Balfour Arms Hotel Dean  Exterior photoBalfour Arms Hotel Dean  Interior photoBalfour Arms Hotel Dean  Interior photo
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From105US$ /night
Check-in
05Jun2026Select date
Check-out
06Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

26 Woolbrook Road, Dean (Devon), United Kingdom, EX10 9UZ
-
Near Fire Beacon Hill Local Nature Reserve
Very good
7.9
/10
3.4
4.2
/5

The smoke-free Balfour Arms Hotel Dean offers guests access to Ottery St Mary Parish Church, which is around 7 km away. Featuring Wi-Fi in public areas, the 4-star hotel also has amenities such as a shared lounge and a restaurant.

Location

You'll need 17-minute drive to Exeter International airport. The hotel is located approximately 25 minutes' walk from the Sidmouth Parish Church.

The Peak Hill Llamas is merely 1.9 km from the Balfour Arms Dean.

Rooms

The rooms at the property have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, along with tea/coffee making equipment for your convenience. An iron are featured for guests' comfort. Featuring a walk-in shower and a separate toilet, the bathrooms also come with hair dryers and bath sheets.

Eat & Drink

The lounge bar is ideal for a relaxing drink. It also features a lounge for guests' comfort. The Restaurant at Sidmouth Garden Centre is located next to Balfour Arms Hotel and serves British dishes, a mere 13 minutes' walk away.

Leisure & Business

With a golf club, guests can stay fit at this Dean hotel.

“The Balfour Arms strikes me as a classically comfortable pub stay, with real personality shining through the staff's attentiveness. I noted the hotel particularly welcomes dogs, a real advantage in this area. Live music adds another layer of local charm, and based on what I read, the food is reliably good.”
Hotel logo
Emily RoseEditor-in-Chief at Luxuryhotels
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Select your room type

Balfour Arms Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
65 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Double or Twin Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
65 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Balfour Arms Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.1/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Security

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Children's menu
  • Children's play area
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Balfour Arms presents an inviting dining experience that caters to diverse palates. With a charming atmosphere that embraces traditional family-friendly values, guests can delight in an array of meal options from hearty breakfasts to soothing dinners. The menu features gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan choices, ensuring every visitor finds a delightful dish to savor.
Balfour Arms Hotel Dean  Restaurant photo
Balfour Arms Hotel Dean  Restaurant photo
Balfour Arms Hotel Dean  Restaurant photo

Balfour Arms Restaurant

Traditional British
Ambiance
Family-friendly and cozy, perfect for gatherings or intimate dinners.
Key Offerings
Highlights include hand-made Steak & Ale Pie, succulent Hunter's Chicken, and a range of vegetarian curries with rice, poppadoms, and Geeta's mango chutney. Don't miss the indulgent Lotus Biscoff Sundae to finish on a sweet note.
Reservation
Reservations are recommended to secure your dining experience.
Monday to Thursday: 08:00 - 14:30 and 17:00 - 20:00; Friday and Saturday: 08:00 - 20:30; Sunday: 08:00 - 16:30.

