Budleigh Salterton Beach and the River Otter, one of the things to do in East Devon (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
This East Devon travel guide covers some of the best places to visit in East Devon, including Exmouth, Sidmouth, Beer, Budleigh Salterton, Seaton, Honiton and the Jurassic Coast.
East Devon is an area we know well, having lived in Exeter, later near Ottery St Mary and now just over the border in Somerset. Below you’ll find our guide to East Devon’s coastal towns, beaches, market towns, attractions and countryside walks. Use the links at the top of the page to explore each destination in more detail and start planning your visit.
First, however, among East Devon’s many attractions is the coastline, and not just any coastline, but the world-famous Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the story of 185 million years of geological history through layers of sandstone, chalk, and shale.
Fossil hunters search the East Devon beaches around Orcombe Point in Exmouth; walkers follow the red cliffs East from Exmouth. Yet, travel just a few miles inland and the landscape shifts to deep green valleys, lush Devon farmland, and wooded hills, dotted with market towns and thatched villages, some of which have changed little over the centuries.
For visitors, this variety is part of East Devon’s appeal. In a single day, you can cycle the Exe Estuary Trail from Exeter to Exmouth, perhaps pausing at the historic town of Topsham for coffee, then head to Budleigh Salterton to watch birdlife on the Otter Estuary, before returning to Exeter for a waterside meal on the historic quay.
Or you could spend the morning in Honiton’s antique shops, the afternoon walking through Beer & Branscombe’snarrow lanes, and the evening enjoying fresh seafood in a beachside café.
And, while it takes no more than an hour by car to get from one side of East Devon to another, it actually covers a large area – approximately 314 square miles (814 km²). Yet its population density is half the English average, giving it a sense of real space and openness that is rare in southern England.
The population’s average age is higher than the national average, reflecting its appeal to some of the more affluent retirees. However, it now includes Cranbrook, a planned new town located just outside Exeter, being built for the 21st century. East Devon continues to grow and evolve.
East Devon at a Glance
Best beach: Exmouth Beach
Best village: Beer
Best family attraction: Seaton Tramway
Best walk: South West Coast Path
Best wildlife: Seaton Wetlands
Best market town: Honiton
Best estuary views: Lympstone
Where is East Devon?
The Chalk Cliffs of the Jurassic Coast at Beer, Devon, with the Town of Seaton in the Background.
East Devon is a geographical region within the county of Devon. It stretches from Exeter down to the coast at Exmouth. It then follows the coast to Dorset and north, roughly to a line drawn just south of the M5 motorway.
We found that most towns and villages are easily accessible by public transport during the season. It makes a largely car-free visit to East Devon a real possibility.
With railway stations at Exeter, Exmouth, Honiton and Axminster, many places in East Devon are relatively easy to reach. A well-organised summer bus and rail network offers pretty good connections across the region, including Exeter and beyond.
10 Key Facts About East Devon
Size and location: covers about 314 square miles (814 km²) from the edge of Exeter to the Dorset border.
Population: around 150,000 residents with a density of roughly 190 per km² (492 per square mile), less than half the England average.
Largest town: Exmouth, with about 35,500 residents and two miles of sandy beach.
Villages: many picturesque options including Beer, Branscombe, Otterton, Sidbury and Colyton.
New town: Cranbrook, first occupied in 2012, planned to grow towards 20,000 residents.
UNESCO coastline: the Jurassic Coast records 185 million years of Earth history.
Wildlife: the River Otter hosts England’s first legally established wild beaver population in centuries, with Seaton Wetlands a major reserve on the Axe.
Festivals: Sidmouth Folk Festival, Beautiful Days, Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival and Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels headline the year.
Heritage industries: Honiton lace, Beer stone and flour milling at Otterton Mill, recorded in Domesday Book in 1086.
National Trust: highlights include Killerton, A La Ronde and Branscombe’s Old Bakery, Forge and Manor Mill, plus landscapes such as Dumpdon Hill.
Map of East Devon
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From fossils to folk Festivals: A brief history of East Devon
Sidmouth, Devon. Looking West along the Jurassic Coast.
East Devon’s story begins with its rocks. From west to east, Triassic sandstone at Orcombe Point in Exmouth gives way to Cretaceous chalk at Beer and, across the border in Dorset, Jurassic limestone at Lyme Regis. These layers have yielded ammonites, ichthyosaurs and traces of ancient forests, inspiring early geologists and today’s fossil hunters.
Humans have left deep marks, too. Bronze Age barrows crown the Blackdown Hills, and Iron Age hill forts such as Blackbury Camp and Woodbury Castle guarded the ridges. The Romans left quieter traces in coins, pottery and the Fosse Way, which ran from Lincoln to Exeter with a branch to the harbour at Axmouth, once a hub for trade with Gaul and the wider continent.
Iron Age Hill Forts to visit in East Devon
Blackbury Camp, managed by English Heritage and open to visitors, makes a fine walking destination amidst bluebells in spring.
Dumpdon Hill can be explored as part of the scenic National Trust land near Honiton.
Woodbury Castle lies within accessible heathland; look out for red flags, as it doubles as a military training ground at times.
Hawkesdown Hill is on private land with no public access; it is best experienced from a distance or from nearby coastal glimpses.
Axmouth Harbour, Devon. Once an important Roman trading port linked by the Fosse Way.
By the medieval period, East Devon’s coast was alive with small ports: Axmouth, Exmouth, Budleigh, Sidmouth, and Topsham. Inland, Honiton grew into a bustling market town, and villages such as Ottery St Mary and Colyton thrived around farming and fairs. Colyton’s rebellious streak in the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 is still remembered; its support for the Duke of Monmouth led to harsh punishments in the Bloody Assizes.
The Duke of Monmouth’s Uprising & the Bloody Assizes
In 1685, the Duke of Monmouth, illegitimate son of Charles II, landed at Lyme Regis and gathered support across East Devon in a bold bid to seize the throne from James II. Villages such as Colyton were labelled “rebellious” for backing his cause, sending men to fight at the ill-fated Battle of Sedgemoor in Somerset. After Monmouth’s defeat, Judge Jeffreys led the infamous Bloody Assizes, a series of brutal trials in which hundreds were executed or transported to the colonies. The episode left a deep scar on East Devon’s communities, remembered as one of the most turbulent moments in the district’s history.
The 17th and 18th centuries witnessed the rise of lace-making, primarily in Honiton, as well as in smaller towns and villages such as Beer and Branscombe, which developed into a cottage industry. Bobbin lace from Honiton gained international fame.
By the Regency era, the focus shifted to leisure. In late Georgian and Regency Britain, doctors began prescribing sea bathing and coastal air. Fashionable society followed the royal example of George III at Weymouth and the Prince Regent at Brighton, making the English seaside a place to be seen.
At the same time, the Napoleonic Wars curtailed the Grand Tour. The aristocracy and rising middle classes sought homegrown alternatives, and East Devon, with its mild climate, dramatic Jurassic Coast scenery, and polite towns near Exeter, was perfectly positioned to capitalise.
Local investors responded: esplanades, assembly rooms, lodging houses and bathing machines appeared in Exmouth and Sidmouth; carriage roads improved under the turnpike trusts, making journeys from London and Bath easier; guidebooks praised the “picturesque” cliffs and valleys. By the 1810s–1820s, sea-cures, promenading and genteel social seasons had remade East Devon’s coastal towns as leisure resorts.
The arrival of the railway (with branch lines to Seaton, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth) made East Devon accessible, and tourism boomed.
When the Railway Reached East Devon
Railways arrived in East Devon on 19 July 1860 when the London and South Western Railway opened the Yeovil–Exeter extension via Honiton. Subsequent openings followed:
Exmouth (Avocet Line): 1 May 1861
Seaton branch: 16 March 1868
Sidmouth branch: 6 July 1874
Budleigh Salterton branch: 15 May 1897
East Devon – the wartime years
War Memorial in Exmouth’s Phear Park (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
East Devon felt both world wars in very real ways. During the First World War, the commons and parks served as drill grounds, convalescent hospitals, and supply depots, supporting Exeter’s garrisons and the railway. Memorials in every town and village mark heavy local losses, while museum collections in places like Honiton keep the lace-making community’s wartime stories alive.
In the Second World War, the district became a defended coastline and a hive of air activity. RAF Exeter (near Clyst Honiton) operated Hurricanes and Spitfires from 1940 to 1941 and played a crucial role in defending the city during the 1942 Baedeker raids; today’s airport was built on the site of that fighter base.
North of Honiton, Dunkeswell Airfield was home to long-range patrol bombers and later served as the US Navy’s base for Atlantic anti-submarine missions, making it the only US naval air base on the British mainland. Nearby Upottery (Smeatharpe) was a US Air Force troop-carrier base. C-47s lifted paratroopers on the night of 5–6 June 1944 as D-Day began. Both have heritage centres which you can visit.
On the ground, the Taunton Stop Line ran down the Axe Valley to Seaton with pillboxes, anti-tank obstacles and roadblocks; you can still spot concrete defences along rivers, lanes and field edges. Coastal lookouts, decoy sites and radar installations dotted the cliffs and commons, while beaches were mined and wired.
Traces remain everywhere if you know where to look: airfield runways and memorials at Dunkeswell and Upottery, pillboxes near the Axe and Colyford, coastal gun and searchlight positions above Beer and Branscombe, and exhibition panels in local museums. If you enjoy walking, you are sure to spot some of them.
Post-War East Devon
Dunkeswell Aerodrome. Café, views across the airfield and a heritage centre. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
After 1945, East Devon moved from defence back to leisure. Wartime airfields found new roles, with Exeter becoming a civilian airport (Exeter International Airport) and Dunkeswell a busy general aviation base. Seaside towns rebuilt their seasons around promenades and regattas, and the Sidmouth Folk Festival took root. Rail closures in the 1960s led to a shift in visitors to the roads; at the same time, car ownership rose. Conservation gathered pace with the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs reserve and more coast and countryside cared for by the National Trust.
Exeter strengthened as the regional hub, attracting prestigious organisations such as the UK Meteorological Service (Met Office), and improved routes on the M5, A30, and A35 made weekend trips easier.
Festivals such as Beautiful Days and Budleigh’s Literary Festival broadened the East Devon calendar. Attractions and trails expanded, including the Donkey Sanctuary and the Exe Estuary Trail, and the Jurassic Coast gained UNESCO World Heritage status. The River Otter’s beavers were formally accepted, and the Lower Otter Restoration Project reconnected the floodplain and paths. Cranbrook’s creation shows ongoing change, while village pubs, farm shops and small museums keep local character to the fore.
What Is East Devon Famous For?
East Devon is best known for the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches along much of its coastline. The area combines dramatic red sandstone cliffs, chalk headlands, fossil-rich beaches and some of the most attractive seaside towns in South West England, including Exmouth, Sidmouth, Beer and Budleigh Salterton.
The district is also known for attractions such as the Seaton Tramway,the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, the Exe Estuary, Honiton lace and the historic Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels celebration. Annual events, including Sidmouth Folk Festival, Beautiful Days and the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, attract visitors from across the UK, helping to make East Devon one of Devon’s most popular destinations for walking, beaches, wildlife and outdoor activities.
From seaside favourites such as Exmouth and Sidmouth to quieter places including Budleigh Salterton, Beer and Branscombe, East Devon combines Jurassic Coast scenery with traditional seaside charm. Exmouth is known for its sandy beach and watersports, while Sidmouth offers a Regency seafront beneath dramatic red cliffs.
