A winter break in the countryside has a very particular kind of magic. Fewer expectations to be busy, darker evenings that invite early nights and slow mornings, and the simple pleasure of being somewhere peaceful together. Our recent family stay at The Mole Resort in North Devon was exactly that kind of escape – restorative, comfortable and quietly special. We managed to get away for my birthday as well which is always lovely to do. To hunker down and enjoy time at a happy, slower pace.
We visited as a family of four, with our eldest away on a rowing trip, so this was a slightly different dynamic for us. Staying in one of the resort’s two-bedroom lodges felt just right, giving us space to spread out, slow down and really enjoy being together. Despite January rain making an appearance, it didn’t dampen the experience at all. If anything, it made it cosier. It’s one of those UK with kids breaks that all the family can really enjoy.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Location – The Mole Resort – North Devon countryside with a rich past
The Mole Resort is set across 125 acres of rolling Devon countryside, tucked away just outside the market town of South Molton. It feels wonderfully rural, yet never remote. The A361 is close enough to make arrival easy, and you’re well placed for exploring both Exmoor National Park and the dramatic North Devon coastline if you want to venture further afield.
At the heart of the resort is the historic Georgian manor house, which dates back to the 18th century. Once a country estate, it has been thoughtfully restored and reimagined as the social and dining hub of the resort. Today, the manor sits at the centre of the grounds, surrounded by meadows, woodland and gently curving paths that connect the various lodges and activity areas.
Accommodation at The Mole Resort is varied, making it suitable for couples, families, and larger groups. Options include hotel-style rooms within the manor, as well as a range of self-catering lodges dotted throughout the estate. Many of the lodges, including ours, come with private hot tubs, large decking areas and views out over the surrounding countryside.
Despite being a sizeable site, it never felt busy or crowded. The layout gives everyone space, and there’s a sense of calm that settles in almost immediately.
Sleeps – our two-bed Meadow Lodge with hot tub
We stayed in a two-bedroom Meadow Lodge, which worked perfectly for us as a family of four. From the moment we arrived, it felt warm, welcoming and genuinely comfortable – not just somewhere to sleep, but somewhere to properly live for a few days.
Inside, the lodge was spacious and well laid out. There was a generous open-plan living and dining area with plenty of seating, a fully equipped kitchen, and large windows that let in lots of natural light. On the grey winter days, we loved curling up inside with a cup of tea, watching the weather roll across the landscape.
Both bedrooms were a good size, with comfortable beds and plenty of storage. One of my favourite moments of the stay was waking up early, pulling back the curtains and spotting a kestrel perched in the tree just outside the bedroom window. We also spent time watching smaller birds flitting between branches, something that really added to the feeling of being immersed in nature.
Outside, the private decking area was a real highlight. Just a few steps from the door, our hot tub sat steaming and bubbling, completely irresistible even in the drizzle. There is something deeply satisfying about sinking into warm water while rain falls around you, and we made full use of it both during the day and in the evenings. Stargazing is encouraged here, and on clearer nights you can really appreciate how dark and quiet the surroundings are.
The lodge felt cosy, well insulated and thoughtfully designed for year-round stays, not just summer breaks.
Activities on site at The Mole Resort, Devon – rain or shine, there’s plenty to do
One of The Mole Resort’s biggest strengths is the sheer range of activities available. There are over 40 different outdoor and creative experiences, many of which are included or available to book during your stay.
Despite the wet weather, we still managed to have plenty of fun. We tried axe throwing, which turned out to be surprisingly satisfying, even with rain coming down. Wrapped up in waterproofs, we laughed our way through it and were glad we’d given it a go.
One of the highlights of our stay was pottery painting, which we all got involved with and really enjoyed. It was such a nice balance to the outdoor activities. Sitting together painting our pieces felt like proper quality family time, and we all left with something tangible to take home and remember the weekend by.
Other activities available on site include golf, foot golf, tennis courts, cycling, guided nature walks, fishing, horse riding, wildlife watching and seasonal events such as family quiz nights and Nerf-style games. Even though we didn’t do everything, it was lovely knowing there was always the option.
Food – comforting, local and family-friendly
Breakfast in the lodge
We opted for the breakfast box, which we really enjoyed. Delivered ready for us to enjoy in the lodge, it included locally produced ingredients, with veggie sausages, potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms and eggs.
Cooking breakfast together in the morning felt relaxed and unrushed. Which was especially welcome in winter. There was something very grounding about starting the day this way, with good-quality ingredients and no need to leave the warmth of the lodge.
Dinner at the Manor restaurant – The Mole Resort, Devon
One evening, we dined at the Manor restaurant, and it was a real highlight of the stay. The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed, with a cosy, understated elegance that suited families just as well as couples.
For starters, we shared halloumi, cheesy garlic flatbread, and patatas bravas, all generous and full of flavour. The children loved the flatbread in particular, while the halloumi was perfectly cooked.
Main courses included fish and chips, locally sourced cod, and a mushroom risotto. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared and comforting without being heavy, ideal after a day outdoors.
For pudding, we shared sticky toffee pudding and chocolate brownie, which were exactly what you want on a winter evening.
The menu balances classic favourites with good vegetarian options, and the focus on local Devon and Cornish produce really comes through.
Facilities at The Mole Resort – small touches that make a difference
The Mole Resort has a number of facilities that quietly enhance the experience. There’s a small on-site shop, useful for basics, but I would recommend doing a bigger food shop on the way if you’re staying in a lodge and planning to cook.
The central Hub area is where you’ll find reception, activity meeting points and social spaces. Staff were friendly and organised making everything feel easy from arrival to departure.
Paths around the resort are well maintained, and it’s an easy place to navigate even with children in tow.
Day trips nearby – if you want to explore
If you can tear yourself away from the resort, there’s plenty to explore nearby. Exmoor National Park is close by for walks, wildlife spotting and dramatic scenery, while the North Devon coast offers beaches such as Woolacombe, Saunton Sands and Croyde.
South Molton itself is such a sweet market town for a gentle wander, and Barnstaple is a short drive away for shops and cafes. That said, this is very much a place where staying put feels like the right choice, especially in winter.
What we thought – The Mole Resort – a peaceful, restorative family escape
We had such a cosy, comfortable stay at The Mole Resort. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down, reconnect and enjoy simple pleasures. We loved watching birds from the window, soaking in a hot tub while the rain falls, sharing meals and activities together. We’d reached that that time of the year when we all felt ready for a restorative break.
The peacefulness of the site really stood out. Despite being a family-friendly resort with lots going on, it never felt noisy or overwhelming. Instead, it felt genuinely relaxing.
As a family of four, the two-bedroom lodge was ideal, and we wouldn’t hesitate to return, particularly for another winter break when the countryside feels at its most atmospheric. Although we would love to also experience it in a slightly warmer season and for a little longer.
At this time of year this was exactly the kind of weekend escape we needed, and one we’ll remember fondly.
Ready to book?
Look out for the Mole’s January sale. You can get 25% off this January 2026 – valid for minimum three-night lodge bookings only made by 31st January 2026 for stays until 31st December 2026. Available on new bookings only. Subject to availability and blackout dates apply. Click here for more information and to check availability.
