What’s New For 2025?
This year we’re excited to introduce a Festive Murder Mystery Night — perfect for group stays or couples looking for something different. Look out for confirmed dates and booking info, coming soon.
Rooms book up quickly — secure your festive stay today and make Christmas 2025 unforgettable.
Take a look at our Festive Brochure to find out more.
Festive Murder Mystery
The Lion’s Share is the name of our seasonal murder mystery event. Once again, we have teamed up with the cast from Atlantic Coast Theatre’s, Murder we Wrote, to provide a festive evening of fun, food and celebrations. You can expect the wonderful Carlton hospitality woven into a dramatic evening.
Welcome to the 1920s country house drama of The Lion’s Share. Imagine you’ve come through the Winter snow through the front door as the drama unfolds. The family fall out over the spoils of a will. You’re guaranteed a murder or two, a welcome drink, a four-course festive menu and a night to remember!
Feel free to dress the part for this evening.
£44 per person.
- Cocktail on arrival *
- A special festive menu
- Entertainment
* alternative drinks available
Friday 12 December
Tickets strictly limited – reserve yours today. Call us on 01271 862446 or use the booking link button below
Christmas Holiday
Experience the magic of Christmas with a four-night festive retreat from December 24–28, 2025. Nestled in the heart of Ilfracombe, our welcoming, dog-friendly hotel offers the perfect setting to unwind and celebrate the season in comfort and style. With beautifully refurbished rooms, indulgent dining, live entertainment, and thoughtful touches throughout, this Christmas getaway promises exceptional food, warm hospitality, and cherished memories—whether you’re joining us with family, friends, or your four-legged companion.
Christmas Eve – Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Arrive in Ilfracombe mid-afternoon, with check-in available from 3pm. Settle into your room, then relax with afternoon tea or coffee and cake in our lounge.
Dinner: Enjoy a delicious three-course meal from 6pm in The Brasserie, followed by live entertainment on the Stage from 8pm.
Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25, 2025
Start your day with a full Devon breakfast from 8am, featuring freshly prepared hot items and a Continental buffet selection.
Christmas Lunch is served from 1pm. Begin with canapés and chilled Champagne before a luxurious six-course festive feast. A light buffet will be available from 7pm.
Boxing Day – Friday, December 26, 2025
Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast served from 8am. Lunch is included as part of your festive package. Afternoon tea and handmade cakes will be served around 3pm in the lounge.
Another indulgent three-course dinner will be served from 6pm in The Brasserie. Live entertainment starts at 8:30pm in Stage, with the bar open until 11:30pm.
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Fuel your day with breakfast from 8am. Whether you stay local or venture out, we’ll prepare a picnic lunch for your convenience. Enjoy another round of tea or coffee with cakes in the lounge in the afternoon.
Dinner is served from 6pm, with choices from our three-course menu. The bar remains open until 11:00pm.
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Start the day with a full English breakfast, or opt for lighter buffet options before you check out. We wish you a safe journey home and hope your holidays continue to sparkle.
We look forward to welcoming you back for New Year’s or in 2026!
Festive Dining throughout December
From midweek meet-ups to weekend catch-ups, our Festive Menu brings people together all December long. Enjoy a two- or three-course seasonal menu with welcome fizz, crackers, coffee and mince pies included.
∙ Lunch: Book for six or more and enjoy a relaxed, joyful afternoon.
∙ Dinner: Served nightly from 6pm in our Brasserie.
Book Your Meal Below
Christmas Eve Dinner
Enjoy a delicious three-course meal from 6pm in The Brasserie, followed by live entertainment on the Stage from 8pm.
Christmas Day Lunch
Our Christmas Day Lunch at the Carlton offers six courses of pure indulgence, crafted from scratch with the finest local ingredients. Enjoy unparalleled hospitality in our stylish, ambient surroundings, where every detail is designed for your comfort and enjoyment.
Lunch is served from 12.45 p.m. onwards in our Brasserie, starting with a welcome glass of champagne and delectable canapés upon arrival. The price for this exceptional Christmas Day lunch is £89.00 per adult and £45 per child (under 15 years old).
Booking is essential, and we kindly request a full pre-order by early December. A £25 deposit per guest is required, with the remaining balance due by December 1st. Please note that deposits are non-refundable. Once you reserve your table, only reasonable changes to numbers or choices will be accommodated.
To book your table or discuss any options, please call us at 01271 862446.
Our Christmas Day lunch is open to both residents and non-residents. We will also be serving a Boxing Day Lunch for all to enjoy.
Experience a memorable Christmas Day lunch at the Carlton, where exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality meet in perfect harmony.
Festive Afternoon Tea
Boxing Day Lunch
If you’re staying with us, then unwind and join us at your convenience for a delightful Boxing Day lunch.
For those looking to take a break from holiday cooking, gather your family and friends and head to The Carlton. Our Boxing Day lunch special menu promises a memorable meal and a festive atmosphere.
What’s included:
- Three course lunch menu
- Children’s options
- Welcome drink
- Christmas crackers
- Mince pies & coffee
Christmas Party Nights
Saturdays 6th, 13th & 20th
New Year’s Holiday
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with a stylish three-night New Year’s escape at The Carlton in Ilfracombe. Thoughtfully planned to blend gourmet dining, elegant entertainment, and relaxed luxury, this experience includes our signature Gala Dinner and Dance—ensuring the year begins with flair. Our warm and welcoming, dog-friendly hotel provides the perfect backdrop for a refined yet comfortable seasonal break by the North Devon coast.
Monday, December 29, 2025
Arrive in Ilfracombe mid-afternoon, with check-in available from 3pm. Unwind with afternoon tea or coffee and cake in our lounge before enjoying a three-course dinner in The Brasserie from 6pm.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Wake up to a freshly prepared breakfast. If you’re arriving today, check-in is available from 3pm, followed by afternoon tea or coffee with cake in the lounge. Another three-course dinner will be served in The Brasserie from 6pm.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – New Year’s Eve
Begin the day with a full Devon breakfast from 8am, featuring hot cooked options and a Continental buffet. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge at 3pm, giving you time to relax or prepare for the evening ahead.
At 6:30pm, join us for chilled Champagne and canapés in the bar, followed by our elegant six-course Gala Dinner at 7pm. Celebrate into the night with live music and dancing, and toast the New Year with warm bacon rolls served after midnight—your first bite of 2026.
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Menu
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Greet the New Year with a hearty full English breakfast from 8am. Spend the day at your leisure—exploring Ilfracombe, taking a coastal walk, or simply relaxing in the comfort of the hotel.
Afternoon tea and handmade cakes will be available in the lounge around 3pm. Dinner is served from 6pm in The Brasserie with another delicious three-course menu. In the afternoon, enjoy a film screening in our lounge.
New Year’s Day Lunch
Our Brasserie is open for a relaxed and family-friendly New Year’s Day lunch, featuring a traditional roast and seasonal favourites (£29 per adult).
Friday, January 2, 2026
Enjoy breakfast before departure as we wish you a safe and happy journey home. We look forward to welcoming you back next year!
Escape to North Devon
Book Your Christmas Break
The Carlton Hotel
Contact Info
(01271) 862446