Further inland, Honiton provides antiques and market-town character, while Topsham, Lympstone, Ottery St Mary and Axminster offer estuary views, historic streets and easy access to the surrounding countryside. Together, these towns and villages showcase the variety that makes East Devon such an interesting place to visit and explore.
Exeter – The county town of Devon
Exeter Quayside (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Although Exeter is not part of the East Devon district, it is Devon’s county town and a useful gateway to the area.
Highlights include the magnificent Exeter Cathedral and Roman walls, the revamped Quayside with its cafés, pubs, and waterside walks, as well as museums such as the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) and the rather unusual medieval Underground Passages. It is compact and walkable, yet well-connected by the M5 motorway, the Great Western Railway, and local lines (South West Railway), making it a perfect base for day trips along the Exe Estuary Trail to Exmouth and the Jurassic Coast.
Topsham & Lympstone
The River Exe, Goat Walk, Topsham (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Topsham is a handsome estuary town on the River Exe, featuring Dutch gables, independent shops and cafés, the Topsham Museum, and easy wildlife watching at RSPB Bowling Green Marsh. It works brilliantly as a slow day out from Exeter or Exmouth, with waterside pubs, antiques, and a little ferry across to Turf Locks and the entrance to the Exeter Ship Canal, as well as flat cycling or walking on the Exe Estuary Trail.
Lympstone is a pretty waterside village between Topsham and Exmouth with narrow lanes, pastel cottages and a small harbour that opens onto vast estuary views at low tide. It sits right on the Exe Estuary Trail for effortless walks and bike rides, has trains on the Avocet Line, pubs on The Strand and the distinctive Peters Tower looking out over the mudflats and boats.
Exmouth – East Devon
The River Exe and Exmouth Beach
Exmouth is East Devon’s classic seaside town: two miles of golden sand, a lively esplanade and marina, and easy days on the water from paddleboarding to boat trips on the Exe. It anchors one end of the Jurassic Coast at Orcombe Point’s Geoneedle, links Exeter via the Avocet Line, and opens the Exe Estuary Trail for traffic-free cycling to Topsham and beyond. With family attractions, independent shops and cafés, and big-sky sunsets over the bay, it’s a friendly, well-connected base for coast-and-countryside breaks.
Budleigh Salterton, East Devon
Pebble Beach. Budleigh Salterton, England
Budleigh Salterton is a peaceful seaside town framed by red Triassic cliffs and a sweeping two-mile pebble beach, with the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve at its eastern end and easy South West Coast Path walking in both directions. The level, former railway path links inland towards Exmouth, while low-effort nature trails and new footbridges created by the Lower Otter Restoration Project make birdwatching simple year-round.
In town, you will find a compact high street of independents, the thatched Fairlynch Museum, and easy half-day trips to Bicton Park Botanical Gardens and nearby Otterton Mill, all adding to Budleigh’s unhurried, quietly genteel feel.
Sidmouth, England
The Esplanade, Sidmouth, England (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Sidmouth is a genteel seaside town in the East Devon AONB with red sandstone cliffs, a shingle beach and an elegant Regency esplanade. The South West Coast Path runs through town, with short climbs to Peak Hill and Salcombe Hill for wide sea views, while the Byes riverside park offers easy walking beside the River Sid.
Highlights include Jacob’s Ladder and Connaught Gardens above the western beach, the small but engaging Sidmouth Museum, and the hilltop Norman Lockyer Observatory, with the Donkey Sanctuary a short hop east. It is compact, suitable for walking and ideally placed for day trips to Budleigh Salterton, Branscombe, Beer and Seaton.
Beer & Branscombe, Devon
Beer Beach, Devon (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Beneath white chalk cliffs, the working fishing cove at Beer has boats hauled up on the shingle and beach cafés serving fresh crab. Cliff-top walks lead to Seaton and Branscombe, and underground tours explore the vast Beer Quarry Caves, which were first worked in Roman times.
Branscombe is one of England’s longest villages, strung along a wooded valley to a shingle beach; the National Trust’s Old Bakery tearoom, Manor Mill and the thatched Forge anchor its heritage, while pubs and green lanes make it a gentle, timeless day out.
Seaton – Home of Seaton Tramway
The River Axe at Seaton with Seaton Wetlands in the background. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Seaton is a quieter Jurassic Coast base where a broad pebble beach meets the Axe Estuary and the little harbour at Axmouth. It’s known for the Seaton Tramway that rattles through the Seaton Wetlands nature reserves, easy coastal walks to Beer and Branscombe, and geology that showcases all three Mesozoic periods. Add Roman-to-Victorian history, bird hides and walks, and a relaxed seaside feel, and you have a calm, well-placed town for coast-and-countryside days.
Colyton & Colyford
Seaton Tram at Colyton Tram Station (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Colyton is known as the most rebellious town in Devon and has a compact historic centre centred around the Market Place, featuring St Andrew’s Church, Colyton Heritage Centre, and lanes lined with old houses, cafés, and pubs. The Seaton Tramway brings visitors through the wetlands to Colyton’s station, making it easy to explore on foot and to link up with riverside paths and the East Devon Way.
Barely a mile away, Colyford began as a medieval borough by the ford of the River Coly and today feels peaceful, with St Michael’s Chapel, the old filling station and welcoming pubs; each September it celebrates the Goose Fayre. Axminster is the nearest rail stop, and buses connect to Seaton, making for a simple day out in the countryside and along the coast.
Axminster
St Mary’s Church, Axminster (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Axminster is a small market town at the head of the Axe Valley, best known for its carpet-weaving heritage founded by Thomas Whitty in the 18th century; you can still trace the story through the Axminster name today. It sits on the South Western Railway line between London Waterloo and Exeter, which makes it an easy inland base for the Jurassic Coast at Seaton and Beer. Nearby days out include the family-friendly Axe Valley Wildlife Park, the National Trust’s Shute Barton, and the lowland heath at Trinity Hill, which is perfect for quiet walks and taking in the valley views.
Honiton – East Devon’s market town
Lace displays at Honiton Museum (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest/Honiton Museum)
Honiton is a classic East Devon market town, renowned for its long Georgian High Street, famous for Honiton lace, and a lively antiques scene. It is also well-placed for walks in the Otter Valley and the Blackdown Hills. Visit Allhallows Museum for world-class lace displays, browse the antiques centres, and dip into the Thelma Hulbert Gallery for contemporary art.
The town’s story runs from Iron Age hill forts like Dumpdon and Hembury through to wartime aviation at Dunkeswell and Upottery, and it celebrates its heritage with July’s Hot Pennies and the Honiton Agricultural Show in August. Trains on the London Waterloo line and easy road links on the A30 and A35 make Honiton a practical base for exploring the Jurassic Coast and nearby villages.
Ottery St Mary
Ottery St Mary is a characterful East Devon town situated on the River Otter, renowned for its magnificent St Mary’s Church, featuring cathedral-like fan vaulting, the November Tar Barrels tradition that races through its narrow streets, and its connections to the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who was born there.
Wander alongside the River Otter, browse independent shops around the square and follow easy riverside paths for birdlife and beaver signs, then head a short way to Escot for gardens, woodland trails and summer events. With regular buses and handy road links to Sidmouth, Honiton and Exeter, Ottery makes a relaxed inland base with plenty of history and a lively calendar.
Woodbury Common & the Blackdown Hills
The surrounding landscapes are also of interest. Woodbury Common offers vast heathland and an Iron Age fort, with views stretching to the Exe estuary in one direction and the Jurassic Coast in another. To the north, the Blackdown Hills National Landscape provide ridges, valleys, and hidden lanes, dotted with barrows, hill forts, and wartime echoes. These quieter landscapes balance the coast, giving East Devon a depth and variety few regions can match. There is something for everyone.
Prettiest Villages in East Devon
East Devon is home to some of Devon’s most attractive villages, many of them tucked between the Jurassic Coast and the rolling countryside of the East Devon National Landscape. Beer is perhaps the best known, with its working fishing beach, white chalk cliffs and narrow streets lined with independent shops, cafés and galleries. Nearby Branscombe stretches along a wooded valley to the sea and is often described as one of the most unspoilt villages in Devon.
Other picturesque villages include East Budleigh, the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh; Otterton, with its historic mill and riverside setting; and Colyford, in the peaceful Axe Valley near Seaton Wetlands. One of our personal favourites is Lympstone on the Exe Estuary, where colourful cottages, waterside views and easy access to the Exe Estuary Trail create a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Sidbury, just north of Sidmouth, also retains much of its historic character. Whether you are looking for thatched cottages, estuary views or easy access to the South West Coast Path, East Devon offers no shortage of charming villages to explore.
Best Things to Do in East Devon
Pecorama, Beer, Devon (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
If you are planning things to do in East Devon, start with the UNESCO Jurassic Coast. Walk short sections of the South West Coast Path for Exmouth’s red cliffs, Sidmouth’s esplanade views, Budleigh Salterton’s long pebble sweep and the white chalk headlands around Beer. Easy half-day circuits link promenades with cliff viewpoints and picnic spots, and you can mix in watersports at Exmouth, gentle nature trails on the Otter Estuary and relaxed seafront time in Seaton.
For tourist attractions and visitor attractions, ride the Seaton Tramway through wetlands to Colyton, tour the vast Beer Quarry Caves and call in at National Trust sites in Branscombe, where the Old Bakery, Forge and Manor Mill tell a village story.
Killerton and A La Ronde add houses and gardens, while the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth is a free favourite with sea views.
Families enjoy Bicton Park and Beer’s Pecorama. In Exeter, the Cathedral, RAMM, and the Underground Passages make a strong rainy-day trio, with smaller museums at Fairlynch in Budleigh and in Sidmouth for local history enthusiasts.
Connaught Gardens and Jacob’s Ladder lift you above Sidmouth beach, and Norman Lockyer Observatory brings stargazing into the mix. Round things off with the Exe Estuary Trail between Exeter, Topsham, Lympstone and Exmouth, boardwalks and hides at Seaton Wetlands, an antiques browse in Honiton, fresh crab on Beer’s shingle and thatched pubs close to Branscombe beach.
Wherever you base yourself, you are never far from a simple coastal walk, a nature reserve or a small museum that turns a day out into a story.
Best Sandy Beaches in East Devon
Exmouth is East Devon’s largest seaside town, known for its two-mile sandy beach (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Although much of the East Devon coastline is known for its pebbles and dramatic cliffs, there are several sandy beaches. Exmouth Beach is the largest and best known, with around two miles of sand backed by a busy seafront. Sandy Bay, east of Exmouth, offers another popular sandy beach beneath the cliffs.
Elsewhere, Sidmouth and Seaton reveal areas of sand at low tide, while beaches such as Budleigh Salterton, Beer and Branscombe are predominantly shingle. For families looking for traditional bucket-and-spade beaches, Exmouth and Sandy Bay are usually the best choices in East Devon.
Visitors looking for a broader comparison can also read our guide to the best beaches in East Devon, which covers sandy beaches, family-friendly resorts, quieter coves, and some of the Jurassic Coast’s most scenic stretches.
What’s On in East Devon: Festivals, Events and Shows
There is always something happening. Check our What’s On page for festival dates, community events and seasonal highlights across Exmouth, Sidmouth, Budleigh, Beer, Branscombe, Honiton and the villages. You can subscribe to the calendar to keep new dates in your diary, and organisers can submit South West events for inclusion.
Summer brings the big hitters. The Sidmouth Folk Festival turns the town into a week of music, dance and crafts. Nearby, Escot Park hosts Beautiful Days, a family-friendly independent festival founded by The Levellers, with live music, theatre and art across a colourful August weekend. As spring tips into summer, the Exmouth Festival fills parks and the seafront with free concerts, community arts and family events. September then belongs to books as the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival gathers writers, thinkers and readers in one of Devon’s most elegant seaside settings.
