How to spend Christmas in Devon

Why not explore the delights of Devon this season and get away for a few days? Opt to book a large house for a multi-generational celebration or head away with just the two of you and spend your days relaxing and spending quality time together - that is what Christmas is all about after all!

If you’re wondering how to spend Christmas in Devon, here’s everything you’ll need to know to plan your perfect festive getaway.

Where to go

The first challenge in planning a Christmas break is deciding where to go. Do you want to be near the coast, in the depths of the countryside or close to a city? We’d recommend getting to know the towns and villages in South Devon, North Devon and Mid Devon a little better with our ultimate guides, so you can find one that has everything you’re looking for. Or keep reading below to see which events around Christmas most take your fancy!

If it’s Christmas markets you’re in search of, Exeter and Plymouth certainly take the crown for some of the biggest in Devon. However, smaller markets in Newton Abbot, Braunton, Totnes, Crediton and South Molton are also worth a visit for beautiful handmade trinkets and delicious food. Check out our full guide to Christmas markets in Devon to find your favourite.

Be sure to take a look at our guide to Christmas Markets in Devon to find plenty of Christmas goodies this festive season!

Where to eat

Christmas is the best time of year to indulge in all your favourite foods, so if you’re visiting Devon for the festive season, your taste buds are in for a real treat.

We’ve already covered the top pubs in Devon and the best restaurants, so if you’re looking for a conclusive guide on where to eat then head over to those guides. Or if you want specifics on where to eat for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, then keep on reading!

Don’t want the hassle of cooking the festive feast for Christmas Day? Here are a few of the local eateries that will serve up a mighty fine spread so that you can make the most of spending time with your loved ones:

Durrant House Hotel, Bideford - £49.50 per adult, £25 for under 10s

Offering: A four-course Christmas Day luncheon with a surprise visit from Santa himself!

Coombe Cellars, Newton Abbot - £65.95 per person

Offering: Five courses featuring turkey and all the trimmings, as well as vegan options.

Kentisbury Grange, Barnstaple - £95.00 per person

Offering: An indulgent three-course menu at the three AA Rosette-winning establishment.

The Old Market House, Brixham - £65.00 per person

Offering: A four-course locally sourced menu overlooking Brixham harbour.

The Devon Hotel, Exeter - £110 per person, £20-£70 for under 12s

Offering: A five-course carvery in the hotel’s elegant Carriages Brasserie Restaurant.

If it’s Boxing Day that you want to pass over the cooking responsibility, there are several places open and ready to take over the cooking duties:

Heanton Court, Braunton - £23.95 per person

Offering: A three-course menu alongside the beauty of the Tarka Trail.

Bovey Castle, Dartmoor - £37.50-£65.00 per person

Offering: Either a traditional English fayre three-course buffet, or a three-course fine dining lunch experience.

The Arundell Arms Hotel, Lifton - £36.50 per person

Offering: A three-course Boxing Day lunch celebrating local produce.

The Bickley Mill Inn, Newton Abbot - £24.95 per person

Offering: A three-course festive menu at the beautifully decorated inn.

The Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple - £18.50 per person, £9.25 for under 12s

Offering: A classic carvery with two choices of meat as well as a wide selection of accompaniments.

Boxing Day events:

When it comes to Boxing Day, we all have our traditions and Devon offers plenty of activities to make this a day to remember. Here are a few of our top recommendations on how to spend your day…

Boxing Day swims

Taking place across the coastal locations of North and South Devon, with Saunton and Westward Ho! amongst the most popular, are you brave enough to join in with a local Boxing Day swim? Sea swimming in the depths of winter may seem slightly mad, but we promise it’s a lot of fun and you can really feel the community spirit.

Clovelly’s Boxing Day BBQ

Clovelly host an annual Boxing Day BBQ and free entry to the village for the occasion. This gives you the chance to explore this quaint, unique village, and indulge in a treat that’s usually only reserved for the summer months!

Rosemoor’s Winter Sculpture Exhibition

RHS Rosemoor is another fantastic place to visit on Boxing Day; while the gardens are a fascinating sight all year around, you’ll be able to wander through the Winter Sculpture Exhibition and take in the beauty with all the family. Then, head to the café for some delicious treats!

Beat the Fox fun run

For the fitness fanatics, we’d recommend joining in with Beat the Fox, a 5k fun run where you’ll be chasing a fantastic fox - or someone dressed as one, anyway!

Boxing Day sales

Shopping is a traditional Boxing Day activity where you can grab yourself a bargain to celebrate the season. We’d recommend heading to the cities of Exeter or Plymouth for the best experience, while Barnstaple, Exmouth and Torquay have a smaller selection but tend to be a little less busy!

Where to stay

Now you’ve got all the inspiration you need to fill your Christmas itinerary, it’s time to find a place to stay!

Our collection features more than 1,000 cottages across the beauty of Devon to suit every party. If you’re looking for a grand house for a party, our best celebration houses are sure to inspire, or maybe a coastal cottage with a wintry sea view is more your cup of tea? Take a look at our cosiest cottages for Christmas and you’ll be sold on the idea of booking one of our Devon cottages for a week or two; the tricky part is narrowing the list down to your absolute favourite!

With fun-filled family-friendly holiday homes, dog-friendly abodes and romantic retreats just for two, find your perfect property today.