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Christmas in Devon and Cornwall

All things Christmassy, from what’s on in Devon and Cornwall to helping you on a personal level

Christmas Whats On

Get into the Christmas Spirit in Devon and Cornwall

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Are you looking for something to get you in the Christmas spirit? Here are some suggestions.

You’ve just about got time to go along to Exeter Cathedral for their Carols in the Cathedral event on 11th and 12th December. Tickets are still available so enjoy an evening with the Exeter Philharmonic Choir.

Also this week, on 12th and 13th, the Palace Theatre in Paignton is going full-on glamour with its Puttin’ on the Ritz in celebration of the golden age of Hollywood. With songs such as White Christmas and Silver Bells you’re bound to come away in a festive mood.

The Donkey Sanctuary will be hosting Carols by Candlelight on 14th December. See the sanctuary lit by thousands of candles from 3pm onwards and the carol service will be in New Barn at 5pm.

Powderham Castle’s Music in the Castle’s offering for Christmas is Handel’s Messiah on 13th and 14th December at 7.30.

The music theme continues with the Dartmoor’s Folk Choir’s Stormy Weather Concert at Ashburton Arts Centre on 22nd December. The choir will be singing winter songs from across the ages and around the world, from medieval to blues, from folk to gospel.

Scorrier House near Redruth will be hosting The Three Harps of Christmas with Ruth Wall playing traditional carols in the grand hall.

Plenty of the region’s hotels are offering festive afternoon teas. Some of the best will be found at Glazebrook Hotel, Bovey Castle, Boringdon Hall, Sidmouth Harbour Hotel, Fowey Hall and Pentillie Castle.

It’s still not too late to catch one of the Christmas markets in the region. Exeter’s Market on the Cathedral Green is on until Sunday 16th December, as is Plymouth’s market. Totnes Night Market is open on 11th and 18th December. The Big Sheep near Bideford is host to two more markets on 15th and 22nd. Healeys Cider Farm at Penhallow is running Christmas markets at weekends in the run-up to Christmas.

The Eden Project’s winter wonderland ice skating rink is back of course and will be open until February next year.

As always, many National Trust properties are putting on wonderful Christmas displays. Saltram House in Plymouth is having a fairy-tale Christmas; Cotehele will be home to the Christmas garland as always; see how the Victorians spent Christmas at Lanhydrock; and Killerton House is transformed in to the world of the Snow Queen.

Christmas Table Main

Make Your Christmas Lunch Sparkle – Decorative Ideas from Devon

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Central to Christmas Day for me is lunch (always very late admittedly) and I like to dress the table to create a bit of a wow factor as everyone gathers round to eat.

I love to create something a bit special every year but it has to be practical too – lunch is normally fairly raucous, loud and busy so the table has to fit in around us rather than the other way round. Tall, expansive arrangements may look fab but can get in the way of seeing and and hearing everyone round the table. So I tend to keep it simple – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be extravagant too.

Key for me are scent, candlelight, glass and colour. If you’re opting for scented candles try not to choose something that’s too sickly, it’ll be overwhelming. It’s really hard to beat the smell of freshly-cut pine or evergreen from the garden so if you have time to add some greenery then do. Even a few sprigs will make a difference, just in a jar, decorating candles or creating a runner down the centre of the table. Don’t be afraid to cheat – if you have an artificial arrangement simply add some fresh greenery to it, especially if you have the berries too.

I always use as many candles and as much glass as possible although that’s not always feasible if you have young children. The combination of candle light sparkling against coloured glass, massed closely together, instantly creates a beautiful soft warmth that’s enchanting. Add some depth with a runner, topped with your greenery, and the result is magical. If you want something with a bit more pazzazz  introduce something more extravagant here, be it vintage baubles, glitz, feathers, kitsch, flowers in abundance – it’s Christmas after all. Otherwise, simply tying your napkins with some ribbon or a simple sprig can be enough. Just go with whatever feels right – and enjoy!

 

Christmas Cooking

Christmas Cookery Courses in Devon and Cornwall

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I had to look recently at cookery courses on offer in Devon and Cornwall. Not surprisingly there are some inspirational Christmas courses still available so if you’re looking for ways to put the sparkle into your Christmas fare, read on.

The long-established Ashburton Cookery School has half- and full-day courses available in December covering just about everything, from baking and bread-making to making chocolate advent calendars, macarons, chocolates and canapés. The advent calendar course is on 25th November – learn how to temper chocolate at home and impress everyone with your very own festive calendar with filled chocolates and dipped chocolate truffles.

River Cottage offers a wide range of courses including baking, curing and smoking, game cooking and a ‘stir-up weekend’ making puddings, mincemeat and truffles. If you’re cooking for vegans then the ‘gluten-free Christmas’ on 7th December may be just what you’re looking for. You’ll learn how to make gluten-free panforte (a traditional Italian pudding with fruit and nuts, similar to florentines but more solid), mince pies and Christmas pud.