Rural tradition shines too. May sees the Devon County Show, and August features the Honiton Agricultural Show, one of the South West’s leading one-day farming events, celebrating livestock, local produce and rural crafts. Autumn evenings glow with the East Devon Carnival Circuit, a series of illuminated parades featuring floats, music, and a strong sense of community spirit. On 5 November, Ottery St Mary’s Tar Barrels blaze through the narrow streets, a centuries-old custom and one of Devon’s most dramatic spectacles. Together, these festivals and traditions bring music, fire, stories and community to every season.
Best Places to Stay in East Devon
The Royal Beacon Hotel, Exmouth, Devon (Credit: ThisISSouthWest)
East Devon offers a wide variety of places to stay, from seafront hotels and serviced apartments to country B&Bs, farm stays, cottages and relaxed lodge parks. Whether you want a classic beach break, a quiet village base or somewhere practical for walking and cycling, there are options for every style of trip.
Exmouth has the biggest choice, with hotels and apartments close to the long seafront and several holiday parks above Sandy Bay. Its rail link on the Avocet Line makes it especially convenient for car-free travellers. Sidmouth suits gentler escapes, offering Regency hotels and sea-view guesthouses near the Esplanade and the Byes. Budleigh Salterton is quieter, with small hotels and self-catering close to the level promenade and the Otter Estuary nature reserve.
Beer and Branscombe provide some of the most characterful places to stay, with thatched inns, pub rooms and valley-set cottages ideal for walkers exploring the South West Coast Path. Seaton is well suited to families and nature lovers, thanks to its sea-view apartments and easy access to the Tramway and Seaton Wetlands. Nearby Colyton and Colyford offer rural B&Bs, farm stays and peaceful countryside bases.
Further inland, Honiton has practical guesthouses on the A30 and A35 for exploring the Blackdown Hills. At the same time, Exeter’s city hotels make straightforward hubs for rail travel and days out along the Exe Estuary. Wherever you book, it is worth checking for parking, step-free access and dog-friendly facilities.
Holiday parks and campsites are a popular option across East Devon, particularly for families. Many enjoy coastal settings near Exmouth, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Beer, and Branscombe, offering the convenience of pools, splash zones, play areas, evening entertainment, and kids’ clubs during school holidays. They are close to beaches, coast path walks and easy days out such as the Seaton Tramway, the Donkey Sanctuary and Bicton Park.
Quieter parks lie slightly inland around Honiton, Colyton and the Blackdown Hills, with wider views, darker skies and simple access to riverside or countryside trails. Most offer a mix of accommodation, from touring pitches and static caravans to lodges and glamping pods, making them handy for mixed groups or extended families. Look out for sea views, EV charging, step-free units and dog-friendly options, and book early for summer and festival weeks.
Sandy Bay, Exmouth and Devon Cliffs Holiday Park (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Best Places to Eat in East Devon
The Fort Café and Ice Cream Parlour, Sidmouth, UK (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Choosing places to eat in East Devon is half the fun. Seaside towns showcase the coast at its best, with Lyme Bay crab, Exe mussels and day-boat fish appearing on menus along the promenades in Exmouth, Sidmouth and Seaton. Beer and Branscombe add shingle-beach cafés and thatched pubs serving simple plates with sea views. Inland, the district leans into its rural strengths: bakeries, farm-shop kitchens and tearooms offering honest, seasonal food made with produce from local growers.
Honiton stands out for independent cafés serving coffee, cake and light lunches, ideal for browsing antique shops. Villages such as Colyton, Colyford and Newton Poppleford offer relaxed places for brunch or cream teas, while farm shops around the Otter and Axe valleys serve homemade soups, pastries and locally reared meats. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for, and many places welcome both children and dogs.
Pubs are a highlight throughout East Devon. Expect a mix of waterside terraces, thatched inns and countryside locals with open fires. Exmouth and Topsham pour pints with estuary views, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton are known for fresh fish and traditional cream teas, and Beer and Branscombe combine real ales with timeless coastal settings. Menus often feature West Country ciders, real ales from Devon breweries and ingredients from nearby farms and fishing boats.
Planning around your day works well. A coast path walk between Seaton, Beer and Branscombe goes perfectly with a pub lunch, while the Exe Estuary Trail makes it easy to stop at Topsham or Lympstone for drinks or dinner. Honiton and Colyton offer traditional market-town inns ideal after antique hunting, countryside rambles or a trip on the Seaton Tramway through the wetlands.
Bookings are advisable during school holidays and major events such as the Sidmouth Folk Festival, but outside peak weeks, you can often wander and follow your nose. Walkers and cyclists will find plenty of mile-friendly pit stops along the Exe Estuary Trail and East Devon Way, while farm-gate stalls, local markets and food festivals offer easy chances to taste the best of the region.
Evenings tend to be relaxed and pub-led, with Exeter broadening the choice through its small-city mix of world flavours, independent restaurants and good pre-theatre dining. Smaller towns favour dependable favourites done well: fresh fish, Devon beef, local cheeses and proper puddings.
Plan your Trip to East Devon
South Western Railway train seen from the Exe Estuary Trail
East Devon is easy to reach. It is simple to explore and rewarding in every season. A car gives the most flexibility. However, public transport, cycling trails, and walking routes also allow you to see a lot without driving.
Quick Practicalities: Visiting East Devon
Getting There: By car via the M5 and A30, by train via Honiton, Axminster, Exmouth, and Cranbrook, and by air through Exeter Airport.
Getting Around: Car recommended for villages; trains and buses serve towns. Avocet Line (Exeter–Exmouth) and scenic cycle/walk routes like the Exe Estuary Trail and East Devon Way.
When to Visit:
Spring – blossom, wildflowers, and migrating birds.
Summer – seaside buzz, family holidays, and major festivals.
Autumn – colourful Blackdown Hills, literary festivals, and carnivals.
Winter – quiet coasts, storm watching, and cosy pubs.
Where to Stay: Sidmouth for Regency grace, Exmouth for activity and beach life, Beer and Branscombe for charm and cottages, Honiton for practical hub access, or rural B&Bs for tranquillity.
Other Helpful Links
Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.
Why We Love East Devon
For us, East Devon is about the views. From the Blackdown Hills, you can look across the Axe Valley. From Woodbury Common, you can see the River Exe and even Dartmoor in the distance.
We enjoy the coast in every season. Exmouth beach is perfect for long walks. Branscombe feels peaceful on a bright winter’s day. The South West Coast Path always offers fresh and changing views.
Among the villages, Beer stands out. There are many things to see throughout the year. There are plenty of places to eat and drink. It also makes a great walk from Seaton, another town we always enjoy.
The Tar Barrels in Ottery St Mary are hard to beat. They show the area’s spirit and tradition at their strongest.
What we like most is the rhythm of life. Summer is full of buzz and energy. Winter feels calmer and slower. This pattern is felt throughout the South West of England.
East Devon has something for everyone.
East Devon Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit East Devon?
Spring brings flowers and quieter paths, summer has beach days and festivals, autumn delivers colour in the valleys and on the commons, and winter offers calm towns, storm watching and cosy pubs.
What is East Devon famous for?
East Devon is best known for the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches and seaside towns including Exmouth, Sidmouth, Beer and Budleigh Salterton. Other highlights include the Seaton Tramway, the Donkey Sanctuary, Honiton lace and events such as Sidmouth Folk Festival and Beautiful Days.
Which towns are in East Devon?
The main towns in East Devon include Exmouth, Sidmouth, Honiton, Seaton, Axminster, Ottery St Mary, Budleigh Salterton and Cranbrook. The area also includes attractive villages such as Beer, Branscombe, East Budleigh, Otterton, Lympstone, Colyford and Sidbury.
What are the prettiest villages in East Devon?
Beer, Branscombe, East Budleigh, Otterton, Lympstone, Colyford and Sidbury are among East Devon’s prettiest villages. Many combine historic buildings, countryside views, estuary scenery and easy access to the Jurassic Coast or South West Coast Path.
Are there sandy beaches in East Devon?
Yes. Exmouth Beach and Sandy Bay are East Devon’s best-known sandy beaches. Sidmouth and Seaton also reveal areas of sand at low tide, while Budleigh Salterton, Beer and Branscombe are mainly shingle beaches.
What are the top things to do in East Devon?
Walk short sections of the Jurassic Coast, ride the Seaton Tramway through wetlands, tour Beer Quarry Caves, visit National Trust sites at Branscombe, and enjoy free views at the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth. See our town guides for Exmouth, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Seaton and Beer.
What are the main visitor attractions in East Devon?
The Seaton Tramway, Beer Quarry Caves, National Trust sites in Branscombe, Bicton Park, the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, Exeter Cathedral and RAMM are among the main visitor attractions. See our guides to Exeter, Sidmouth and Beer.
How do I get to East Devon by train?
Great Western Railway serves Exeter St Davids with onward trains to Exmouth. South Western Railway runs to Honiton and Axminster for the Axe Valley and Seaton.
Can I explore East Devon without a car?
Yes, with planning. Use trains to Exeter, Exmouth, Honiton and Axminster, local buses for towns and villages, the Exe Estuary Trail for cycling and short coast path sections for scenic links.
Which town makes the best base for exploring East Devon?
Exmouth is ideal for beaches, watersports and rail connections, while Sidmouth suits visitors looking for a traditional seaside resort. Budleigh Salterton offers a quieter coastal base, and Exeter provides excellent transport links for exploring the wider region.
Where can I find what is on in East Devon?
See our What’s On section for festivals, carnivals and community events, including Sidmouth Folk Festival, Beautiful Days and the Tar Barrels at Ottery St Mary. You can subscribe to the calendar and organisers can submit events.
Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.
New to South West England or returning after a while? Start with our ‘Travel Basics’ – quick guides packed with tips to help you plan your trip.
Exeter Travel Guide: Things to See and Best Things to Do in Exeter and the Surrounding Area
Exeter What to See – Exeter Cathedral (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Strategically located near the head of the navigable River Exe estuary and surrounded by the green hills of the Exe Valley, Exeter is a vibrant city that feels stylish and contemporary. If you are planning what to see in Exeter, start with Exeter Cathedral and the Roman walls, then wander through café-lined streets and browse designer brands alongside independent shops. Leafy parks offer calm corners close to the centre. For classic things to do in Exeter, head to Exeter Quay for waterside pubs, canoe hire and easy riverside walks enjoyed by students, visitors and locals.
Exeter at a Glance
Best known for: Exeter Cathedral, Roman history, independent shops and the historic Quayside.
Top attraction: Exeter Cathedral.
Best free thing to do: Walk the city walls, Cathedral Green and Exeter Quayside.
Best museum: Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM).
Best outdoor area: Exeter Quayside and the Exe Estuary Trail.
Best day trip: Topsham, Exmouth or Powderham Castle.
Main station: Exeter St Davids, with Exeter Central also useful for the city centre.
Best for: History, shopping, food, riverside walks and car-free breaks in Devon.
Exeter is the County Town of Devon and the second-largest city in the county, after Plymouth. It is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, and is a good base for visiting other areas of Devon.
The historic centre is compact, and you can cross it on foot in 20 minutes. Yet the city is full of history: imagine Roman legions, merchants, stonemasons, and wool traders. Then there’s the reality of wartime raids, and twenty-first-century rebuilding and reinvention. This guide takes you through Exeter’s history, main attractions, how to arrive and get around, where to stay, eat, and enjoy, with our local tips and day-trip ideas to help you make the most of your time.
