Devon is a relaxing place in the winter where you’ll find a slower pace of life away from the crowds. Enjoy long bracing walks on the beach or explore the beautiful countryside followed by a warming coffee and cake at one of the many local cafes that are open year round.
Of course the climate is typically and unpredictably English so you’re just as likely to find crisp bright sunshine as mist or rain so come prepared for anything. The mild salty sea air makes snow a rare occurrence, although it’s not completely unheard of.
There are plenty of cosy pubs with log fires in Sidmouth and the surrounding villages where you can take refuge from inclement weather.
Christmas shopping in and around Sidmouth
In the run up to Christmas, Sidmouth’s unique blend of familiar high street names and independent local shops, galleries and boutiques are a rich source of gift ideas.
The town has an interesting mix of jewellery shops to suit different budgets. Treat someone special to an original hand crafted piece or find something small and precious at a traditional high end jewellers.
Half an hour away and just across the Dorset border is Lyme Regis which has a fascinating mix of unusual local shops and galleries. A walk on the Cobb can be quite exhilarating (although it’s best seen from a distance in stormy weather and high winds!).
30 minutes drive in the other direction is the cathedral city of Exeter with it’s cosmopolitan shopping centre, Christmas market and plenty of cafes where you can take a well earned break from a day’s shopping.
Otterton Mill is a short drive from Sidmouth and has a gallery and craft shop which is ideal for gift shopping, plus a cafe with plenty of warming home baked goodies (made using flour milled on site).
Devon is well known for its farming and the many farm shops in the area are ideal places to stock up on locally made preserves, ales and cider.
Festive events in the local area:
- Exeter cathedral hosts evening carol concerts as well as special Christmas services and there’s a Christmas market on the Cathedral Green.
- The Donkey Sanctuary has special events such as a Christmas carol concert by candle light.
- Killerton House is owned by the National Trust and is decorated for Christmas from 1st December. There’s a Christmas trail and wreath making workshops. There’s a gift shop as well as a cafe and restaurant and late night opening on Fridays and Saturdays in December.
- The Radway Cinema shows the current Christmas movies in very civilised surroundings. Some of the seats have tables between them for your coffee, tea and popcorn.
- On the Seaton Tramway you can visit Santa on their Polar Express themed trams on certain dates in December.
- The Manor Pavilion theatre has a variety of festive shows including, of course, a pantomime.