There’s nothing quite like a traditional English pub for a family winter break, and Masons Arms in Branscombe, Devon is the perfect example as far as Natasha Harding is concerned.
Masons Arms, Branscombe, Devon
Masons Arms is perfect for a family winter break in Devon
There’s something about settling down in a traditional pub in the winter time that immediately soothes the soul and when it’s a 14th-century watering hole set in a picturesque English village, so much the better.
The Masons Arms is a boutique pub with rooms, in Branscombe, Devon and a recent overnight stay with my husband and 10-year-old daughter Lexi was the just the soul soothing we needed at this time of year.
Branscombe is a tiny village within walking distance of the Jurassic Coast and is accessed by a winding road that requires nerves of steel to navigate. As we live in Cornwall, we’re used to driving on tiny lanes, but the route in isn’t for the fainthearted with blind corners galore.
But once you make it down, the effort will be forgotten.
Branscombe Rooms, Masons Arms
Family rooms with gorgeous views and country cottage vibes
Although Masons Arms is a destination location, it is also incredibly popular with the locals, and a hub for the community. Their doors are open for morning coffee, all the way through to evening drinks, serving brunch, lunch and dinner along the way.
We stayed in room ten, one of the Branscombe Rooms, located in converted cottages opposite the main building. It’s ideal accommodation for families as there is a separate sitting area, home to a comfortable sofa bed.
The room is beautifully decorated with lots of luxe furnishings and those little touches that make you feel as though you’re staying somewhere special; Elemis bath and body products; super soft robes; luxuriously large towels.
A huge bath took centre stage in the main sleeping area, big enough for two, and the fact it had a gorgeous view of the rolling hills opposite was just sublime, if I was on my own I could have spent a long time wallowing.
The bed was vast and hugely comfortable and smelt divine, courtesy of the Elemis pillow spray, thoughtfully left on the bedside table.
Restaurant, Masons Arms, Branscombe
Cosy down with comfort food and a warm, family atmosphere
After settling in our lovely room, we had dinner in the main part of the pub. Although it was December, when you might expect it to be quiet in deepest, darkest Devon, Mason Arms was fully booked with a mix of regulars and those, like us, on a family winter break.
As a result, there was a great atmosphere and although busy and pretty noisy too – thanks to a table of 20 enjoying their Christmas party – the staff were on top of it.
Our food didn’t take too long to be served and we enjoyed a game or three of Uno while we were waiting. The food is really, really good – with every palate catered for.
We enjoyed Salt and Pepper Squid and Rose Harissa Hummus for starters, followed by Whole Plaice and Venison Barnsley Chop for mains. The delicious mash deserves a mention all by itself: I could have eaten a whole bowl of it.
Lexi enjoyed a Margherita Pizza and Sundae and was very happy with her choices. Although the husband was just as happy that Korev (a Cornish lager) was on the menu.
A lot of people just visit for dinner, but I was very glad we didn’t need to navigate the lanes home as we wandered across the courtyard back to our room.
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Natasha and Lexi, Branscombe, Devon © Natasha Harding
Branscombe and Devon beaches make this family winter break
At this time of year, the staff light a couple of small fire pits for people to gather around if they want to have a drink outside which makes for the type of welcoming, convivial atmosphere you want on a family winter break.
However, although there were people milling around outside, the Branscombe Rooms are nicely set back, so we didn’t hear any of the noise indoors.
In my experience, many hotel rooms are let down by their window coverings, but not at the Masons Arms. All of the windows were dressed with either thick, lined curtains or well fitting blinds so the room was plenty dark enough until the morning. And between that and comfortable beds, we all slept in until 8am – so we were already winning.
After a delicious breakfast served in the restaurant we made our way down to Branscombe Beach. It is a 15 minute walk, but it was absolutely freezing so we negotiated the tiny lanes again by car, which meant we had to pay £2 to park for a 30 minute visit, which was clearly penance for being lazy!
But it was beautifully bracing and can you say you’ve had a family winter break in Devon without exploring a wintery Devon beach – if it wasn’t so cold I’m sure we would have gone for a walk along the cliff top, but none of us were feeling it.
Lexi and Natasha, Masons Arms, Branscombe © Natasha Harding
Win extra parent points at Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Instead, we made our way to the fishing village of Beer which is a short drive along the coast path. It’s so picturesque that it’s no surprise that it’s frequently used as a location for TV series: Midsummer Murders, Broadchurch and Harbour Lights have all been filmed in the area.
Once famous for smuggling, the history centres around the Quarry Caves, just on the outskirts of the village and offers a fascinating insight into the geology of East Devon. The high street is home to lots of independent boutiques and restaurants, and we spent a lovely hour wandering on the beach and browsing.
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is only half an hour away from Branscombe, and as we had to pass it to head home, I suggested we pop in, winning some extra brownie points from Lexi. It’s the home of Sooty Land and on site are over 60 rides and attractions.We had a good laugh and as it was quiet we barely had to wait for any rides which is a result as the queues can apparently be long in the summer.
The highlight was the Maximus Rollercoaster – which we went on far too many times to count. Once we’d had enough of being flung about on the rides, we were all happy to leave. But we had the best winter break in this lovely corner of Devon, and can’t wait to visit again, maybe in spring.
How to plan this family winter break
How to get there
Masons Arms is 47 minutes’ drive east of Exeter in Devon
Where to stay
Masons Arms, Branscombe, Branscombe Rooms, B&B, from £245 per night
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