The Exeter Canal Basin, Exeter, Devon (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
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Top 10 Things to Do in Exeter
Exeter Cathedral – Explore one of England’s finest medieval cathedrals and relax on Cathedral Green.
RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum) – Discover Exeter’s history, archaeology and world cultures at this free museum.
Exeter Underground Passages – Join a guided tour beneath the city through unique medieval tunnels.
Exeter Quayside – Enjoy waterside cafés, independent shops, canoe hire and riverside walks.
Exeter Ship Canal – Walk or cycle alongside England’s oldest working ship canal.
Rougemont Gardens – Stroll through historic gardens beside Exeter Castle and the Roman city walls.
Exeter Guildhall – Visit one of the oldest municipal buildings in England still in continuous use.
St Nicholas Priory – Step inside Exeter’s oldest building open to the public and discover Tudor Exeter.
Exeter Green Circle – Follow waymarked walking routes linking parks, countryside and riverside paths around the city.
Red Coat Guided Tours – Join a free walking tour led by local volunteers and uncover Exeter’s hidden stories.
History of Exeter, Devon: from Roman Isca to modern-day city
Prehistory Exeter
People have lived in the Exe Valley for thousands of years, long before written records were kept. Archaeological finds suggest that Mesolithic hunter-gatherers used the river for food and transportation, with later evidence of Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements on the surrounding hills, including Stoke Hill Camp, located just to the north of Exeter, and Haldon to the west. These early communities left traces in tools, pottery, and earthworks, showing that Exeter’s story reaches far back into prehistory.
Roman Exeter
Exeter’s documented history dates back to Roman rule. Around the mid-first century AD, the Second Augustan Legion built a fortress here, which they called Isca Dumnoniorum. A civilian town grew around the garrison and remained after the legion moved on. Much of Exeter’s later city wall traces the Roman perimeter, which you can still walk around today.
Medieval Exeter
By the Middle Ages, Exeter was thriving on the wool cloth trade and its strategic location on the river. That location also sparked a bold act of civic engineering: having been choked off from seaborne trade by medieval weirs downstream, Exeter’s merchants commissioned the Exeter Ship Canal in the 1560s. It’s often cited as the first English canal to use pound locks, a technical leap that predates the canal mania by two centuries. Successive enlargements in the 1600s–1800s expanded the waterway to its present form, creating the canal basin you see at the Quayside today.
The Exe Canal and the Double Locks pub. A thirty-minute walk from the centre. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Exeter’s Tudor and Georgian prosperity left fine terraces and civic buildings, but the city was also scarred and then reshaped by war. In April and May 1942, Exeter was one of the cultural targets of the German Baedeker raids, suffering heavy damage and loss of life; the post-war rebuilding, especially around the High Street, explains the mixture of medieval lanes and modern retail blocks that you can see today.
Exeter may be steeped in history, but it’s anything but stuck in the past. The city buzzes with energy thanks to its Russell Group university and the presence of the UK Met Office, one of the world’s leading weather and climate centres. Roman walls and medieval streets sit comfortably alongside cutting-edge research and a lively student scene. A beautifully refurbished museum and a state-of-the-art Passivhaus leisure centre add to the mix, showing a city that balances heritage with innovation.
Things to do in Exeter, Devon
Exeter Cathedral: a masterpiece of Decorated Gothic
At the heart of the city, surrounded by the Cathedral Green, is Exeter Cathedral, one of England’s great medieval churches. Founded as a bishop’s seat in 1050 and rebuilt over the 12th to 14th centuries, the Cathedral is known for its “longest continuous medieval stone vault,” approximately 96 metres (315 ft) of uninterrupted ribbed ceiling, made possible by the church’s absence of a central tower. Other highlights include the lavish Minstrels’ Gallery, the Bishop’s Throne, and the celebrated astronomical clock, whose main dial dates back to the late 15th century.
Cathedral Green is a great meeting place to watch the world go by. People watch in the summer sunshine. Visit at sunset, when the west front of the Cathedral glows. Return in late November or December when the excellent Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market fills the Green with artisan stalls and warming food and drink (the 2025 dates are 20 November–19 December).
Known locally as RAMM. Exeter’s celebrated city museum combines global collections with local finds, from Roman Isca to natural history dioramas and world cultures. It’s free to enter and generally open Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays; check the site for current hours and special exhibitions). The building itself, with its Victorian roots, boasts beautifully refurbished interiors and speaks well of Exeter’s civic investment in culture.
Beneath Exeter’s busy streets lies one of its most unusual places to visit: the medieval underground passages. Built in the 14th century to carry fresh water into the city, this network of vaulted tunnels is unique in Britain.
Today, guided tours take you below ground to explore the narrow passageways, hear stories of their construction and use, and gain a distinctive, if not unusual, perspective on Exeter from a completely different angle. It’s a fascinating blend of history and adventure, and one not to miss if you want to discover a hidden side of the city.
We recommend booking in advance, particularly during school holidays, as tour numbers are limited. Please note that tours do not permit children under five and aren’t suitable for those who are claustrophobic. Arriving 15 minutes before your tour is advised, and hours vary seasonally.
The Historic Quayside & Exeter Ship Canal
Butts Ferry, crossing the River Exe at Exeter Quay (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
A short downhill walk from the centre brings you to the Exeter Quayside, where warehouses, merchant houses, and the historic Custom House line the canal basin. You’ll find a great selection of cafés, bars, restaurants, antiques shops, and more.
Hire a bike or canoe, or simply walk the towpath (or take a ferry) to waterside pubs like Double Locks and Turf Locks. The canal, first cut in 1566, was the first in England to employ pound locks —a revolutionary feature that allowed boats to be raised and lowered between stretches of water at different levels. Today, it’s a placid, green corridor that eventually leads to the sea, an easy gateway to the longer Exe Estuary Trail.
Don’t miss Butts Ferry, a small hand-operated passenger ferry that crosses the River Exe. It’s been running in one form or another since the 1600s, linking the city side of the river with the St Thomas area. Still pulled across the water on a cable, the ferry is a reminder of Exeter’s river heritage and a fun way to travel between the quay and the canal basin on the opposite bank.
City walls, gardens and gateways to the past
Just a short walk from Exeter’s busy High Street is Rougemont Castle, the remains of which offer visitors a glimpse into nearly a thousand years of history. Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror after the Norman siege of the city, its red volcanic stone gatehouse still looms above Castle Street. Once the stage for dramatic sieges, witch trials, and centuries of law courts, the modern-day castle is privately owned and serves as a unique venue for weddings, concerts and events. Even if you can’t step inside the castle, the surrounding Rougemont Gardens and the older castle remains are open daily, making a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. The gardens feature sweeping lawns, views of the Exe Valley, mature trees, and remains of the Roman city walls. The Royal Albert Museum has an entrance from the gardens.
The Old Exe Bridge (remnants near Exe Bridges) dates back to the 1190–1214 period and is the oldest surviving bridge of its size in England; several preserved arches remain visible. The New Exe Bridges (actually a pair of bridges) were built in the late 1960s, as part of a road redevelopment scheme.
Exeter Guildhall (203 High Street, Exeter, EX4 3EB) Standing on Exeter’s High Street, the Guildhall is one of the city’s oldest landmarks. First recorded in 1160, it holds the distinction of being the oldest municipal building in England still in continuous use. Its striking Elizabethan frontage, added in the 1590s with carved granite columns and grand oak doors, makes it one of the most photographed spots in central Exeter. Go inside and you’ll discover the richly panelled Council Chamber, portraits of former dignitaries, and centuries of civic regalia. The Guildhall has hosted a range of events, from royal visits to legal proceedings and city council meetings, and today it remains Exeter’s official civic heart, while also opening its doors for weddings, ceremonies, and free public visits.
St. Nicholas Priory (The Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3BL) is the city’s oldest building still open to the public. Founded in 1087 as a Benedictine monastery, the priory later became a Tudor merchant’s house after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Today, it has been carefully restored to show what life was like for a wealthy family in 1602, complete with period furniture, painted plaster ceilings, and a great hall set for feasting.
Hidden corners and unusual places.
Find the House That Moved on West Street at the bottom of Stepcote Hill, a timber house relocated in the 1960s to save it from demolition. Slip down Parliament Street, often cited as the narrowest street in the country, and look for the medieval touchstone near Exeter Cathedral.
Green Exeter
View of Exeter from Haldon Forest Park (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
One of the great things about Exeter is that you never feel far from the countryside. Riverside meadows and wooded parks ring the city. Follow the Exe Estuary Trail (shared-use path) south to Starcross and across to Exmouth by ferry (seasonal), or combine short loops on the Exeter Green Circle with café stops. A short drive brings more options: Haldon Forest Park for cycling, high ropes and breathtaking views; Killerton (National Trust) for beautiful gardens, house and estate walks (don’t miss the church); Powderham Castle for stunning views of the River Exe, a farm shop, deer park walks, and event days.
University of Exeter
Even if you’re not visiting for study, the Streatham Campus is worth a stroll for its botanic-style plantings, sculpture trail, and hilltop views. The university helps shape the city’s café culture, nightlife, and arts scene, and hosts Exeter’s Northcott Theatre.
What’s On in Exeter, Devon: Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
Exeter hosts a varied programme of events throughout the year, with a mix of festivals, markets and cultural highlights across the city. In late spring and summer, highlights typically include the South West Shakespeare Festival in April, a multi-venue celebration of theatre and performance, followed by the Devon County Show in May, one of the region’s largest agricultural events. Early June brings the Exeter Respect Festival to Belmont Park, a vibrant community event featuring music, food and cultural performances, while late June often sees music festivals and live events in and around the city. In September, the Exeter Quayside Shanty Festival brings sea shanties and live music to the historic waterfront.
Later in the year, Exeter takes on a more seasonal feel. The Exeter Craft Festival is usually held over three days on Cathedral Green, showcasing independent makers and designers, while the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, typically running from late November to mid-December, is one of the most atmospheric in the South West, with rows of festive chalets set beneath the Cathedral. Alongside these larger events, there is always something happening, from theatre at Exeter Northcott and Barnfield to live music, comedy and exhibitions at venues such as Exeter Phoenix and the Corn Exchange, plus regular markets and pop-ups on the Quayside and in the city centre. For a wider range of events across the region, see our What’s On in South West England guide.
How to Get to Exeter, Devon and Travel Around
By train
Exeter has several central stations; long-distance services typically use Exeter St Davids.
The Great Western Railway (GWR) operates fast trains from London Paddington; typical journey times are approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes (check live schedules), with many services continuing to Plymouth and Cornwall. South Western Railway also operates services from London Waterloo to Exeter Central and Exeter St David’s.
CrossCountry offers direct services north to Bristol, Birmingham and beyond.
A newer local stop, Marsh Barton, opened in July 2023 to serve the Marsh Barton Industrial Estate and is also conveniently located for Riverside Valley Park. With free parking nearby and connections to all stations on and around the River Exe, this makes a great starting/finishing point for walkers.
By road & coach
Exeter is located at the southern end of the M5, which links the Midlands and Bristol (1 hour and 30 minutes) directly to the city. From here, the A30 and A38 fan west to Devon and Cornwall. Coach operators, including National Express and Megabus, connect Exeter with Bristol Airport, London and many UK cities. If you’re driving an EV, note that rapid-charger coverage on some South West A-roads remains patchy at best, so plan charging stops in advance.
By air
Exeter Airport (about 6 miles east) has a changing roster of domestic and short-haul European flights as well as seasonal holiday services. You can read our guide to Exeter Airport for 2025/2026, which includes its routes, flights and other helpful information. Buses link the airport to the city, and trains run from nearby Cranbrook to Exeter.
