Winter breaks in South Devon
What's open around Dartmouth this winter, from Christmas lights to empty beaches, plus where to stay with a hot tub. Written by the team at Leonards Cove, on the clifftop at Stoke Fleming.
Book ahead for the Train of Lights (27 Nov to 30 Dec) and Christmas at Greenway or Coleton Fishacre. For quiet days, walk the coast path, then finish in a hot tub under dark skies.
What's on this winter
Christmas Train of Lights
The Dartmouth Steam Railway runs its Train of Lights from Paignton through the Greenway tunnel to Kingswear and back, about 80 minutes, on selected evenings from 27 November to 30 December 2026. Booking is essential, and only assistance dogs are allowed.
Christmas at Greenway
Greenway is open 11am to 4pm on weekends from 21 November to 20 December, then daily from 27 to 31 December 2026, with a 1940s Christmas theme. Book car parking online in advance.
Christmas at Coleton Fishacre
Open 11am to 4pm on weekends from 21 November to 13 December, then daily from 16 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day), with a Roaring Twenties theme.
Steam trains and river cruises
Steam trains run in November and December, then again from 13 February 2027. River cruises leave Dartmouth on Tuesdays and Saturdays, on heated boats, but not from 19 December to 12 February.
Empty beaches and the coast path
Winter is the best time for dog walks on the beach. Blackpool Sands welcomes dogs from 1 October, and the coast path runs straight from the park.
Hot tubs under dark skies
The skies over the park are dark enough for proper stargazing. A clear winter night in your own hot tub is hard to beat.
Winter at a glance
| What | When (2026 to 2027) |
|---|---|
| Christmas Train of Lights | Selected evenings, 27 Nov to 30 Dec |
| Greenway at Christmas | Weekends 21 Nov to 20 Dec; daily 27 to 31 Dec |
| Coleton Fishacre at Christmas | Weekends 21 Nov to 13 Dec; daily 16 Dec to 3 Jan (closed 25 and 26 Dec) |
| Steam trains | November, December, then from 13 Feb |
| River cruises from Dartmouth | Tuesdays and Saturdays, except 19 Dec to 12 Feb |
| Enid's Place yurt | Open all year |
Where to stay
Enid's Place yurt
Our glamping yurt for two is open all winter, with a wood-burner and a private hot tub with sea views.
See the yurtQuestions
Is Leonards Cove open in winter?
Yes. Enid's Place glamping yurt is open all year, and you can check winter dates for our holiday homes online. The bell tents are seasonal.
When is the Train of Lights in 2026?
Selected evenings from 27 November to 30 December 2026, from Paignton to Kingswear and back. Booking is essential.
Are dogs allowed on Blackpool Sands in winter?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on Blackpool Sands from 1 October to 30 April.
Is Greenway open at Christmas?
Yes, 11am to 4pm on weekends from 21 November to 20 December 2026, then daily from 27 to 31 December. Book parking online in advance.
What can we do on a winter break near Dartmouth?
Walk the coast path, take a steam train or river cruise, visit Greenway or Coleton Fishacre at Christmas, then relax in a private hot tub under dark skies.