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History

Staff at Park Hotel Celebrating AA 4 Star Award

The storyso far...

The Park Hotel in North Devon holds an everchanging story that dates back to the 1970s. The original founder of the Brend Collection formally known Brend Hotels Group, Percy Brend, long held a cherished dream to turn The Park into an exceptional first-class hotel setting new standards in hospitality. 

The Park Hotel brought that dream to life, with the hotel being awarded 4-Stars by the AA, a prestigious accolade in the world of hospitality.

Let us take you through the history of The Park Hotel. 

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A Walk Through Time

1970

The North Devon Motel was purpose-built by the Brend family with the intention of sharing their warming hospitality with visitors, opening its doors in 1970.

1988

 In 1988, this motel was extended by the purchase of two adjacent properties, Drake House and Fortescue House. 

1989

Following major refurbishments, it was renamed The Park Hotel.

2014

In 2014, a complete upgrade and refurbishment of the hotel’s function suite was completed.

2015

Brend Collection were delighted to receive the ‘Hotel Group of the Year 2015-2016’, a huge honour for the whole of Brend Collection who have been a leader in West Country hospitality for over 50 years.

2016

2016 marked a new chapter in the history of The Park Hotel, undergoing a multi-million-pound upgrade the largest and most ambitious development project ever undertaken by Brend Collection at the time. With a new design, a lift, landscaped gardens, and stunning new rooms and apartments.

2017

In September 2017, we were awarded 4-Stars by the AA, a prestigious accolade that marks the start of an exciting chapter. 

2023

In 2023, a new chapter for the Brend Group emerged. Working hard behind the scenes on a fresh new brand appearance that came alongside a new group website, followed by new websites across the portfolio of 11 hotels across Devon and Cornwall. These changes marked an important evolution of our brand showcasing that we have evolved over the years from a hotelier - to now encompassing a collection of hotels, restaurants and spas with ambitious plans to expand further within the hospitality sector. 

A close relationship with Rock Park

The hotel is so close to Rock Park that its history is closely entwined with that of the park. Scenic Rock Park was bestowed to the people of Barnstaple by the great Victorian benefactor William Rock in 1879. On the banks of the River Taw, Rock Park has lovely riverside walks that date back to the Victorian era and, like the hotel, it has seen continued developments, now offering a bowling green, children's play area, outdoor gym and skate park.

As the headquarters of the Brend Hotels group, The Park has always held a special place at the heart of our award-winning collection of luxury hotels.

More from the Park Hotel

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