Getting around Exeter
On foot and by (free!) guided walk
Exeter’s compact centre is eminently walkable. To get your bearings, join a Red Coat Guided Tour, a free, volunteer-led programme running most days with themes from “Medieval Exeter” to “Exeter Blitz.” You simply turn up at the meeting point (some special tours require online booking).
Buses and Park & Ride
Stagecoach South West is the leading city operator, with dense coverage and three Exeter Park & Ride sites that make it easy to leave your car on the edge of town and take the bus into the centre. Current network maps and timetables are published online; fares and ticket caps evolve, so check Travel Devon for updates if you’re planning intensive bus travel. You may also find Rome2Rio helpful for planning travel, we do!
Trains within the city
Besides Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central, Exeter has handy local stops at St Thomas, Polsloe Bridge, Pinhoe, Digby & Sowton, and Marsh Barton – helpful for reaching business parks, the river corridor walks, and suburbs. The new Marsh Barton station, opened on 4 July 2023, sits on the Riviera Line between Exeter and the coast.
Cycling: the Exe Estuary Trail
For easy, scenic cycling, follow the Exe Estuary Trail, a mainly traffic-free route from the city to Starcross and, via ferry (seasonal), across to Exmouth or via Topsham. Plenty of hiring options exist on the Quayside, and the path is also a fantastic walk with numerous places for refreshment.
Where to Stay in Exeter, Devon
Here are the best areas to stay in Exeter, whether you prefer the cathedral quarter, the Quayside or a quieter neighbourhood.
Cathedral Quarter / Southernhay: For first-timers who want everything on the doorstep, historic views, restaurants, and the peace of Cathedral Green. Georgian streets in and around Southernhay are quiet at night, yet central.
The Quayside & Canal Basin: Converted warehouses, waterside pubs and morning towpath walks. These are ideal if you prefer a more lively atmosphere.
St Davids & the North Side: Close to the Exeter St Davids station and university, a good base for day-tripping by rail.
St Leonards & Magdalen Road: Leafy residential streets with independent delis and cafés; a quieter, “local” feel within walking distance of the centre.
Topsham (4 miles south, on the estuary): A pretty, historic former port with superb food, antiques, and estuary views; linked by frequent trains and buses.
What kind of accommodation?
You’ll find a healthy mix: boutique hotels in repurposed buildings; dependable mid-range chains near the centre; waterside apartments; and friendly guesthouses in residential streets. Weekend city-breakers often choose the Cathedral/Princesshay side for its convenience; walkers and cyclists gravitate to the Quayside; families sometimes prefer Topsham due to its proximity to Exmouth and the coast.
Where to eat and drink in Exeter
Gandy Street, Exeter. Independent shops and interesting places to eat and drink. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
For the best restaurants in Exeter, discover a mix of independents and well-known names across the city centre and Quayside.
Exeter’s food scene combines South West produce such as Devon beef, Exmoor lamb and Lyme Bay seafood with youthful energy. A few local pointers:
Quayside & Canal Basin: Enjoy waterside pubs, seafood and smokehouses, hire a bike or canoe, then relax with pizza or a pint.
Cathedral Green, Princesshay and Gandy Street: Cafés for brunch, gelato for sunny days, and stylish dining just steps from the Cathedral and museum. (We have always loved Gandy Street’s colourful independent shops, bars and restaurants.)
Magdalen Road & St Leonards: A compact high street of independents in an affluent area of Exeter. Coffee roasters, delis, a wine shop, neighbourhood bistros, up and coming and loved by locals.
Sidwell Street: Fast becoming a genuine foodie hotspot, where you’ll find everything from independent cafés and bakeries to global flavours including Turkish grills, Asian street food, and vibrant Middle Eastern eateries.
Topsham: Estuary-facing pubs, fishmongers and seafood restaurants with refined menus; a treat for slow afternoons and early evenings.
Exeter Entertainment, Culture and Sport
Arts & film
Exeter Phoenix is the city’s indie arts hub—live music, contemporary art, workshops and an arthouse cinema.
Exeter Northcott Theatre (on the university campus) stages drama, dance and comedy; Barnfield Theatre hosts community and touring productions.
The Exeter Corn Exchange in the city centre hosts programmes featuring stand-up, concerts, and family shows.
Sport
Rugby union at Sandy Park (home of Exeter Chiefs) guarantees atmosphere and easy access from the motorway and Park & Ride sites on match days.
Football fans head to St James Park to see Exeter City FC play in a classic, close-to-the-action ground.
Exeter Racecourse is situated on Haldon Hill, a few miles south, and offers an elevated, scenic venue for National Hunt fixtures.
Active days
Paddle the canal, cycle the Exe Trail, or hike Dartmoor’s tors (trains from St Davids reach gateway towns like Okehampton on certain services; otherwise, buses head for the moor’s edge).
For swimming and wellness, visit St Sidwell’s Point, the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre, opened in April 2022. It is a striking, ultra-efficient complex featuring pools, a gym, and a spa.
Exeter City Centre: Shops, Markets and Things to Do
Princesshay: Exeter blends old with new, designer brands with independent shops. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Exeter strikes a balance between major retail and the character of independent businesses. For shopping areas in Exeter, Princesshay and the Guildhall quarter feature big brands; lanes like Gandy Street and Fore Street conceal vintage stores, record shops, and boutiques. When on the Quayside, look for antiques, crafts and waterside markets, then stop for a coffee with river views.
Places to Visit Near Exeter
Looking for day trips from Exeter? All are within an hour by train, bus, bike, or car, making them ideal for half- or full-day trips.
Exeter makes an ideal base for exploring the coast, countryside, and historic houses. Within thirty minutes, you can reach the Exe Estuary, Jurassic Coast and green parkland by train, bus, bike or car. Here are straightforward ideas to help you plan.
Topsham and the Exe Valley Trail
Boats on the River Exe, Topsham (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Ride the local train a few minutes to Topsham for quayside walks, independent shops and estuary views. From here you can cycle or walk sections of the Exe Estuary Trail towards Exmouth or Exeter. Look out for wildlife on the mudflats and stop for coffee by the water. It makes a relaxed Topsham day trip from Exeter with frequent local trains.
Powderham Castle and Starcross
South of Exeter, the river widens around Starcross. Visit Powderham Castle for parkland, deer and house tours, then stroll the riverside. In season, the Exmouth to Starcross Ferry links Starcross with Exmouth, making for a simple circular day when combined with rail or bike travel.
Exmouth and the start of the Jurassic Coast
Exmouth is the nearest seaside town. It offers a wide sandy beach, water sports, and clifftop views. Walk short sections of the South West Coast Path or relax on the promenade. For a simple rail link, the Exeter-Exmouth train (Avocet Line) runs regularly and takes about 30 minutes. For ideas and practical tips, see our Exmouth Travel Guide.
Sidmouth
Elegant streets, Byes Riverside Park and red cliffs make Sidmouth a rewarding day out. Combine a town wander with coast path viewpoints or a garden visit.
Pebble beaches, quiet seafronts and nature reserves define Budleigh. Walk the promenade, explore the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve and pause for a cream tea.
Seaton, Beer and the Tramway
Follow the coast east for a classic trio. Ride the Seaton Tramway through wetlands to Colyton, explore Seaton’s esplanade and take a short hop to the fishing village of Beer for beach time and cliff walks.
Killerton (National Trust)
A few miles north of the city, Killerton offers a Georgian house, costume displays and miles of paths through parkland and woods. It suits mixed-weather days and family visits, with waymarked walks and cafés.
A La Ronde (National Trust) and Lympstone
Near Exmouth, A La Ronde is a unique sixteen-sided home with estuary views and a curious interior. Combine with a stroll or coffee stop in nearby Lympstone for a gentle half day by the water.
Haldon Forest Park, Devon
Head southwest for Haldon Park forest trails, cycling, Go Ape, and superb viewpoints, all the way back to the city and moors. Waymarked routes range from easy miles to longer loops, and bike hire is available on site in season.
Woodbury Common
Views of the River Exe from Woodbury Common (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
East of the city lies Woodbury Common, part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. Vast skies, heather and gorse stretch across the landscape, with sweeping views over the Exe and Otter valleys. Follow quiet trails to the Iron Age ramparts of Woodbury Castle, watch for stonechats and Dartford warblers, or explore the sandy bridleways by bike. Close to Exmouth and Budleigh, it’s an easy day out with space for children and car parks across the common.
Visit Dartmoor National Park
A Dartmoor day trip from Exeter offers granite tors, riverside walks at Fingle Bridge and cosy pubs for lunch.
Crealy Theme Park and Resort
For families, Crealy offers rides, indoor play, and animal encounters a short drive from the city. It is a practical all-weather option with food outlets and on-site facilities.
Darts Farm and the lower Exe
Between Exeter and Topsham, the award-winning and frankly spectacular Darts Farm brings together local producers, a food hall, cafés, and outdoor space. It is a simple stop for lunch or picnic supplies, easily combined with a visit to Exmouth or Topsham.
Practical Information for Visiting, Exeter
Exeter Practicalities
🛍️ Shops & Supermarkets – Everything that you would expect from a large city.
🏥 Nearest Hospitals – A&E Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. Call 999/112 for emergencies & 111 for health advice.
🚔 Police Station – Sidmouth Road, Exeter, EX2 7RY. Call 999/112 for emergencies & 101 for non-emergencies.
💊 Pharmacies – for medical advice, prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines.
🍽️ Restaurants – sit-down meals ranging from local cuisine to international.
☕ Cafés & Tea Rooms – casual spots for coffee, cakes, and cream teas.
🍺 Pubs & Bars – traditional inns and modern places to drink.
✈️ Nearest Airport – domestic and European connections from Exeter Airport.
🚆 Railway Station(s) – Exeter St Davids: connections to London, Plymouth, Penzance and beyond.
🚌 Bus Services – Exeter Bus and Coach Station: local and regional routes.
🅿️ Car Parks – short and long-stay parking options.
⛽ Petrol Stations & EV Charging – fuel and charging points.
💵 Banks, ATMs, and Currency Exchange – cashpoints, Banking, and Currency Exchange.
📮 Post Office – sending letters, parcels, and other services.
🛏️ Hotels & B&Bs – places to stay in and around town.
🚻 Public Toilets – available throughout the city.
🚶 Tourist Information Centre – Visit Exeter, Civic Centre, Paris St, Exeter EX1 1JN.
Other Helpful Links
Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the top things to do in Exeter?
Start at Exeter Cathedral and Cathedral Green, then visit RAMM, book the Underground Passages tour, and head to the Quayside and Exeter Ship Canal for cafés, pubs and waterside walks.
Is Exeter walkable?
Yes. The historic centre is compact and crossable on foot in about 20 minutes, with many sights clustered around the Cathedral, High Street and the Quayside.
What is the Exeter medieval touchstone?
The medieval touchstone is a small block set into Exeter’s city wall near Cathedral Yard, just below the cast iron Burnet Patch Bridge. It is thought to be the original stone from the old South Gate, demolished in 1819. By tradition, travellers touched the stone before passing through the gate to purify themselves and ward off harm. You can find it on the wall under the bridge, a short walk from the cathedral green.
How do I join a Red Coat Guided Tour?
Red Coat Guided Tours run most days and are free. Some themed tours require online booking. They are a good way to get your bearings and hear the city’s stories.
Are the Underground Passages suitable for children?
Tours do not permit children under five and are not suitable for anyone who is claustrophobic. Numbers are limited so booking is advised, especially in school holidays.
When is the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market?
It usually runs from late November into December on Cathedral Green. Check the current year’s dates before you travel.
