Peace. It’s a quality you sometimes don’t know you’re missing until you redisover it.

Swinging off the main road through Dartmoor from Plymouth we had entered the tranquil world of the Moorland Garden Hotel, which this year celebrates its 80th anniversary.

On a sunny spring afternoon, one of the first of the year when it was warm enough to be outside until sunset, we sat on the terrace with a drink and listened to beautiful birdsong, punctuated by the tapping of an unseen woodpecker in the woods just beyond the garden.

It was an idyllic way to start our Dartmoor break after the drive from Dorset. And after such a wet, soggy winter during which so much of Devon seemed to suffer harshly it was good to see the sun coming out and puddles drying out.

With the visitors flocking back to Devon to welcome the friendlier weather back again it was a good opportunity to visit the Moorland Garden Hotel in its birthday year. The hotel has seen a lot of changes since it opened for business in May 1935 featuring a heated pool, tennis courts, riding stables and a large ballroom with a sprung maple dance floor which attracted hundreds of people for tea dances and balls.

Among the guests in its heyday were President Truman, Rex Harrison and David Niven.

The swimming pool was closed and extra rooms added over the years. Then three years ago it was bought by entrepreneurs Brian and Sonia Meaden – parents of Dragons’ Den star Deborah – who have been busy refurbishing the hotel to return it to its former glory.

We stayed in the sumptous Lily of the Valley suite – a huge room with modern decor, a comfy sofa and views over the garden.

Celebrations to mark the anniversary include a seasonal cocktail menu, afternoon tea evoking the decadent 1930s, and a picnic in the wildflower meadow – guests can book a private spot and, with the help of a map, find their specially prepared hamper.

The Moorland Garden’s restaurant, presided over by head chef Bruce Cole, was named best in the south west in the Taste of the West awards and we certainly made the most of the fabulous food – dinner was a delicious affair with hot smoked salmon, delicious fish and beautifully presented desserts and cheese. The striking chocolate and turquoise decor and the view out over the gardens adds to a memorable occasion.

The hotel also has a more informal bar restaurant, the Dartmoor Bar, which welcomes dogs and walkers.

Dartmoor is an intriguing place, full of history and mystery. It’s prime walking country for anyone who likes to get out in the fresh air and appreciate the kind of harsh but beautiful scenery that defines it.

There are abundant ancient buildings too, well preserved and looked after.

Francis Drake knew what to do with the cash when he got back from striking it rich on the Spanish main – he bought a rambling old abbey near where he’d grown up in Tavistock. Fortunately for the rest of us Buckland Abbey is now owned by the National Trust and it’s a great place to visit, with hundreds of years of history, Tudor interiors and some truly special artefacts.

Drake’s drum is here – a snare drum emblazoned with his coat of arms which the adventurer took on his sea travels. It’s kept under lock and key in a protective case because of its delicate state, but the legend that surrounds it says it can be heard to beat whenever England is in danger.

The medieval abbey was turned into a family home by another seafarer, Sir Richard Grenville. The great barn used by the Cistercian monks is perfectly preserved and there’s a secret wild garden which was carpeted in spring flowers when we visited.

It’s easy to hear the echo of those 700 years of footsteps, particularly when you’re in the company of a knowledgeable volunteer guide with a love of the history as we were.

There’s a great sense of history about another of the moor’s attractions – The Garden House, a valley garden at Buckland Monachorum just up the road from our hotel.

It’s an absolute treasure for true plantsmen and women as well as being a delight for the rest of us who just enjoy a pretty, well thought-out garden to wander round.

Its origins date back to 1945 when Lionel Fortescue moved into the former Georgian vicarage in ten acres with his wife on his retirement from teaching at Eton College.

The next stage of his life’s work involved creating what is recognised as one of the most diverse gardens in England, with a two-acre terraced walled garden.

The Fortescues put the property in trust to secure the garden’s future and work continues today to improve and beautify it.

The brighter lights of historic Plymouth are just a few miles down the road from Dartmoor for anyone needing a little more in the way of town amenities and attractions.

But we chose to visit Tavistock, a solid, prosperous looking traditional country town – and birthplace of Francis Drake – which features a historic covered market, called the Pannier Market, full of interesting stalls and particularly foodie treats.

A perfect place to pick up a picnic to take on a walk on the wild, peaceful moor.

Getaway

The Moorland Garden Hotel is offering a Sensational Summer Getaway in July, August and September from £99 per night for two guests sharing if you book by July 31.

Enjoy a two-course dinner in the award-winning Wildflower Restaurant and a relaxing overnight stay in a garden view room with full English breakfast. Choose to stay for one or more nights.

Upgrade to a balcony, premier or suite for a supplement. Add an additional course with dinner for £5 per person. Offer valid subject to availability.

Dogs stay from £10 per room per night, beds and bowls are available on request. Visit moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk

The Garden House – the gardenhouse.org.uk

Buckland Abbey – nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey

For information about Devon attractions see visitdevon.co.uk