Balfour Arms Hotel Location

26 Woolbrook Road, Dean (Devon), United Kingdom, EX10 9UZ
Map view
26 Woolbrook Road, Dean (Devon), United Kingdom, EX10 9UZ
Nearby
Saint Francis of Assisi
1300 ft
The Balfour Arms
2000 ft
Restaurants
The Volunteer Inn
3200 ft
52 Temple Street
Explore Dean (Devon)
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The Byes Riverside Park
14 minutes' walk
Riverside park offering scenic paths, perfect for walking or picnicking, and free access to nature's beauty.
Sidmouth Museum
25 minutes' walk
Museum featuring exhibitions on Sidmouth's history. Great for fostering local culture; check for special events.
Connaught Gardens
25 minutes' walk
Victorian gardens with stunning coastal views and floral displays. A lovely spot for relaxation any time of year.
The Donkey Sanctuary
6 minutes' drive
Animal sanctuary dedicated to donkeys. Family-friendly and free to enter, ideal for animal lovers of all ages.
Discover the local attractions near Balfour Arms Hotel
Experience the landmarks near Balfour Arms Sidmouth to discover the rich history and natural beauty East Devon has to offer.
Ideal for appreciating stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings: Sidmouth Parish Church
Great for enjoying beautiful gardens and serene walks: The Knowle
Perfect for scenic views and outdoor leisure activities: Jacobs Ladder
Well suited for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts: Norman Lockyer Observatory
Best for nature lovers seeking tranquil hikes: Fire Beacon Hill Local Nature Reserve
Suited for wildlife observation and relaxing strolls: Delderfield Community Nature Reserve
Works well for leisurely walks along the river: The Byes Riverside Park
Ideal for enjoying landscaped gardens and peaceful picnics: Blackmore Gardens
Great for a glimpse into local history and heritage: May Cottage
Hiking at Fire Beacon Hill
14 minutes' walk
Thrill-seekers can enjoy hiking trails offering panoramic views of the countryside and sea.
Yoga Classes at a Local Studio
5 minutes' drive
Relaxation-focused yoga sessions available, great for unwinding after a busy day.
The Volunteer Inn
12 minutes' walk
Traditional pub with local ales and hearty meals. Vegetarian options available; cozy ambiance for families.
Rock Pool Fine Art
12 minutes' walk
Unique venue offering art along with cafe fare. Great atmosphere and seasonal specials.
Radway Cinema
15 minutes' walk
Charming local cinema showing latest films and classics; all ages welcome in this cozy setting.
Sidmouth Pavilion
5 minutes' drive
Venue hosting live music and performances. Check the schedule for family-friendly shows!
Getting around
City Centre
Dean (Devon)48 min  ·  19.8 mi
Airports
Exeter International (EXT)23 min  ·  9.2 mi
Newquay (NQY)230 min  ·  94.9 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-22:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Balfour Arms serves a full breakfast for free. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Property is also known as
balfour arms sidmouth

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Balfour Arms Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests often appreciate the Balfour Arms' convenient location near Sidmouth, with a bus stop right outside for easy access to Exeter. Many found the rooms spacious and comfortable, particularly enjoying the ensuite bathrooms, and some rooms even feature spacious areas to hang clothes. The included breakfast is generally well-received, although a few guests have mentioned that the breakfast area could be more inviting. Plus, you might get to meet the friendly pub cat!
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Review score
Based on 313 verified reviews
7.3/10
Very good
75%
Recommend
Staff
8.9/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Facilities
8.1/10
Pros
Easy check-in
Friendly staff
Excellent breakfast
Good value
Cons
Filthy spoon
Dirty glasses
Unpleasant smell
No food
Guest reviews
based on 313 reviews
7.3/10
based on 520 reviews
7.9/10
Hudson from Canada
Couple
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 02, 2026
8.8/10

pleasant stay

quick check-inaccommodating staffnice showerample parking
Check-in was quick. The staff accommodated my late food order after the kitchen closure.. a really nice gesture. The room decor looked comfortable, and the bathroom offered a very nice shower. I found parking plentiful and straightforward. I also enjoyed meeting the pub cat..
The bed was a little too firm for my liking.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast included hearty options. The staff permitted ordering food late, even after hours for the kitchen. The tasty food was a highlight..
Rooms
8/10
The room felt large and clean. Modern bathroom fittings existed in the room. The shower included a proper screen, which contained the water well.
Facilities
8/10
Parking was easy to access. The television screens showed various programs. A big beergarden existed .
Location
10/10
The location allows a walk to town and the beach. The walk takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to reach the town center and beach. A bus is available for a short ride.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Avery from United States
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 27, 2025
9/10

Comfortable stay

clean roomspacious bathroommodern fixtures
The room was clean and spacious. The shower had a screen, so water did not splash onto the floor, and drainage was efficient. Modern bathroom fixtures were a plus. The bed felt quite firm, though it ensured restful sleep (i slept well!).
The breakfast selection could be expanded with a choice of white or brown bread.
Dining
8/10
I sampled the Sunday roastwith plentiful portions and various options for gravy. The drinks were reasonably priced, and i saw that the bar staff was efficient, even during peak hours. The dining area provided ample seating.
0 Helpful
|
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Shirley from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 29, 2025
6/10

inconsistent experience, possible overbooking

noise issuepromised refund
The staff warned about potential noise issues upon arrival. This warning should have been heeded MUCH more seriously. Karaoke continued until 2am, the building shook. There was also fighting outside.
0 Helpful
Nicholas from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 23, 2025
9/10

