Dartmoor is a fabulous place to enjoy Christmas! Choc full of lovely old buildings with low beams and log fires, great places to eat and the most wonderful winter wonderland for walks – what more could you want? To be honest, we are spoilt for choice, but here are some suggestions of where to go for a truly traditional Christmas.
A beautiful spot whatever the time of year, the Bearslake Inn has a ‘Wine, dinner and Christmas Songs’ menu on offer on Friday 8th and 15th December. There’s a three-course menu, mulled wine and singers all for £32.50 per person. If you really want to make a night of it, there’s a 10% discount on accommodation too. Early booking essential and menu choices needed in advance, so don’t delay!
A delightful old coaching inn in the middle of this moorland town, renowned for its friendly staff, open fires and good food. A great place for a traditional Christmas meal, as well as a delicious party menu, they are also offering a special accommodation deal for those wanting to stay the night of the party. £40 for a single room, £60 for a double, £10 per person for breakfast.
If you’d rather do your own thing and organise a house party, may we suggestion this historic 400 year old manor house? Ancient and remote with glorious views, it’s a comfortable house that sleeps 14. Situated half way up a hill in an isolated and quiet position, it is within easy reach of local amenities. The views across Dartmoor and Widecombe are among the best in Devon. The property is set within its own grounds of about 30 acres and has direct access to the moor, some of which belongs to the property. Just think of the partying potential!
Dickensian Tavistock
If you like your Christmas very traditional, you’ll be delighted by Tavistock’s Dickensian evening which includes the switching on of the Christmas lights, and an opportunity for people to start their Christmas shop and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Be transported back to the ‘olde world’ with shop owners and their staff embracing the traditional dress, stalls selling roasted chestnuts and even steam engines adding to the atmosphere. The famous Pannier Market also stays open late for this event, with traders also adding to the atmosphere of the evening by dressing in appropriate attire. It’s all happening on Friday 1st December.
And don't forget to pop along to The Bedford Hotel for their pop-up Craft Ale ||Bar, tasty pulled pork baps, warming mulled wine and terribly tempting mince pies. Craft Ale Bar from 5pm. Full evening menu from 6pm.
Steeped in history, the beautiful Oxenham Arms in the pretty village of South Zeal is a former 12th-century monastery - the oldest heritage inn in Devon and Cornwall. They have a three-course Christmas party menu on offer and, if you are looking for somewhere to stay, their bedrooms have a profusion of panelling, four-poster beds and plenty of beams. There is even a room that Charles Dickens, Mr Christmas himself, is said to have stayed!
If you want to push the boat out, then the Hotel Endsleigh is for you. A stunning property with superb food, service and gorgeous Christmas decorations, you will be in for a real treat. They have a delicious three-course Christmas lunch on offer for parties of six or more for £27, pre-booking is essential and all bookings require pre-orders seven days prior to your reservation.
Chagford
The Stannary town of Chagford is a lovely place to visit at Christmas. Small, but perfectly formed, it has cafés, pubs and shops full of quirky and unusual gifts. From the wonderfully traditional James Bowden & Sons (which sells absolutely everything!) to 30 The Square, Divine or Casa Magnolia, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are plenty of pubs to choose from and for superb food, try The Chagford Inn. Famous for its special beef menu, this little pub has built up a great foodie following. Have a look at their website for their Christmas offerings.
Bookings are now open for a deeply indulgent Festive Afternoon Teas at the Two Bridges Hotel in the heart of Dartmoor. Mulled wine, dainty sandwiches, warm scones and a feast of cakes, all served in the historic surroundings of the Two Bridges Hotel, where wild Dartmoor countryside and crackling log fires set the scene. Available 3pm-5pm every day throughout December, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. £20 per person including mulled wine, or £16.50 without mulled wine.
And if all these preparations are getting too much, escape the countdown to Christmas for a few days, with a relaxing and rejuvenating Pre-Christmas Getaway at the Two Bridges Hotel. Think bracing walks, fresh Dartmoor air, crackling log fires, comfy beds and fabulous food, and you're halfway there. The hotel takes on a very special feel at this special time of year. The Christmas decorations are tasteful and traditional, and the unmistakable smells of warm mulled wine and home-made mince pies are hard to resist.
Pre-Christmas Getaway includes:
Traditional mulled wine on arrival
Your warm, welcoming and individually styled room
Three course dinner each evening, in our award-winning restaurant
Full Dartmoor Breakfast each morning
From £70 per person, per night. Available 1st – 22nd December 2017.