Balfour Arms Hotel Dean  Exterior photoBalfour Arms Hotel Dean  Interior photoBalfour Arms Hotel Dean  Interior photo

Balfour Arms, Dean (Devon)

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Check rooms and rates
From$105 /night
Check-in
06Sept
Check-out
07Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

26 Woolbrook Road, Dean (Devon), EX10 9UZ
-
Near Fire Beacon Hill Local Nature Reserve
Very good
7.9
/10
3.5
4.3
/5

The comfortable Balfour Arms Hotel Dean offers guests access to Ottery St Mary Parish Church, which is around 7 km away. This 4-star smoke-free hotel offers Wi-Fi in public areas and has a conference space for those staying on business.

Location

The Sidmouth Parish Church is a popular place to visit approximately 25 minutes' walk from the hotel.

The Balfour Arms Dean allows you to enjoy such natural sights as the public Connaught Gardens 2.3 km away.

Rooms

The rooms at the property have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, along with tea and coffee-making facilities for your convenience. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. Bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a separate toilet, also offer hairdryers and towels.

Eat & Drink

There is an à la carte restaurant and a lounge bar on site. The Restaurant at Sidmouth Garden Centre is located next to Balfour Arms Hotel and serves British dishes, merely 13 minutes' walk away.

Leisure & Business

Such entertainment events as wedding services and a games room arranged 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

Select your room type

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

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Balfour Arms 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
Show more

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 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.

Location

26 Woolbrook Road, Dean (Devon), EX10 9UZ
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
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) 44 min  ·  18.1 mi
  • Airports
    Exeter International (EXT) 23 min  ·  9.2 mi
    Newquay (NQY) 230 min  ·  94.9 mi
Want to see exclusive early booking offers?
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Check Rates
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 the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Balfour Arms 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!
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 353 verified reviews
7.4 /10
Very good
75 %
Recommend
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.8/10
Free WiFi
7.8/10
Pros
Easy check-in
Friendly staff
Excellent breakfast
Good value
Cons
Filthy spoon
Dirty glasses
Unpleasant smell
No food
Guest reviews
based on 353 reviews
7.4/10
based on 502 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-in accommodating staff nice shower ample 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 room spacious bathroom modern 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 issue promised 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 staff rainfall shower pub 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 staff comfortable rooms delicious food
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 kindness attentive staff comfortable 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
|
Show more
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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