Christmas & New Year
Festive Breaks at The Old Dairy!
Are you looking for the perfect place to spend the festive period or an exclusive way to spend Christmas with friends or family this year or a truly unforgettable way to see in the New Year? Then join us for a unique & memorable experience at The Old Dairy B&B and Holiday Cottage. We are open for Christmas, BeTwixt, and New Year Festive Breaks. After the most difficult of years, it’s time to let the festivities begin and have a Christmas like no other!
The Festive Season is a very special time of year and what better way to enjoy this magical time of year than relaxing in our beautiful B&B or Holiday Cottage. We have space for up to 10 guests between the two properties, six guests in our B&B and four guests in our Holiday Cottage giving you the flexibility to book as a couple, party of four or a larger group whilst enjoying your own space. Our local pubs are all serving Festive Menus, with many open Christmas Day. Or for a truly memorable experience why not book at Michael Caines’ Michelin Star Lympstone Manor which is on our doorstep! The New Year Gala Dinner & Firework Display is unforgettable.
Christmas or New Year at The Old Dairy is like Christmas at home but better! Our B&B and Cottage will be festively decorated ready for you to simply relax & enjoy. (If you prefer to relax in the cottage without any decorations please let us know).
The Festive Season is wonderful in Devon and there is so much going on. Or if you fancy just getting away from it all we are on hand to recommend fabulous walks or bike rides along the SW Coast Path or Exe Estuary Trail. We are just two miles from stunning Exmouth Beach, the most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast, and a short drive from the breathtaking Dartmoor National Park!
Here are a few of our favourite events, festive shows and light displays.
Exeter Christmas Market
Thursday 18th November – Saturday 18 December.
Located in the heart of the City at Cathedral Green Exeter’s Christmas Market is the ultimate destination for shoppers and tourists. This year there will be Bavarian- style chalets offering global cuisine, pop-up bars, local traders and craftspeople selling unique gifts and decorations – all accompanied by a programme of live entertainment.
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Dartington Village & Christmas Market
For the very best of West Country Christmas treats and unique gifts visit Dartington Village near Totnes. Late night shopping takes place on 7, 14, 21 December. The Christmas Market is on the weekends of 4th – 5th December, 11 – 12th December and 18 – 19 December.
Darts Farm Christmas Food Festival
Discover the best festive treats and foodie gifts with festive tastings from the many fantastic local producers. In-house masterclasses with local artisan producers from Butchery to Cheese and Floristry. Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th November.
Topsham Big Switch On and Late Night Shopping
This firm tradition begins the magic of Christmas in Topsham Friday 26th November 5pm. Followed by late night shopping on Tuesday 30th November. With a backdrop of the sparkliest, twinkliest show of lights around and festive street musicians and over 50 independent retailers, late night shopping in Topsham is a very special festive evening. St Margaret’s Church evening market is a must for unique gifts, decorations and festive treats. Combine it with enjoying a drink or supper at one of the many great places to dine in Topsham.
Exeter Christmas Light Switch On & Late Night Shopping
Christmas in Exeter is going to be bigger and better than ever before! The Big Light Switch on will take place on Sunday 18th November. A fun filled festive day with live music and entertainment culminating in the switch on at 5pm. Late Night shopping every Thursday evening throughout November/December.
Stuart Line Cruises
Take time out of the busy festive season to sit back, relax and enjoy Christmas in Devon on the sheltered waters of the Exe Estuary. The festively decorated boats have heated lower decks with cosy blankets or enjoy plenty of fresh air on the upper deck. You will be welcomed with a glass of homemade mulled wine and a tasty mince pie!
Christmas at Powderham Castle
28th November – 31st December 2021
Powderham Castle’s light walk returns this Christmas along with extra indoor festive displays. The Castle doors will be thrown open to visitors so they can explore the decorated state rooms and experience a Victorian Christmas below stairs. The magical light walk will extend over a mile from the panoramic deer park views to the secret garden through enchanted woodlands. With music, delicious food and warming mulled wine and cider bars this is a festive event not to be missed.
Christmas at Killerton House, National Trust
Deck the Halls! Festive spirit will fill the house with traditionally decorated rooms and sumptuous garlands. Enjoy a stroll around the winter garden and a moment of peace in the chapel with its decorated Christmas Trees. Or visit after dark and enjoy an illuminated trail through festive gardens with a sprinkling of festive cheer and over a million lights whilst enjoying a spiced winter warmer or hot chocolate!
Train of Lights at Dartmouth Steam Railway
24th November to 30th December
This magical illuminated journey through the South Devon countryside is the must see event in the festive calendar.
Exeter Winter Wonderland
Set in the heart of the city centre this magical Winter Wonderland is a magical day out with its ice rink and locally sourced festive refreshments.
White Christmas the Musical at The Theatre Royal, Plymouth direct from the West End.
This timeless romantic comedy will warm your heart and with class songs including the timeless White Christmas will add a little festive cheer.
Carols in the Caves at Kents Cavern
7, 9 & 16 December.
Get into the festive spirit with this magical Christmas concert in the Vestibule Chamber before walking around the caves singing carols by candlelight. The Yours in Harmony Choir will perform carols whilst you enjoy a glass of festive cheer in the Great Chamber.
Christmas Day Swim
One of Exmouth’s Grandest Traditions isThe Christmas Day Swim! If you are not taking part there is no better way to see it than from the warmth and comfort of Stuart Line Cruises! You will set sail at 10.45 am and head off along the seafront. You will be kept warm and toasty on board with a glass of mulled wine and mince pie. After the spectacle of the Christmas Day swim you will take a leisurely cruise up the River Exe before returning to Exmouth Marina.
