Cosy fires, coastal walks and winter feasts – discover the best winter breaks across the South West this season
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor
For a slice of pure indulgence before the festive rush begins, book a midweek retreat on dazzling Dartmoor at Bovey Castle. Roam the hotel’s grounds and the wonderful wilderness of Dartmoor before perfecting your swing on the golf course, or work up an appetite with an afternoon swim and spa treatment before retreating to the winter warmth of an open fire.
The food and drink scene is devilishly tempting. Savour carefully crafted dishes at the award-winning Great Western Grill, where locally sourced ingredients play a starring role. For something more casual but equally delicious, grab a table at Smith’s Brasserie and pick at delicious small plates and nibbles.
Between November 3 and December 17, Bovey Castle is offering a super-tempting deal: 20 per cent off its winter escape package, including a complimentary room upgrade.
Captains Club Hotel & Spa, Christchurch
If blissful views are essential to your winter getaway, Captains Club Hotel and Spa is the answer. This Christchurch hotel offers excellent views from every single room.
Go all out with an elegant two- or three-bedroom suite – all water-facing, naturally. Drink in the calming waterfront views of the River Stour peppered with bobbing boats and buoys before indulging yourself at the award-winning spa: float in the hydrotherapy pool, detox in the sauna and fully flop out in one of the treatment rooms.
As evening draws in, take a seat at the two AA rosette restaurant and dine in laid-back comfort before moving to the recently refurbished Quay Bar. Keep the winter blues at bay with a post-dinner digestif, expertly shaken and stirred by an award-winning mixologist.
The Alverton, Truro
A Cornish winter getaway at this Grade II-listed building, which oozes romance, might be just what’s needed to get through the post-Christmas slump.
With its bell tower, arched windows, ivy-wrapped walls and curved archways, The Alverton is arguably best experienced in winter. By day, stomp through frosty fields or wander into the heart of Truro, just a short walk from this historic hotel hidden on the hillside. After a day’s adventures, melt into an armchair by a crackling fire with a good book.
It’s no surprise that at The Alverton restaurant, chefs pay as much attention to detail as the staff do to the hotel rooms. Indulge in foraged, fished and farmed Cornish ingredients at the two AA rosette restaurant, overlooking the lawns and ancient trees that surround the hotel.
Stein’s, Padstow
For the finest seafood, boutique browsing and bracing coastal walks, get yourself over to Padstow.
Food Lifestyle readers can enjoy an exclusive offer on a two-night winter getaway at Stein’s. The experience includes bed and breakfast, dinner at Rick Stein’s flagship The Seafood Restaurant, and a second evening at Rick Stein’s Cafe, where seasonal coastal fare comes with an Asian twist.
The offer is available on all rooms from November 11 to March 26. Each space has been expertly designed by Jill and Kate Stein to balance coastal luxury with homely comfort – ideal for lazy mornings and storm-watching. To make your stay extra special, add a thoughtful room treat: a bottle of Rick’s Champagne perhaps? A beach picnic? Or how about some treats and accessories for gorgeous canine companions?
Some date exclusions apply – click here to redeem the offer.
The Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth
This waterside bolthole in Cornwall offers countless ways to indulge in true winter comfort.
It’s the perfect location for wintry, windswept beach walks followed by steaming mugs of something hot (mulled ideally, but take your pick) and plates of comforting classics – these are just some of the pleasures on offer at this coastal idyll. Wake to a harbour sunrise, swim in the crisp waters (uber-refreshing at this time of year), then warm up and recharge in the wood-fired sauna, where you can join a communal session, or hire it privately for up to ten people – ideal for some fam-and-friends R&R.
In the evening, tuck into unfussy coastal cookery at the Water’s Edge restaurant, where the menu changes seasonally to celebrate the best of local produce. For after-dinner fun, head to the Water’s Edge bar for craft beers and cocktails featuring artisan spirits made by local distilleries.
