AT the heart of Dartington’s extensive 1,200-acre estate, surrounded by exquisite gardens, a group of magnificent Grade I listed buildings encircle a spectacular courtyard.

This is Dartington Hall, the largest medieval house in the West of England, where you will be able to discover “the most spectacular mansion in Devon”.

Create a memorable Christmas and celebrate at Dartington, where delicious festive menus are being served every day from December 5 until January 1, including a sumptuous Christmas Day lunch.

To welcome in the New Year enjoy a five-course New Year’s Eve celebration in the enchanting surroundings of the Great Hall.

For those who wish to escape to heritage, serenity and comfort, residential packages are available, with prices from £299.

Party nights are celebrated in the Great Hall, an impressive Grade I listed building, with original leaded windows and oak hammer beams.

Guests will receive a glass of mulled wine on arrival, followed by a mouth-watering three course meal, with choices including Dartmouth smokehouse cured gravadlax to start, followed by roasted breast of South Hams turkey with all the trimmings, and, for dessert, marmalade bread and butter pudding with whisky custard.

Afterwards guests will be able to dance the night away at the resident disco.

Prices start from £26.50 per person and, as an incentive, if you pre-order any wine before December 1 you will receive a 10 per cent discount.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to hold your own private party there are many function rooms available, either lunchtime or evening.

If December is not convenient, Dartington can arrange your party in November – or why not start 2012 on a bright note and hold your party in January?

Complete any of these packages by staying over in one of the newly refurbished bedrooms arranged around the magnificent medieval courtyard.

For more details and booking enquiries contact 01803 847147 or e-mail bookings@dartingtonhall.com