllic spot for fishing, walking, and simply soaking in the beauty of the National Park.

From its humble beginnings as a coaching inn, a lifeline for weary travellers and a hub for Dartmoor's potato market, to a luxurious country house hotel attracting royalty and Hollywood stars, the Two Bridges Hotel has always been an integral part of the Dartmoor story, a welcoming beacon in the heart of the wild.