Events | What's On | The Imperial Hotel

Plan Your Stay in North Devon

Here are some of the highlights of events happening locally to help you plan your trip...

If you want to experience all that North Devon has to offer then fill your break with North Devon events. From weekend festivals, boat racing to escaping to another world at RHS Rosemoor. North Devon has so much to offer and you can do as little or as much as you like.

Plan an even more memorable stay and take a look at what's happening over the next couple of months, and see what you could get up to on your next North Devon break.

Imperial Hotel Restaurant Dining Christmas Red Wine Poached Pear and Blue Cheese Parfait

Festive Lunches

16 Nov - 22 Dec 2026

Gather your favourite friends, family or work colleagues and celebrate the festive season. Set in the heart of North Devon this leading restaurant is the perfect venue for your Christmas lunches.

Festive Afternoon Tea

16 Nov - 22 Dec 2026

Enjoy an extra special Christmas treat as you indulge in our festive afternoon tea. With the fire glistening beside you let your troubles melt away as you sink into our cosy lounge enjoying a traditional afternoon tea with a festive twist.

arlington court | nature| national trust

Christmas at Arlington Court

21 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027

Celebrate "A Storybook Christmas" at Arlington Court with classic literary-themed house decorations, an interactive outdoor story trail, and traditional green Father Christmas visits. Families can also enjoy special late-night open evenings featuring marshmallow-toasting, crafts, live carols, festive food, and local gift shopping.

Imperial Hotel Restaurant Dining Festive Christmas Roast Turkey and Vegetables

Festive Gala Dinners

21 Nov - 19 Dec 2026

Gather work colleagues, friends or family and enjoy a 4-course festive gala dinner plus a complimentary festive cocktail and live music! Whether it’s your work Christmas party, family get-together or you just want to relish in the festive cheer then the luxury of The Imperial Hotel is the place for you.

Santa’s Mistletoe Lodge Grotto

26 Nov - 24 Dec 2026

Visit Santa’s Mistletoe Lodge Grotto at Green Lanes Shopping Centre in Barnstaple. Kids can meet Father Christmas, take a keepsake photo, share their wish list, and receive a gift straight from the workshop.

Christmas Lights at Boutport Street Barnstaple

Barnstaple Christmas lights switch-on

26 Nov 2026

Kick off the festive season at Barnstaple’s Christmas lights switch-on, featuring the official town light switch-on, live entertainment, local food and drink, and late-night shopping at the historic Pannier Market and High Street.

the big sheep | christmas | santa | festive

Christmas at The Big Sheep

28 Nov - 24 Dec 2026

Celebrate the magic of the season at The Big Sheep this year. Enjoy festive activities for all the family, seasonal treats, fun rides and the chance to meet Santa himself.

Lynton & Lynmouth Christmas Shopping

28 - 29 Nov 2026

This year, the charming twin towns of Lynton & Lynmouth are pulling out all the stops for an extended Christmas Weekend. Promising twinkling lights, festive markets, community competitions and heart-warming entertainment for the whole family.

North Devon Christmas Market

5 Dec 2026

The North Devon Christmas Market is one of the largest outdoor holiday markets in the region, featuring over 150 stalls with crafts, gifts, and festive treats alongside a wide variety of international food and drink. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy live entertainment - including choirs, acoustic music, dancers, and carol singing. As well as children's rides and inflatables, making it a complete festive experience for all ages.

The Magic of Christmas at The Milky Way

5 - 23 Dec 2026

Step into a world of festive wonder at The Magic of Christmas at The Milky Way Adventure Park.

Staff member opening cloche to reveal Christmas present

New Year's Day Lunch

1 Jan 2027, 12 - 2pm

New Year’s Day lunch at the Imperial Hotel: a festive feast of fine dining, elegant ambience, and joyful celebration to welcome the year ahead.

Imperial Hotel Restaurant Dining Area Decorated for Christmas

Boxing Day Lunch

26 Dec 2027, 12 - 2pm

Keep the festive magic alive with a delicious Boxing Day lunch. Relax, indulge in wonderful food and enjoy precious moments with family and friends.

More from The Imperial Hotel

Imperial Hotel Couple Walking along the River Taw

Things To Do

Make your stay memorable as you explore what North Devon has to offer. There are great activities available close to the Imperial Hotel, to make your stay at our elegant 4 star hotel even more memorable. Here are some of our top choices for amazing things to do.

Imperial Hotel Exterior View with Flower Beds

News

Keep up-to-date with The Imperial Hotel's latest news. Be inspired for your next hotel break in Barnstaple, North Devon. Use our blogs as a guide to find out more about the must-sees, hidden treasures and local news.

Imperial Hotel Accommodation (207) Bed Cushions

Offers & Breaks

Enjoy a relaxing break in luxury, check out our latest Offers & Breaks. Book now & you could very soon be relaxing in sheer luxury at the Imperial Hotel.

Imperial Hotel Exterior View from River Taw

About Us

Set by the River Taw, the Imperial Hotel is the leading luxury hotel in Barnstaple and the surrounding North Devon area. With its sweeping oak staircase and lavish soft furnishings, the Imperial Hotel captures the magic and style of a lovely country house.

What's On Locally