A Charmed Stay

caring staffrainfall showerpub cat
Breakfast included usual options and the staff showed real care. They learned I prefer almond milk. They drove to the store for it. The room's bathroom included a rainfall shower which feel great. I also meet the pub cat. What a character!
0 Helpful
Reese from United States
Family with children
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 13, 2025
8.7/10

Comfortable Stay Close to Amenities

cute staffcomfortable roomsdelicious foodoverbooked reservation
The staff impressed me. They were cute. They showed real consideration for my daughter and her boyfriend, who require additional assistance (they actually celebrated their engagement during this trip). The rooms proved comfortable and clean. I found that the food tasted delicious and the prices seemed reasonable, with plenty of options available.
The hotel was overbooked and my reservation was cancelled close to my check-in time. This caused significant inconvenience as I had to find alternative accommodation at short notice.
Dining
9/10
The food was tasty with diverse options, and portions were generous. I was able to enjoy my meal (especially the steak). The prices seemed pretty fair too, a plus for budget-conscious travellers.
Facilities
8/10
The room was well kept and very clean. The bathroom included a large shower and all necessary amenities. The beds also felt very comfortable ensuring a restful sleep.
Location
9/10
The hotel's proximity to a bus stop was quite convenient. It allowed quick trips to the city center. A nearby service station and a Lidl store offered easy access to essentials.
0 Helpful
|
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Isaac from Canada
Business traveller
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: August 06, 2025
9.5/10

Excellent Stay

amazing kindnessattentive staffcomfortable room
The staff demonstrated amazing kindness and attentiveness. I found the breakfast satisfactory and prepared with care. The room was quite comfortable (I slept well) and very clean.
The bathroom was a bit small, making it slightly difficult to move around.
Location
9/10
The hotel is conveniently near services and a supermarket. The distance to both the town and beach is walkable. This accessibility greatly enhanced the convenience of my stay.
Dining
10/10
The breakfast included cooked-to-order options, alongside cereals, juice, and pastries. The staff was accommodating. They procured oat milk from a nearby supermarket upon request. This level of service added greatly to the positive dining experience.
Rooms
9/10
The double room was well-equipped. A comfortable bed and a decent shower were both included in my room. The room's brightness further contributed to an enjoyable atmosphere.
Service
10/10
The staff was genuinely cute and helpful . I really appreciated their flexibility and willingness to assist with requests. Their friendly approach.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Balfour Arms
What time is check-in and check-out at Balfour Arms?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What are some of the nearby attractions to Balfour Arms?
Nearby attractions include Sidmouth Beach (2 km), Sandy Park Rugby Stadium (18 km), and Dinosaurland Fossil Museum (11 km).
Does Balfour Arms have on-site dining options?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar serving traditional pub meals.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Balfour Arms?
Rooms include a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom with shower, free toiletries, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities.
What type of breakfast is offered at Balfour Arms?
A Full English/Irish breakfast is available for guests.
What recreational facilities are available at Balfour Arms?
The hotel offers a children's playground and a games room for entertainment.
How far is Balfour Arms from Exeter International Airport?
Balfour Arms is 18 km from Exeter International Airport.
Is free Wi-Fi available at Balfour Arms?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.
What lounge facilities can guests find at Balfour Arms?
The hotel includes a lounge area where guests can relax with drinks from the bar.
Is Balfour Arms a family-friendly hotel?
Yes, it offers amenities like a children's playground and a menu with child's meals.
What dining options are available near Balfour Arms?
Guests can dine at nearby restaurants such as The Balfour Arms (about 5 minutes' walk) and The Cinnamon Tree (1 km away).

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Check-in
05Jun2026Select date
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06Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room