Exeter Cookery School on Exeter’s Quay is running a series of half-day Christmas foodie gift-making workshops this month and December. You’ll learn how to make delicious treats such as florentines, marshmallows, chocolate-dipped honeycomb and chocolate truffles complete with packaging; perfect for gifts.

Darts Farm is offering an evening Christmas butchery masterclass on 21st November. Learn how to cook the perfect turkey and watch the butchers prepare some showstoppers which are bound to impress your guests.

And finally, Mark Dodson runs masterclasses at The Masons Arms at Knowstone, the Michelin-starred inn and restaurant on the edge of Exmoor. Mark hosts bespoke masterclasses for small groups, maximum eight, so if you can’t find quite what you’re looking for then create your own theme.

Christmas Things To Do

Christmas What’s On in Devon and Cornwall

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For people coming to stay in Devon or Cornwall over the Christmas holidays there’s plenty of Christmas sparkle on offer to keep you entertained. Here are some suggestions.

Visit Killerton House near Exeter and you’ll be stepping into the world of the Wind in the Willows. This is a Georgian house and estate owned by the National Trust and visitors will be transported through rooms which have been transformed into scenes from Kenneth Grahame’s tales of life on the riverbank and messing about in boats. The theme continues outside with a Wind in the Willows’ inspired family trail through the parkland. Open until 5th January.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without ice skating at the Eden Project. The glittering indoor rink, a perennial favourite, is here once again until 18th February. Always great fun for everyone and a wonderful atmosphere.

South Devon Railway runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes and children can enjoy Santa’s grotto on the special Santa by Steam journeys which run from 16th December through to Christmas Eve.

For the more adventurous there’s the annual Christmas Day Swim at Bude or the Boxing Day Charity Swim at Charlestown. Strictly no wetsuits but for the less hardy there’s plenty of mulled wine and hot chocolate on offer.

Pantos of course. Peter Pan at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth, Dick Whittington at the Northcott in Exeter and Sleeping Beauty in Truro’s Hall for Cornwall.

Christmas in Cornwall wouldn’t be Christmas without the lights in Mousehole. This will be the 54th year of the lights and the big switch-on is happening on Saturday 16th December at 7pm.

You can’t beat a good bracing beach walk at this time of year. There are endless possibilities here of course. Crackington Haven to the Medieval church at St Genny’s offers spectacular views of the bay there on the north Cornwall coast. Enjoy dramatic cliff scenery walking around Lizard Point on the south coast of Cornwall. Walking the promenade and dunes at Marazion is always enjoyable, offering wonderful views across Mount’s Bay. Visit the iconic Church of St Michael de Rupe atop Brentor near Lydford on the western edge of Dartmoor – and maybe at the same time visit Lydford Gorge’s White Lady waterfall. In north Devon start at Croyde and discover Baggy Point with panoramic views along the way. Salcombe is a good starting point for some lovely walks in the South Hams; start at North Sands and follow the coastal path to Bolt Head for starters. I could go on……

 

Christmas Market

Christmas Markets in Devon and Cornwall

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As the evenings get darker, colder and longer, what better way to cheer ourselves up than with some Christmas sparkle. Here’s a selection of some of the Christmas markets taking place across Devon and Cornwall between now and 25th December to get us in the spirit. Wrap up warm, indulge in some festive drink and food, love the entertainment on offer, spoil friends and family with some gorgeous gifts and watch children’s faces light up with the magic of Father Christmas.

Exeter Christmas Market on Cathedral Green, running from Thursday 16th November to Sunday 17th December. Organised by the Cathedral it has a continental feel but local businesses will be taking part too.

Plymouth Christmas Market is on from Thursday 30th November to Thursday 21st December. Armada Way will be transformed with over 50 festive log cabins beautifully lit up with lights galore.

Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre at Lifton is hosting its annual Christmas Market over two weekends this year, 9th/10th and 16th/17th December. Food and craft stalls plus all the fun of the fair.

Tavistock Town Hall is the venue on Saturday 11th November for the Warm Up to Christmas Market, open from 10-4. This is run by Diverse Events and features a wide mix of hand-made and commercial gifts from south west traders.

Totnes market square will see the return of the night market on Tuesdays in December – 5th, 12th and 19th. Very much a locally-based market with local traders, producers and entertainers.

Newton Abbot’s Christmas street fair will be on 20th December and will include a lantern parade.

Kingsbridge Christmas Market is on Saturday 2nd December this year. It includes the farmers market and stalls from across Devon, plus the town’s shops will of course be open to tempt us all.

Saltram House’s Christmas events kick off on Saturday 18th November with its craft and food fair set in the gardens. You can also tour the house and enjoy its magical Christmas decorations.

Braunton will be the place to visit on 2nd December as it’s once again hosting the North Devon Christmas Market with over 150 stalls as well as entertainment, food, drink and all the usual festivities you’d expect.

Padstow will be celebrating its tenth Christmas Festival this year, from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th December. Arts, crafts, food and drink producers, pop up stalls, it has the lot.