What is the best time to visit Exeter?
Spring brings blossom, lighter evenings and quieter streets. Summer is festival season with long days for the Quayside and canal. Autumn has softer light for photography and colourful parks. Winter is calm, good for museums, cosy pubs and the Christmas Market.
What is the weather like in Exeter?
Exeter has a temperate maritime climate. Summers are generally mild, spring and autumn are changeable with bright spells, and winters are cool with wetter periods. Pack layers and a light waterproof year round.
How long is the train from London to Exeter?
Fast services from London Paddington take about 2 hours 10 minutes to Exeter St Davids. Trains also run from London Waterloo to Exeter Central and St Davids.
Which areas are best to stay in?
For first timers, Cathedral Quarter and Southernhay are central and convenient. The Quayside offers waterside pubs and canal walks. St Davids suits rail travellers. St Leonards and Magdalen Road feel residential and local. Topsham on the estuary is a pretty base a short train ride away.
Where to eat in Exeter?
Try the Quayside for terraces by the water, Cathedral Green and Princesshay for cafés and restaurants, Gandy Street for independents, Magdalen Road for delis and neighbourhood spots, and Sidwell Street for global flavours.
Best pubs and places to drink in Exeter?
Head to the Quayside for canal-side pubs and craft beer, Cathedral Yard and side streets for historic inns, and Magdalen Road or Fore Street for neighbourhood bars and wine rooms.
How do I get around the city without a car?
Walk the centre, use Red Coat Guided Tours, take Stagecoach buses and Park and Ride, hop between local rail stops including St Thomas, Polsloe Bridge, Digby and Sowton and Marsh Barton, or cycle the Exe Estuary Trail.
Where can I hire a bike or canoe?
Go to the Quayside for bike and canoe hire, then follow the canal towpath to Double Locks and Turf Locks or continue onto the Exe Estuary Trail.
What is special about the Exeter Ship Canal and Quayside?
The canal first opened in the 1560s and was the first in England to use pound locks. Today it is a green corridor with cafés, antiques, watersports, the hand pulled Butts Ferry and easy access to riverside pubs.
Is there parking and EV charging in Exeter?
There are short and long stay car parks across the city. If you are driving an EV, plan charging stops ahead of time when travelling on South West A roads.
Which day trips are easy from Exeter?
Exmouth and the Jurassic Coast, Topsham and Powderham Castle, Killerton, Haldon Forest Park and Crealy Theme Park are all popular and close.
Where can I find green space and easy trails?
Explore the Exeter Green Circle, riverside parks and the Exe Estuary Trail. Haldon Forest Park, Killerton and Powderham are a short drive away.
What is Marsh Barton station useful for?
Opened in 2023, Marsh Barton serves the industrial estate and is handy for Riverside Valley Park. It connects with local lines around the Exe.
Are there family friendly attractions?
Yes. RAMM is free, the Underground Passages offer a memorable tour for older children, the Quayside has hire and flat paths, and Crealy is a popular family day out.
Can I reach Exmouth by ferry?
Seasonally you can ferry across the estuary between Starcross and Exmouth. Combine with rail or the Exe Estuary Trail for a loop.
Where is the Tourist Information Centre?
Visit Exeter at the Civic Centre on Paris Street offers maps, brochures and visitor advice.
Is Exeter worth visiting?
Yes. Exeter is a relatively compact city that still feels open, with glimpses of countryside and the River Exe never far away. It has its own green space in the form of the Exe Valley and estuary, making it easy to step straight from the city into level riverside and canal walks that can take you all the way to the coast. It is also easy to reach, with strong rail links and a walkable centre.
There is plenty to see and do, with shops ranging from independent and boutique to well-known high street brands, alongside a lively student atmosphere that gives the city energy year-round. Exeter often surprises visitors. You might come for the Cathedral, but you leave with a wider understanding of its history, from Roman origins and medieval underground passages to Tudor buildings and its role during the Blitz. Add in markets, Quayside walks and a strong selection of places to eat and drink, and Exeter quickly becomes worth visiting.
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New to South West England or returning after a while? Start with our ‘Travel Basics’ – quick guides packed with tips to help you plan your trip.
What’s On in South West England This Weekend & 2026 Events Guide
Looking for what’s on in South West England this weekend? Find festivals, live music, food events and days out across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, plus upcoming highlights throughout 2026.
Updated regularly with over 180 South West England events, including what’s on this weekend, what’s on this month, what’s on near you and major 2026 festivals.
What’s On in South West England This Weekend
Friday 12 June to Sunday 14 June 2026
Looking for What’s on in Devon, What’s on in Cornwall, What’s on in Somerset or What’s on in Dorset this weekend? These are some of the biggest events taking place across South West England between 12 and 14 June 2026, including music festivals, food festivals, family days out, theatre, heritage events and outdoor celebrations.
Updated weekly with the latest confirmed events across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival, Cornwall – One of Europe’s largest free maritime music festivals with more than 80 groups performing across the harbour town.
Falmouth Classics, Cornwall – Traditional sailing vessels, classic boats and maritime celebrations fill Falmouth Harbour throughout the weekend.
Darts Farm Summer Festival, Topsham, Devon – Food, live music, family entertainment and local produce at one of Devon’s best known farm destinations.
Motorhome & Camping Weekend, Westpoint Exeter, Devon – A major exhibition featuring motorhomes, campervans, caravans, camping and live entertainment.
Woofstock UK, Powderham Castle, Devon – An award-winning dog festival combining live music, displays, competitions, shopping and camping.
Craft Festival Bovey Tracey, Devon – A popular Dartmoor craft festival showcasing makers, artists and designers from across the UK.
Home Farm Fest, Somerset – A family-friendly charity music festival with multiple stages, circus acts, workshops and children’s entertainment.
Bridgwater Food and Drink Festival, Somerset – Street food, artisan producers, local drinks, live music and market stalls in the town centre.
Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, Dorset – Interactive geology exhibits, guided fossil walks, expert talks and family activities celebrating the Jurassic Coast.
Wimborne Minster Folk Festival, Dorset – A long-running folk festival featuring concerts, ceilidhs, street performances and free entertainment.
Please note: While we make every effort to keep our event listings up to date, events can occasionally be postponed, cancelled or amended due to weather, operational requirements or other unforeseen circumstances. Please check with the organiser before travelling.
Looking for what’s on in South West England this weekend? This regularly updated guide brings together South West events across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, including festivals, live music, food events and family days out.
Find what’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset this weekend
Covers festivals, markets, shows, music and seasonal events
Includes free events and family-friendly days out
Updated weekly with the latest confirmed South West events
Also features upcoming events throughout 2026 and into 2027
Whether you are planning ahead or looking for something to do this weekend, explore what’s on near you across South West England.
Event details can change, sometimes at short notice, so it is always worth checking with organisers before you travel. We update this guide regularly, but a quick final check before setting off is strongly recommended.
Got a South West event to share? We would love to hear from you. Submit it here, and we’ll add it to our regularly updated guide to what’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
Disclosure:Some of the outbound links on this page are affiliate links to sites that we use and would genuinely recommend. Using them doesn’t cost you extra, but it does help support this free guide. We also provide links to other sites that we believe may be helpful to you.
What’s On in South West England in June 2026
Looking for what’s on in Devon, what’s on in Cornwall, what’s on in Somerset or what’s on in Dorset this June? As summer arrives across South West England, June brings a packed programme of festivals, food events, live music, agricultural shows and family days out.
Highlights include the Royal Cornwall Show, Tunes in the Dunes, the Summer Diesel Festival on the West Somerset Railway, Exeter Respect Festival, Golowan Festival in Penzance, Lyme Regis Fossil Festival and the Eden Sessions.
12 June 2026 A lively summer festival night at Strawberry Fields near Lifton on the Devon and Cornwall border, featuring high-energy live music from Land of the Giants alongside support acts, street food and a festival-style atmosphere. Combining brass-driven ska, funk and reggae influences with outdoor bars, dancing and evening entertainment, it creates a relaxed countryside music event with strong West Country festival vibes.
12 to 13 June 2026 Held in the gardens of Torre Abbey in Torquay, this open-air performance brings Shakespeare’s classic tragedy to life in a striking historic setting. It suits those looking for a relaxed summer evening of theatre, with dynamic staging, original music, and the atmosphere of an outdoor performance under the stars.
12 to 13 June 2026 A lively family-friendly tribute music festival held at Langdon Barton Farm near Wembury, featuring UK tribute acts under a big top stage alongside street food, bars and camping. Set close to the South Devon coastline, it combines a strong sense of community with live music, entertainment, and a relaxed summer-festival feel.
12 to 14 June 2026 One of the more practical South West events for touring and outdoor living, this three-day show brings together motorhomes, campervans and caravans from regional dealers, with indoor and outdoor displays to explore. Visitors can browse new and used models, enjoy on-site food and facilities, and also stay on-site with camping and live evening entertainment included, making it a popular event near you for a full weekend experience.
12 to 14 June 2026 A long weekend of food, live music and community set at Darts Farm near Topsham, one of Devon’s best-known farm destinations, with a programme of bands, cookery demonstrations and family-friendly activities. Expect local produce, street food, vineyard drinks, and a relaxed festival atmosphere overlooking the Exe Estuary.
12 to 14 June 2026 Held at the Royal Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, this large antiques fair features up to 600 stands across multiple halls, offering everything from furniture and decorative pieces to vintage clothing, collectables and restoration items.
12 to 14 June 2026 One of the largest free nautical music festivals in Europe, the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival fills the harbour town with traditional sea songs, maritime music and live performances across pubs, quaysides and waterfront venues. More than 80 groups from the UK and overseas are expected to perform during the three-day weekend event, alongside Falmouth Classics, a historic sailing regatta taking place on the harbour.
12 to 14 June 2026 One of the UK’s largest classic sailing regattas, Falmouth Classics brings together traditional sailing craft, heritage vessels and working boats for three days of racing, parades and maritime events on the Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay. The weekend event also coincides with the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, creating a lively harbour setting with live music, classic boats and waterfront celebrations across the town.
12 to 14 June 2026 A well-established family-friendly charity music festival featuring over 150 bands across multiple stages, alongside circus acts, workshops, food stalls and a large children’s area. Run to support the School in a Bag charity, which combines a lively grassroots atmosphere with a strong community feel and a wide range of activities beyond the music.
12 to 14 June 2026 A small-scale independent music festival featuring multiple bands and live performances across the weekend, with a relaxed atmosphere and a focus on local and touring acts. Typically includes a mix of indoor venues, live music sessions, and a close-knit festival feel rather than a large outdoor site.
12 to 14 June 2026 Held across venues including Wimborne Minster, the Allendale Centre and outdoor town locations, Wimborne Minster Folk Festival is a long-running Dorset event celebrating traditional and contemporary folk music, dance and community culture. Expect a mix of headline concerts, ceilidhs, street performances and free outdoor entertainment, creating a lively town-wide festival atmosphere with something for all ages.
12 to 14 June 2026 Discovery Festival will no longer take place in 2026 and has been officially postponed until 11 to 13 June 2027.
Festival organisers announced that, after exploring all available options with partners and stakeholders, they had made the difficult decision to move the event to 2027. The three-day festival is now scheduled to take place from Friday, 11 June to Sunday, 13 June 2027.
What Happens to Existing Tickets?
All tickets purchased for Discovery Festival 2026 remain valid for the rescheduled 2027 event, with no further action required from ticket holders who wish to attend on the new dates.
As a thank-you for their support, organisers have also confirmed that ticket holders who retain their tickets for 2027 will be eligible to receive an additional complimentary festival ticket. Visitors should contact their original point of purchase for details of how to claim the offer.
