The Shops at Dartington – a one-stop destination on the Dartington Estate.

Do you remember the magic you used to feel as you lined the school hallways in plimsolls, tights and tinsel, ready to recreate the nativity scene for your anxious parents? With aromas of oranges, candles and pine needles wafting through the corridors, you’d feel well and truly ready for Christmas by the time Santa’s sleigh was packed and ready to go.

So why is it that with each year that goes by, it’s harder to feel the magic of Christmas. Instead, it’s tricky seeing past the omnipresent Black Friday madness, traffic congestion and Mariah Carey repeats.

You’ll discover that pockets of Christmassy magic do remain, you just need to know where to look. And I think there are few better places to experience Devon at its festive finest, than at The Shops at Dartington – a one-stop destination on the Dartington Estate.

For two special days each year, the chocolate-box shops are brought to life with fir trees and twinkling lights; transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with everything you need to restore that wholesome festive glow.

This year, their Christmas Fair takes place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th December and it’s not one to be missed.

With live jazz music to swing into the holidays, you can pick up unique gifts for all the family and there’s seasonal food and drink in abundance. There’ll be cooking demonstrations, birds of prey, a 20-strong barbershop choir, Dartington Dairy goats, gin will be distilled in front of your eyes, and you can peruse dozens of stalls from across the South West.

As well as being able to taste some of the finest food and and drink the South West has to offer, Sharpham Wine will be there to introduce some fabulous wines and cheeses to complement the Christmas meal; get into the Christmas spirit with Salcombe Gin and Luscombe tonic samples, taste some handmade macrons from Frandie Macaron; and be the first to try The Shops at Dartington’s very own Elmhirst Gin truffles. To top that off, TV Chef Mal Harradine and South West Chef of the Year’s Sue Stoneman will be demonstrating recipes from the newly launched Devon Cookbook in the food tent.

You’ll have the opportunity to watch live demonstrations, from the intricate art of glass engraving, to pottery making. You can purchase their handmade creations for your loved ones and be sure you’ll have a truly unique gift with a story. There are gift experiences available to buy, including have a go pottery throwing with Crazy about Clay.

I’ll see you there, you’ll find me ticking off a few Christmas shopping bits and maybe picking up something for myself. Y’know, just in case Santa forgets…