Five Things to do in Dartmouth this Christmas
A historic town situated on the stunning river Dart, Dartmouth is a special place to visit at any time of year but at Christmas, even more so. With exciting places to explore and a host of seasonal events to get you in the festive spirit.
If you are in search of a stylish and welcoming base from which to explore the region, then the Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel & Spa has everything you need for a festive getaway. And after a long day’s sight-seeing and Christmas shopping you can rest, relax, and rejuvenate in the Dartmouth Health Club & Spa.
Here, Ian Davies, General Manager, from the hotel picks some of the best things to do in Dartmouth and the surrounding areas over the festive season.
1 Ride the Polar Express at the South Devon Railway
It’s all aboard The Polar Express this Christmas! Take an enchanting and interactive ride on the Polar Express to the North Pole aboard the real steam trains on the South Devon railway. See singing chefs and meet the enigmatic Polar Express conductor as you make your way to Santa and his elves.
Be sure to arrive early and give yourself time to explore the Christmas stalls and watch an exciting pre-show at the station. After your journey, visit Santa’s workshop to find out if you made it to the naughty or the nice list.
The Polar Express runs on selected dates between 20th November – 23rd December. Visit https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/visit-us/whats-on/polar-express/ to find out more and to book.
2 See Santa and Mrs Claus at Paignton Zoo
Santa will be taking time out from his busy Christmas schedule to take up residence in his magical grotto at Paignton Zoo this December and he’s bringing Mrs Claus with him. Visit the zoo and see all its residents this winter, before meeting Father Christmas and his elves and enjoying a festive story time with Mrs Claus.
Booking is essential, visit https://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/events/meet-santa-at-paignton-zoo/ for more information and to book.
3 Relax with a Festive Spa Break at Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel & Spa
Christmas can be a tiring and stressful time of year so treat yourself to some time out to relax and forget all the planning and preparation for a few days. The Festive Spa package includes bed and breakfast for two nights with two treatments and unlimited use of The Dartmouth Spa.
Prices start at £199 per person, visit https://thedartmouthhotel.co.uk/christmas-and-new-year/ for more information on all the Christmas events at the hotel and to book your seasonal stay.
4 See the Train of Lights, Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company, Paignton
A magical Christmas experience awaits at Dartmouth steam railway, the UK’s first steam train of lights. In Paignton, the vintage steam train awaits is passengers decorated with thousands of sparkling lights both inside and out. Once onboard you will journey through Churston and the enchanted forest near Greenway before stopping at Kingswear and returning to Paignton. This award-winning journey will entertain passengers young and old and runs on selected dates from 25th November to 30th December.
Visit https://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/tickets/christmas-train-of-lights for more information and to book.
5 Christmas Events at The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth
Flavel Arts Centre has a host of events this festive season, kicking off with the Britannia Royal Naval College Big Band on 9th December playing a selection of festive and winter favourites. Free mince pies will be on offer during the interval.
If you are more hands on than ‘sing-along’ then channel your creativity into hand-crafting your own unique Christmas Wreath at the centre in a special session run by local gardener and florist Emma Louise Hutchinson who will be on hand to guide and assist crafters to creating a totally unique Christmas decoration. All the materials are included in the workshop, and you’ll even receive a complimentary glass of mulled wine of arrival.
The centre also has Christmas film and fizz nights on throughout December and a host of other events. Visit https://theflavel.org.uk/ for more information and to book.