Can I Get a Refund?
Yes. Ticket holders who cannot attend the new dates, or who no longer wish to attend, can apply for a full refund through their original point of purchase, including providers such as Ticketmaster UK and FIXR.
Organisers have advised ticket holders to check official communications and contact their ticket provider directly for the latest information regarding transfers, complimentary tickets and refund arrangements.
13 June 2026 A town-centre food festival bringing together street food, artisan producers, local drinks, live music and market stalls across Bridgwater. Held in the centre of Somerset’s historic market town, the event features independent food traders, community entertainment and family-friendly activities, creating a lively atmosphere focused on local food and drink.
13 June 2026 A traditional community day held in Collett Park, featuring live music, stalls, family activities and local entertainment in a relaxed park setting. Expect a classic town fête atmosphere with a mix of performances, food, and activities for all ages.
13 June 2026 A one-day charity music festival held at The BIG Sheep, featuring live bands, tribute acts and a family-friendly atmosphere. The event raises funds for Tabitha’s Smile, supporting young people through music and theatre, and combines live entertainment with a relaxed summer festival setting.
13 June 2026 Held at Wells Cathedral, this community event brings together local people for an afternoon of fundraising, food and live charity pitches. It suits visitors looking for a low-key, social event with a strong community focus, where a small donation includes homemade soup and the chance to vote for local projects competing for funding.
13 June 2026 A popular Dorset food festival held at Askers Meadow, showcasing local producers, street food, cookery demonstrations and family-friendly activities. With around 100 traders and a lively atmosphere, it celebrates the best of West Dorset food and drink, alongside a linked beer festival and evening events.
13 June 2026 Held at Eastville Park, this lively outdoor festival combines live tribute acts, DJs and entertainment with more than 30 ciders and 20 sausage varieties, alongside street food, market stalls and interactive activities. With a strong party atmosphere and a mix of music, food and festival fun, it offers a full day out suited to groups, couples and friends.
13 to 14 June 2026 A free family-friendly food festival overlooking Swanage Bay, celebrating local seafood, Dorset produce and coastal community life across a full weekend at Sandpit Field. The festival features seafood stalls, artisan traders, live chef demonstrations, music, children’s activities and cookery sessions, alongside local food and drink producers from across Purbeck and Dorset. Make a weekend of it? Find accommodation in and around Swanage.
13 to 14 June 2026 One of the UK’s best-known palaeontology and geology festivals, the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival brings scientists, fossil experts and interactive exhibits to the heart of the Jurassic Coast. The free weekend event includes expert talks, guided fossil walks, family activities, exhibitions and live demonstrations celebrating the area’s extraordinary geological heritage and the legacy of Mary Anning.
13 to 14 June 2026 A large free family festival bringing together artisan food and drink, arts and crafts, live music and entertainment across Highcliffe Recreation Ground and the village centre. The weekend features street food, local producers, craft stalls, chef demonstrations in Mary’s Kitchen, live performances, children’s activities and community entertainment, with more than 120 traders expected across the festival site.
13 to 14 June 2026 A family-friendly village festival in East Budleigh featuring creative scarecrow displays throughout the village, alongside stalls, refreshments and community activities. Organised by the Friends of All Saints, the event runs from 11 am to 4 pm each day and offers a relaxed, all ages day out in one of East Devon’s most picturesque villages.
14 June 2026 Held on Exmouth Beach and at Sideshore, this new wellness festival brings together fitness instructors, health professionals and wellbeing experts for a full day of activities by the sea. Visitors can take part in yoga, pilates, meditation, breathwork sessions and fitness classes, alongside inspirational talks, nutrition advice, live music and a health and wellbeing market. With more than 50 sessions taking place across multiple zones, the festival offers a relaxed and uplifting day focused on health, movement and community on Devon’s coastline.
16 June 2026 Mercury Prize-winning indie rock band Wolf Alice will perform at the Eden Sessions in the dramatic open-air setting of the Eden Project. Known for blending alternative rock, dream-pop and atmospheric guitar music, the band has built a reputation as one of the UK’s strongest live acts. Set against the backdrop of the famous biomes near St Austell, the concert forms part of Cornwall’s best-known summer music series, combining major artists with one of the South West’s most distinctive outdoor venues.
18 June 2026 Northern Irish alt-rock band Snow Patrol return to the Eden Sessions for a major summer concert at the Eden Project in Cornwall. Known for anthemic songs including Chasing Cars, Run and Open Your Eyes, the band has become one of the UK’s best-known live acts, combining atmospheric indie rock with large-scale singalong performances.
North Curry Music Festival, North Curry, near Taunton, Somerset 18 to 21 June 2026 A village-based music festival featuring a mix of classical, contemporary and community performances across venues including the parish church, village hall and outdoor spaces. Expect concerts, workshops and informal events, with both ticketed performances and free sessions creating a relaxed, local atmosphere.
18 to 28 June 2026 A new multi-venue music and arts festival taking place across Shepton Mallet, featuring a ten-day programme of live music, performances and community events in indoor and outdoor venues around the town. Organised by Let’s Buy The Amulet in collaboration with local venues and promoters, the festival includes a mix of free and ticketed events, from jazz and ceilidh in the Market Place to punk, folk and indie shows, spoken word and community art activities. Highlights include a performance by Arthur Brown and a closing Prison Yard Party, creating a lively town-wide celebration of music and culture.
19 to 21 June 2026 A multi-day community and cultural festival held across venues and public spaces in Bridgwater, featuring world music, dance, food, arts, workshops and performances celebrating the town’s diverse communities and cultures. Linked with Refugee Week, the festival brings together local organisations, performers and visitors from across Somerset, creating a lively programme of inclusive cultural events and entertainment throughout the town.
19 to 28 June 2026 The Golowan Festival returns to Penzance from 19 to 28 June 2026, bringing ten days of music, parades, street performances and midsummer celebrations to West Cornwall. One of Cornwall’s best-known community festivals, Golowan combines traditional customs with live entertainment, art, food and fireworks, attracting visitors from across the South West and beyond.
The highlight for many visitors is Mazey Day, when the streets of Penzance fill with colourful processions, costumes, giant sculptures and live music. Quay Fair Day and the popular Golowan fireworks over Penzance Harbour are also major parts of the festival, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the town and along the seafront. Local pubs, cafés and venues join in throughout the week, with performances and events taking place day and night.
Set against the backdrop of Mount’s Bay, the Golowan Festival is one of the standout summer events in Cornwall and an excellent time to visit Penzance. Accommodation can book up quickly during festival week, particularly around the busiest weekend and parade days, so planning ahead is recommended.
Port of Brixham Trawler Event, Brixham, Devon
20 June 2026, 9 am to 5 pm One of the more unusual things to do in Devon, The Port of Brixham Trawler Event celebrates the town’s fishing heritage with a spectacular fleet parade around Tor Bay, opportunities to board participating trawlers, live music, food and drink stalls, arts and crafts, fairground rides and family entertainment around the harbour. An awards ceremony takes place at 3 pm before the closing musical performance, which concludes the day’s festivities.
A spiritual pilgrimage held on Holdstone Down on the North Devon coast, bringing together participants for prayers, meditation, chanting, and ceremonies focused on world peace and spiritual wellbeing. Organised by The Aetherius Society, the event includes a service on the summit overlooking the coast near Combe Martin, with optional transport and a social gathering afterwards in nearby Berrynarbor. The pilgrimage forms part of a wider programme of spiritual events and holy mountain pilgrimages connected with the organisation.
20 June 2026 A free family-friendly environmental and maritime festival at Exeter Quayside bringing together conservation groups, heritage organisations and traditional maritime crafts. The event includes historic vessels, talks, films, live music, waterside activities, traditional craft demonstrations and opportunities to learn more about protecting seas, rivers and waterways around Devon and the South West.
Specialist Plant Fair, Coates English Willow, near Taunton, Somerset 20 June 2026 A specialist plant fair set at Coates English Willow in Stoke St Gregory, bringing together around 15 nurseries from across the South West, offering a wide range of plants with expert advice. Visitors can also explore the willow museum, browse handcrafted willow products and enjoy a relaxed day out in a unique Somerset setting.
20 June 2026 Double BRIT Award winner Becky Hill brings her high-energy dance-pop sound to the Eden Sessions at the Eden Project in Cornwall. Known for chart hits including Remember, Crazy What Love Can Do and Lose Control, Becky Hill has become one of the UK’s biggest live music acts, combining powerful vocals with festival-style performances and electronic anthems.
20 June 2026 A midsummer themed event marking the summer solstice with live music, DJs and a laid-back outdoor setting, combining seasonal celebration with a festival-style atmosphere in a natural valley venue.
20 June 2026 A one-day boating festival celebrating Plymouth’s maritime heritage, with a wide range of boats, yachts and watercraft on display alongside live demonstrations and hands-on activities. Free to attend, it brings together marine businesses, technology and family-friendly entertainment, with food, drink and on-the-water displays creating a lively harbour setting.
20 June 2026 A small-scale music and arts festival held in the gardens of Higher Farmhouse at Langton Herring, combining live music, food, drinks and panoramic countryside views in aid of the Dorset branch of Samaritans. The adults-only event features a relaxed picnic-style atmosphere, with local and visiting performers, and all proceeds support Samaritans Dorset.
20 June 2026 A daytime party event at Chicago Rock Cafe in Yeovil, bringing together dance music, singalong anthems and West End-inspired entertainment in a lively club atmosphere. Running through the afternoon and early evening, the event combines DJs, themed performances and party classics.
20 June 2026 Held at Taunton Rugby Football Club, this award-winning family-friendly music festival showcases local grassroots bands while supporting It’s in the Bag Cancer Support, a South West charity raising awareness of testicular cancer. Expect a lively atmosphere, live music throughout the day and optional weekend camping, all centred around a strong community message.
20 June 2026 Held on the River Torridge in the heart of Bideford, this long-running regatta brings together rowing clubs from across the South West for a full day of competitive racing and riverside entertainment. Spectators can watch close finishes from the quayside while enjoying the lively atmosphere as crews from Devon and beyond compete on the water. The event combines sporting action, community spirit and one of North Devon’s most scenic waterfront settings, making it a popular summer day out for visitors and locals alike.
20 June 2026 Held on Watchet Esplanade, this lively community festival brings together over 30 stallholders, live music and local entertainment throughout the day. With performances from local musicians, bands and choirs alongside food, shopping and a relaxed seaside setting, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
20 June 2026 A one-day family-friendly music festival featuring live tribute acts, local bands and a relaxed outdoor festival atmosphere. Expect performances from acts covering artists such as Sting, ABBA, Oasis and Taylor Swift, alongside food stalls, craft drinks, a kids’ zone and evening entertainment, making it a lively summer event with a strong community feel.
20 to 21 June 2026 A heritage-themed weekend at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, celebrating vintage engineering and transport, with displays of traction engines, classic cars, motorcycles and military vehicles. Set within the gardens, the event combines live demonstrations, exhibits and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere for a nostalgic Father’s Day outing.
20 to 21 June 2026 Held at Newnham Park in Plympton, this family-friendly motor show brings together more than 100 vehicles, along with displays, competitions and entertainment. It suits car enthusiasts and families alike, with food and drink, attractions and a relaxed outdoor setting just outside Plymouth.
21 June 2026 For one day each summer, a collection of private gardens across the Exmoor town of Dulverton opens to the public, offering a rare chance to explore hidden spaces that are normally closed to visitors. Ticket holders receive a map that guides them through a variety of unique gardens, ranging from traditional cottage gardens to larger landscaped plots. Refreshments are available at Dulverton Town Hall, and proceeds from the event help support local charitable causes.