Fowey’s Christmas Market will be running from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November. Traders are hand-picked with plenty of choice for hand-made, locally-produced gifts, arts and crafts.

Truro will be hosting the first Winter Gift Fayre from 12th to 17th December at Lemon Quay. Well worth a visit for beautiful gifts and treats. Plus, of course, the Made in Cornwall Christmas Market which will be running from 29th November to 3rd December.

St Ives is home to the Etsy Made Local Christmas Fair from 1st to 3rd December. All the stall holders are Cornwall-based with shops on Etsy. See Father Christmas arrive by boat on the 2nd.

Mount Edgcumbe’s Christmas Fayre is now in its forteenth year and will be held on the weekend of 9th/10th December. Gifts, crafts, cookery demos, food aplenty, it’s all going to be there.

Hayle Christmas Market takes place at South Quay, Hayle Harbour on the weekend of 25th/26th November. Home-made gifts and decorations plus plenty of festive foods and drink.

 

Christmas

I May Be Able To Help You This Christmas

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‘Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling’ – Edna Ferber

And of course it should always be a warm, glowing-type of feeling; a season for coming together, sharing, giving, celebrating.

But let’s face it, there aren’t many of us who can honestly say we haven’t become stressed with Christmas looming: presents not bought, turkey not ordered, the prospect of the whole family arriving en masse yet again…. Pass me that bottle of wine now please, exhausting just thinking about it.

That’s where I’m able to step in and offer a hand. My services lend themselves perfectly to Christmas preparations so if you can feel the panic starting to set in just give some thought as to how I may be able to relieve the pressure:

  • Gift finding and shopping, from single presents to the whole lot, to suit all budgets
  • Gift wrapping
  • Putting together menus for the holiday period and food shopping
  • Decorating your home with Christmas sparkle
  • Help with getting the house ready for guests
  • Party planning

Not an exhaustive list by any means and, as always, I make sure I fit in around you and your needs. But something to think about.

My apologies this is a bare-faced plug for my services – just trying to help you enjoy that Christmas feeling.

Hawksfield

Enjoying Relaxed Shopping Under One Roof

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I can’t believe my thoughts are turning towards Christmas but inevitably they must. Although we’re spoilt for choice in the South West for small town shopping destinations selling such an abundance of one-off, eclectic, gorgeous hand-crafted gifts I do rather like relaxed shopping under one roof.

These are my favourites:

Hawksfield on the A39 near the Cornwall Showground between Padstow and Wadebridge in Cornwall. You can start off your trip here (and end it, why not?) with a coffee at Strong Adolfos which does a particularly good vegetarian breakfast. The Goose Shed sells original vintage interior pieces, unique designed furniture and reclaimed decorative items. Jo & Co is an interior and lifestyle shop selling furniture, interior accessories, tableware and cookware. Wadebridge Flowers always seem to have unusual, stylish plants and flowers on offer, as well as pottery, candles, baskets and small pieces of furniture. For foodies there’s BinTwo at the Arc. Although it’s quite small it’s packed to the gunnels with enticing food from suppliers both local and further afield, including Italy, Sweden and Sardinia.

Darts Farm at Topsham in Devon, an award-winning farm shop well known to many both far and wide. At its heart is the farm shop with its on-site butcher, fishmonger, baker, deli, cider maker and restaurant but it has evolved in to a whole lot more than this too. Stylish interiors and decorative items can be sourced at Orange Tree and Fired Earth and the Aga shop will be hosting ‘An Aga Christmas’ on 7th, 12th and 19th December.  And for the little ones at Christmas there’s a lovely selection of baby and children’s clothing as well as a toy section with high quality toys, games, soft toys and books.

The Shops at Dartington near Totnes, Devon, another shopping gem. There’s an extensive Food Shop selling mainly South West products, an inspiring Craft Centre which is a great, airy space for meandering, the well-equipped Kitchen Shop and a Fashion & Beauty store which always has some beautiful handmade jewellery. There’s a lot more besides as well as some foodie stops including the Venus Café, The Green Table and Bayards Kitchen.

And finally, and probably my favourite, Avon Mill at Loddiswell near Kingsbridge in the South Hams, Devon. This garden centre is tucked away and may be only small but it’s well worth hunting out. As well as the garden centre itself which sells some really interesting and unusual outdoor decorative items, MOSS Trading sells beautiful bouquets, candles and cashmere alongside natural products from Devon artisans and craftsmen. The Gallery showcases Devon arts and crafts complete with a jewellery workshop on site, all in a casual, light-filled space. And Threads Boutique is home to some great, quirky fashion. And of course, as you’d expect, there’s a café too with a deli, with a menu prepared in the kitchen from fresh, seasonal ingredients. From 14th to 29th October, as part of the South Hams Arts Forum’s Arts Trail there’ll be local arts and crafts on show in the greenhouse.

Happy shopping the relaxed way!