Christmas in Devon: Things to Do, Places to Stay and Festive Breaks

Christmas is a good excuse to get the whole family together, and Devon has accommodation to suit groups of all sizes. From large holiday cottages and country houses to family-friendly hotels and holiday parks, there are plenty of options if you want to spend several days together rather than just Christmas Day. 

A Christmas break also gives you more time to enjoy Devon together. Visit a festive attraction, take the children to see Father Christmas, explore a Christmas market or head out for a winter walk before settling down for Christmas dinner.

Travelling with a dog? There are also plenty of dog-friendly places to stay, so the whole family can come along.

If you are planning a Christmas with extended family or a group of friends, a large Christmas cottage can give everyone space to stay together under one roof.

Look for self-catering accommodation with large kitchens and dining areas where you can prepare Christmas dinner together, or choose a property with a hot tub, games room, garden or cosy lounge for relaxed evenings after a day out.

Devon's towns, villages, coast and countryside all offer different settings for a Christmas cottage. Stay close to the beach for a coastal Christmas, head into the countryside for a rural escape or choose accommodation near one of Devon's towns so you can easily visit shops, restaurants and festive events.

A Christmas break in Devon can be a good option if you are looking for some time away as a couple. Book a coastal hotel, find a countryside retreat or choose a cosy cottage where you can slow down and spend a few days together.

Spend Christmas morning walking beside the sea, book a festive lunch, explore a Devon town or simply make the most of your accommodation. Hotels and spas across Devon can also offer Christmas and New Year packages, giving you the option to leave the cooking and cleaning to somebody else.

For a quieter escape, look towards Devon's coast and countryside, where winter walks and peaceful surroundings make it easy to step away from the usual Christmas rush.

A winter visit to the Devon coast offers a very different experience from a summer beach holiday. The beaches are quieter, coastal towns are less busy and there is more time to enjoy the scenery.

In North Devon, explore the coast around Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Croyde and Saunton. In South Devon, discover seaside towns, harbour villages and beaches around Dartmouth, Salcombe, Torquay and the English Riviera. Further east, the Jurassic Coast provides dramatic winter scenery around East Devon and the coastline near Sidmouth and Seaton.

Wrap up warm and walk beside the sea, follow a section of the South West Coast Path or find a pub or café for lunch afterwards. A Christmas Day beach walk can even become a new festive tradition.

If your idea of Christmas involves a country cottage, muddy boots, roaring fires and a good pub nearby, Devon's countryside is the place to be.

Stay close to Dartmoor or Exmoor, explore the Devon countryside or choose accommodation in one of the county's villages and market towns. There are country houses, rural cottages, farm stays and country hotels where you can make your base for a winter break.

You can spend your days walking, visiting local attractions and exploring villages before returning somewhere warm for the evening. Devon's countryside is also a great choice for a quieter Christmas away from busy towns and cities.

You don't have to wait until Christmas Day to enjoy the festive season in Devon. From November onwards, towns, attractions, gardens and historic houses across the county host Christmas events and seasonal activities.

Take the children to meet Father Christmas, explore a Christmas light trail, visit a festive market or fair, watch a pantomime or enjoy a Christmas show. Many of Devon's attractions also run special festive events, making them a good option for a Christmas day out or family activity during the school holidays.

Christmas markets are another opportunity to discover local food, drink, crafts and gifts while exploring Devon's towns and villages.

There are plenty of things to do in Devon over Christmas, whether you are visiting for the whole festive period or looking for something to do during the school holidays.

Explore Devon's attractions, visit a historic house or garden, take a winter walk, browse the shops, enjoy a festive meal or head to the coast. Families can look for Christmas events and children's activities, while couples and groups can make the most of Devon's restaurants, pubs, attractions and countryside.

If you are staying for several days, you can mix festive events with some of Devon's year-round attractions and outdoor activities.

Fresh air is always welcome after a few days of Christmas food, television and time indoors, and Devon has plenty of places to walk.

Follow the South West Coast Path along the Devon coastline, take a winter stroll across Dartmoor or Exmoor, explore woodland and countryside trails or simply walk from your accommodation into the nearest village.

You don't need to plan a long hike. A short family walk followed by lunch in a pub can make an excellent festive day out, while a longer coastal or countryside walk is a good way to explore more of Devon's winter landscape.

Remember that winter weather can change quickly, particularly on the moors and along the coast, so check conditions and choose a route suitable for everyone in your group.

Christmas shopping can be part of the holiday rather than another job to tick off your list.

Devon's towns and cities are home to independent shops, galleries, craft businesses, markets and local producers, making it easy to find gifts with a Devon connection. Explore Exeter and Plymouth for a wider choice of shops, or visit smaller towns and villages for independent businesses and locally made gifts.

Christmas markets and festive fairs also provide opportunities to buy handmade presents, local food and drink, decorations and gifts while supporting Devon businesses.

Food is a big part of Christmas, and Devon has plenty to offer whether you are cooking at your accommodation or looking for somewhere to eat out.

Book a Christmas lunch at a Devon restaurant or country pub, look for festive menus and seasonal dining experiences, or pick up local produce to use in your own Christmas dinner.

Devon is well known for its local produce, from dairy products and seafood to meat, cider and locally made treats. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation, visiting a farm shop, food market or local producer can also be a good way to stock up for your Christmas stay.

The days between Christmas and New Year have their own particular appeal. The presents have been opened, the leftovers are being eaten and nobody is quite sure what day it is.

This is Twixmas, and it can be a great time to take a short break in Devon.

If you have Christmas commitments elsewhere, use the days between Boxing Day and New Year's Eve for a Devon getaway. Book a hotel, cottage or holiday park and spend a few days walking, eating, exploring and relaxing without the usual Christmas preparations.

Go for a winter walk, visit a town or attraction, book lunch at a pub or restaurant or simply enjoy a few quiet days at your accommodation.

If you are already in Devon for Christmas, why rush home before New Year?

Extend your stay and celebrate the arrival of the new year in a Devon hotel, restaurant, pub or holiday cottage. Look out for New Year's Eve events, special menus and hotel packages, or make your own plans with friends and family.

On New Year's Day, start the year with a walk along the coast, across the countryside or on Dartmoor or Exmoor before heading somewhere warm for lunch.

Whether you are planning a full Christmas holiday, a festive weekend or a few days in Devon between Christmas and New Year, booking ahead will give you the widest choice of accommodation and events.

Start by choosing where you want to stay, then explore Christmas events, things to do, places to eat and winter walks nearby. From a coastal Christmas in North Devon to a countryside escape on Dartmoor, there are plenty of ways to make your festive break your own.

Explore Devon and start planning your Christmas break.