Christmas in South Devon: A Festive Break at Malston Mill Farm

Looking for a Christmas break in South Devon? Discover Christmas markets, carol services, festive dining, coastal walks and New Year celebrations – all within easy reach of Malston Mill Farm near Kingsbridge.

There is something wonderfully peaceful about Christmas in South Devon.

While the summer crowds have disappeared, the countryside and coast take on a magical winter atmosphere. Village churches fill with Christmas carols, Kingsbridge comes alive with festive events and the South Devon coastline is perfect for crisp winter walks.

And at the end of the day, you can return to the warmth and comfort of your own cottage at Malston Mill Farm, just outside Kingsbridge.

With cosy accommodation, four-poster beds, extensive leisure facilities and beautiful grounds, Malston Mill makes a wonderful base for a Christmas holiday in Devon.  Check availability here

Christmas at Malston Mill Farm

We make Christmas at Malston Mill Farm a little bit special.

During the festive season, our 15-foot Christmas tree takes pride of place in the courtyard, beautifully lit up to welcome guests home. We also illuminate our games areas, creating a lovely atmosphere when the winter evenings draw in.

Inside your cottage, you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of self-catering accommodation. There is no hotel timetable to follow and no need to dress up for breakfast – simply relax and enjoy Christmas at your own pace.

Our cottages are full of character and provide a comfortable base for couples, families and groups.

For a romantic festive break, selected cottages also feature four-poster beds, making those dark winter mornings particularly inviting.

Whether you’re looking for a family Christmas in Devon, a romantic Christmas getaway or somewhere for friends and family to spend the festive season together, Malston Mill offers plenty of space to relax.

 

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Christmas in Kingsbridge

One of the joys of staying at Malston Mill is being close to Kingsbridge, the historic market town at the heart of the South Hams.

Kingsbridge is particularly attractive during the Christmas season, with independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants providing plenty of opportunities for some festive shopping or a leisurely lunch.

Christmas Eve carol services near Kingsbridge

For many families, going to a Christmas Eve carol service is one of the highlights of Christmas.

There are a number of beautiful village churches within easy reach of Malston Mill Farm, including churches around Kingsbridge, Stokenham, Thurlestone, South Huish and the surrounding South Hams villages.

Christmas service times are generally confirmed closer to the festive season, so we recommend checking the latest parish information if you are staying with us over Christmas.

A candlelit carol service in one of the area’s historic village churches can be a particularly memorable part of a Christmas break in South Devon.

Christmas dinner in South Devon

One of the great advantages of a self-catering Christmas cottage is having the choice.

You can prepare your own Christmas dinner and enjoy it in the comfort of your cottage, or leave the cooking and washing up to one of the area’s pubs, restaurants or hotels.

Christmas lunch in Kingsbridge

The Seven Stars in Kingsbridge is already advertising its 2026 Christmas programme, including festive dining throughout the season and a three-course Christmas Day menu.

For something a little more luxurious, Thurlestone Hotel is offering a Christmas 2026 programme including festive dining and Christmas Day celebrations.

There are also plenty of welcoming pubs and restaurants around Kingsbridge, Stokenham, Thurlestone and Hope Cove.

If you’re planning to eat out on Christmas Day, we recommend booking early as tables can be limited.

Christmas walks in South Devon

After Christmas lunch, there is nothing better than getting outside for some fresh air.

The South Hams is ideal for winter walking, with beautiful countryside and some spectacular coastal scenery.

From Malston Mill Farm, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the farm itself, including the gardens and lake, before venturing further afield.

The South Devon coast is particularly beautiful in winter. Wrap up warm and explore the cliffs, beaches and coastal paths around places such as Salcombe, Hope Cove, Thurlestone and South Milton.

Then head back to Malston Mill, put your feet up and enjoy the warmth of your cottage.

Christmas holidays with leisure facilities

One of the things that makes Malston Mill Farm particularly suitable for a family Christmas in Devon is that there is plenty to do without having to get in the car.

Our leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, gym and indoor games areas.

Challenge the family to a game of pool or snooker, try your hand at table tennis or darts, or simply enjoy some time relaxing together.

And because the games areas are lit up during the festive season, the fun doesn’t have to stop when darkness falls.

 

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A Christmas cottage for couples

Christmas can be wonderful with a house full of family and friends – but it can also be the perfect time for a quiet escape for two.

Imagine waking up in a four-poster bed, taking your time over breakfast and heading out for a winter walk before returning to your cosy cottage.

Spend the afternoon exploring Kingsbridge or the South Devon coast, then come back to the farm as the Christmas lights begin to glow.

There is something very special about having nowhere you need to be.

New Year in South Devon

If you are staying through New Year, there are several local events and celebrations to look out for.

Salcombe RNLI Resolution Fun Run

On 31 December 2026, Salcombe hosts the RNLI Resolution Fun Run – a great way to get some fresh air and exercise before the evening celebrations begin.

You could combine it with lunch in Salcombe, a coastal walk and an afternoon exploring the town before heading back to Malston Mill.

New Year’s Eve at Thurlestone

Thurlestone Hotel is also offering a New Year’s Eve 2026 programme for those looking for a more formal celebration.

New Year’s Eve at Hope Cove

For something special by the coast, The Cottage Hotel at Hope Cove is advertising a three-night New Year’s Eve break from 30 December 2026 until 2 January 2027.

Alternatively, you can keep things simple and celebrate your own way at Malston Mill Farm.

Cook a favourite meal, open something sparkling, gather around the table and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the South Devon countryside.

Why choose Malston Mill Farm for Christmas?

A Christmas break at Malston Mill Farm gives you the best of both worlds.

You are close enough to explore the festive events, restaurants, beaches and villages of the South Hams, while having somewhere peaceful to come home to.

At Malston Mill Farm you’ll find:

  • Cosy self-catering holiday cottages
  • Four-poster beds in selected cottages
  • A beautiful 15-foot illuminated Christmas tree
  • Festively lit games areas
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Sauna and hot tub
  • Gym
  • Indoor games facilities
  • Beautiful gardens and a lake
  • Plenty of space for families and groups
  • Easy access to Kingsbridge and the South Devon coast

Whether you spend your days exploring the South Hams or barely leave the farm, Christmas at Malston Mill is all about having the freedom to enjoy the festive season your way.

 

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Riverside Cottage

Book a Christmas break in South Devon

If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful for a Christmas holiday in Devon, Malston Mill Farm makes a wonderful base for exploring the South Hams.

Enjoy Christmas markets and carols in Kingsbridge, discover the beautiful South Devon coastline, enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner, take a winter walk or simply relax in your cottage and make the most of our leisure facilities.

And when evening arrives, come home to the glow of our 15-foot Christmas tree, the illuminated games areas and the warmth of your own cosy cottage.

Christmas at Malston Mill Farm is about slowing down, spending time together and making memories.

We’d love to welcome you.

Explore our cottages and plan your Christmas or New Year break at Malston Mill Farm.  Check availabilty here