If your Christmases seem to be stuck in the same old rut, consider renting a holiday cottage in North Devon and doing something different. Discover the fun activities you can enjoy in North Devon over Christmas and the New Year.
Clovelly at Christmas
Clovelly is a very popular place to visit in North Devon, and Santa seems to think so too! He'll be hanging out there leading a parade down the cobbled step-street to the harbour on the first Sunday in December around 3pm. A local brass band and the Torridge Male Voice Choir will lead the carol singing before tucking in to a hog roast, punch and mince pies. At 5pm the Christmas lights are lit followed by fireworks, all in aid of the RNLI.
Big Sheep Christmas Market
Somewhere popular for all ages is The Big Sheep at Bideford. Children can enjoy the animal attractions and play barn while adults can browse the stalls in the Christmas Market. This is a great opportunity to buy a fresh free-range turkey, local cheeses, chutneys, Christmas cakes and other delicious Devonshire goodies. The Christmas Market takes place here every Saturday in December.
Arlington Court Festivities
Arlington Court near Barnstaple always has plenty to see and do in the extensive stately home, estate grounds and Carriage Museum. The first weekend in December, young visitors can take part in the Faraway Tree Trail at 2:30pm and 3:30pm (booking is essential). This National Trust property also hosts a series of drop-in festive workshops including making Christmas cards and labels, tree decorations and tasty treats.
Festive events range from more advanced hand-decorated Christmas stockings to family-friendly reindeer and sleigh workshops and more. It will also host a Homemade Christmas Fair in November with 50 stallholders selling hampers, jewellery, decorations and homeware. Mulled wine, mince pies and lamb burgers fresh from the estate will all be available making this a full day out.
A Victorian Christmas at Knightshayes
Knightshayes Court really gets into the spirit of Christmas past with a Victorian Christmas. The magnificent Gothic mansion is decorated as it would have been for a Victorian family Christmas and Santa is dressed in green as per the Victorian tradition. It will host four seasonal concerts in the Great Hall, performed by local choirs and tickets can include a buffet supper beforehand in the Stables Restaurant.
As well as all these main events, there are local Christmas Fairs, carol services, festive menus, pantomimes and theatrical productions throughout North Devon. They are all designed to help visitors and locals alike celebrate the festive season. Enjoy it all!
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.