RNLI Minehead Lifeboat Day, Minehead, Somerset
21 June 2026 Held at Minehead Lifeboat Station on the harbour, this family-friendly event celebrates the RNLI’s lifesaving work and marks the station’s 125th anniversary year. Visitors can meet volunteer crew members, learn about the lifeboats and rescue equipment, watch demonstrations and enjoy a range of fundraising activities throughout the day. With opportunities to explore the station, speak to the volunteers and discover more about sea safety along the Somerset coast, it offers an interesting and enjoyable day out while supporting a vital local charity.
21 June 2026 Held within the historic grounds of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park overlooking Plymouth Sound, this family-friendly summer carnival celebrates both the Summer Solstice and Father’s Day with a packed programme of entertainment and activities. Visitors can enjoy the colourful Solstice Parade, live music, choirs, classic cars, circus and bubble workshops, games, a charity dog show, artisan market stalls and a wide selection of street food traders. Set against one of Cornwall’s most scenic coastal backdrops, the event offers a lively day out for all ages while supporting the children’s charity Jeremiah’s Journey.
21 June 2026 A large family-friendly car show held at Westpoint Arena near Exeter, bringing together show cars, modified vehicles and automotive displays alongside a strong festival atmosphere. Expect a mix of exhibitor stands, entertainment, food and a dedicated kids’ area with activities such as go-karts and inflatables, making it suitable for both enthusiasts and families.
23 to 28 June 2026 An open-air concert series held at Canons Marsh Amphitheatre on Bristol’s harbourside, featuring major UK and international artists across multiple evenings. Each night is individually ticketed, creating a varied programme of headline performances in a central waterfront setting.
24 June 2026 An off-road summer running event through the grounds of historic Forde Abbey, featuring a challenging 10K route across woodland tracks, meadows and river crossings alongside a junior race for younger runners. Organised by Chard Road Runners, the evening event combines scenic countryside views, family-friendly racing and a distinctive Somerset setting on the borders of Devon and Dorset.
Paddle UK SUPER Festival & ICF SUP World Cup, Devon 24 to 28 June 2026 Held across the English Riviera, including Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, this five-day paddleboarding festival combines international competition with community events, featuring sprint, technical and distance races alongside have-a-go sessions, demos and a world-record SUP attempt.
25 June 2026 A lively evening of ragtime, blues, jazz and jug band music in the atmospheric courtyard at Otterton Mill near Budleigh Salterton, one of Devon’s best-known live music venues. Expect upbeat, roots-inspired performances in an intimate setting, with tickets recommended in advance as shows often sell out.
25 to 28 June 2026 A four-day music and arts festival set in Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, bringing together international headliners, emerging artists and local talent across multiple stages. Alongside live music, it features workshops, theatre, wellness activities and camping, creating an immersive, family-friendly festival with a strong creative and community focus.
26 June 2026, 5pm to 9pm A series of summer food and community events held on Cullompton High Street, featuring street food, craft stalls, live performances and local traders. Organised by Cullompton Town Council, the events create a relaxed early evening atmosphere with entertainment for all ages, followed by live bands at The Weary Traveller later in the evening.
26 June 2026 Alt-rock pioneers Pixies headline the Eden Sessions at the Eden Project in Cornwall as part of their Pixies 40 world tour, celebrating four decades of influential music that helped shape alternative rock. Known for songs such as “Where Is My Mind?“, “Debaser” and “Here Comes Your Man”, the band’s distinctive sound influenced artists ranging from Nirvana to Radiohead.
26 June to 4 July 2026 Held across venues in Budleigh Salterton, including St Peter’s Church, this long-running classical music festival brings together internationally recognised performers and emerging talent across a varied programme of concerts. It suits visitors looking for a more refined cultural experience, with a mix of evening performances and daytime recitals in an intimate coastal setting.
DorsetFest, Bulbarrow near Blandford Forum, Dorset 26 to 27 June 2026 Set at Warren Farm in the Dorset countryside, DorsetFest is a small, family-friendly music festival combining live bands, entertainment and food stalls in a relaxed rural setting. Organised and run entirely by volunteers, the event has a strong community focus, with proceeds supporting local charities and causes, as well as camping options and activities for all ages.
25 to 28 June 2026 The biggest events at Powderham Castle in 2026 are a series of large outdoor concerts in late June, featuring major headline acts. Highlights include Teddy Swims, Alanis Morissette and Lewis Capaldi performing across a four-day run.
26 to 28 June 2026 A large heritage transport and family weekend at Swanage Railway, combining steam engines, vintage vehicles, fairground attractions and live entertainment in the Purbeck countryside near Corfe Castle. The event features steam and diesel train services, traction engines, classic vehicles, live music, family activities, brake-van rides, and camping across the weekend, alongside heritage railway travel on the Swanage Railway line.
26 to 28 June 2026 One of the world’s biggest historic armour events, bringing together running tanks, military vehicles and live arena displays across three days at The Tank Museum in Bovington. The festival features historic and modern tanks in action, guest vehicles from the British Army and international collections, living history encampments, expert talks and one of the world’s largest collections of armoured vehicles.
27 June 2026 A free art and music market at Dorchester Arts, bringing together local artists, creative stalls, activities and live music. The event includes an open-mic element called The Jam, giving the market a relaxed, community feel with art, browsing, and live performances in central Dorchester.
27 June 2026 Held at the historic Norman Lockyer Observatory on Salcombe Hill, the South West Astronomy Fair brings together astronomers, space enthusiasts and curious visitors for a day of talks, exhibits and hands-on activities. Visitors can explore historic telescope domes, enjoy planetarium shows, take part in solar observing sessions, browse astronomy trade stands and hear guest speakers discuss the latest developments in space science.
27 June 2026 Taking place across Lyme Regis seafront and town centre locations, the B Sharp Busking Festival fills the resort with live music, street performances and creative activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy performances from talented young musicians, experienced buskers and community groups, alongside workshops, pop-up shows and family-friendly entertainment. With music taking place on Marine Parade, Gun Cliff Walk, the Town Mill and other venues around the town.
27 June 2026 A free community music and entertainment event in the centre of Sherborne, featuring live bands, local musicians, food stalls and family activities in the Pageant Gardens. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, the one-day event combines live entertainment, street food and a relaxed summer setting as part of what’s on in Dorset during the peak festival season.
27 June 2026 A large free family event celebrating the UK Armed Forces, with parades, military displays, live demonstrations and an arena programme throughout the day. Expect vehicles, equipment, live music and an evening concert, alongside a strong community atmosphere on Plymouth Hoe.
27 June 2026 The highlight of Golowan is its lively festival atmosphere and spectacular programme of parades that fill the streets of Penzance with colour, music and performance. Throughout the festival, giant processions featuring decorated sculptures, community groups, dancers, musicians and traditional characters make their way through the town, culminating in the famous Mazey Day celebrations. Alongside the parades, visitors can enjoy live music, street entertainment, markets, arts events, food stalls and family activities, making Golowan one of Cornwall’s largest and most distinctive summer festivals.
27 June 2026 Held at the Double Locks pub on the banks of the Exeter Ship Canal near Exeter, this relaxed, dog-friendly summer event brings together local stalls, live music and plenty of food and drink. Expect fun competitions, including Dog of the Year, alongside a sociable, family-friendly atmosphere by the water.
27 to 28 June 2026 A traditional vintage rally and family fun day held at the Holsworthy showground, featuring classic cars, motorbikes and tractors alongside full-size and miniature engines. The weekend includes craft and trade stalls, a licensed bar, a children’s play area, and a dog show, with additional attractions such as wrestling displays and live music throughout, creating a relaxed rural event with broad appeal for all ages.
27 to 28 June 2026 A new North Devon sea shanty festival bringing together around 30 groups performing across pubs, venues and harbour-side locations throughout Ilfracombe. Free to attend and full of atmosphere, it celebrates maritime music, community spirit and traditional songs of the sea.
27 to 28 June 2026 Held at Yeovil Rugby Club, Yeovil Tattoo Fest is a two-day tattoo convention bringing together artists from across the UK and beyond. Expect live tattooing, walk-up sessions, competitions and a range of traders, alongside music and a lively alternative culture atmosphere. It suits tattoo enthusiasts, those considering new work, and visitors interested in creative and subculture events.
27 to 28 June 2026 A free family-friendly folk festival bringing live music, Morris dancing and traditional entertainment to Poole Quay across a full weekend of performances and community events. The festival features folk bands, dance displays, children’s rides, face painting and street entertainment along the historic waterfront, creating a lively atmosphere in one of Dorset’s best-known harbourside settings.
27 June to 5 July 2026 A well-established arts festival set across venues in Beaminster, bringing together music, theatre, literature and visual arts with performances from both international artists and emerging talent. With a strong community focus and a varied programme of concerts, talks and exhibitions, it offers a relaxed yet high-quality cultural experience in West Dorset.
28 June to 11 July 2027 Watch live coverage of the Wimbledon Championships on a giant outdoor screen in Plymouth city centre, with deckchairs provided for spectators on the Piazza. The free event also features food and drink stalls and opportunities to try padel throughout the tournament.
Major South West England Events at a Glance
Eden Sessions 2026
Held at the iconic Eden Project, the Eden Sessions are a series of large-scale outdoor concerts set within a natural amphitheatre beside the biomes, bringing major UK and international artists to Cornwall each summer.
Wolf Alice, Cornwall – 16 June 2026
Snow Patrol, Cornwall – 18 June 2026
Becky Hill, Cornwall – 20 June 2026
Pixies, Cornwall – 26 June 2026
Bowling for Soup and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Cornwall – 5 July 2026
Bastille, Cornwall – 9 July 2026
Ben Howard, Cornwall – 10 July 2026
The Maccabees, Cornwall – 11 July 2026
Mika, Cornwall – 12 July 2026
Each concert is ticketed separately, with a genre-spanning programme ranging from indie and rock to pop and electronic, making the Eden Sessions one of the South West’s standout live music series of the summer.
Music Festivals in South West England 2026
These are some of the largest South West music festivals in 2026, forming the headline events across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Bristol. Many other smaller festivals, local events and independent gatherings are included in our listings below, covering a wider mix of genres, locations and styles across South West England.
Love Saves The Day Festival, Bristol – 23 to 24 May 2026
The Great Estate Festival, Scorrier House, Cornwall – 29 to 31 May 2026
Tunes in the Dunes Festival, Perranporth, Cornwall – 5 to 7 June 2026
Bristol Sounds 2026, Bristol – 23 to 28 June 2026
Eden Sessions, Eden Project, Cornwall – June to July 2026 (selected dates)
Rock Oyster Festival, Rock, Cornwall – 23 to 26 July 2026
Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, Dorset – 30 July to 2 August 2026
Valley Fest, Chew Valley, Somerset – 31 July to 2 August 2026
Boardmasters, Newquay, Cornwall – 5 to 9 August 2026
Jurassic Fields Festival, Bridport, Dorset – 10 to 12 July 2026
ArcTanGent Festival 2026, Bristol – 13 to 15 August 2026
Beautiful Days Festival, Escot Park, Devon – 21 to 23 August 2026
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, Purbeck, Dorset – 20 to 23 August 2026
We Out Here Festival, Wimborne, Dorset – 13 to 16 August 2026
FORWARDS Festival 2026, Bristol – 29 to 30 August 2026
Food Festivals and Events in South West England 2026
eat: Taunton, Somerset – 9 May 2026
eat: Nailsea, Somerset – 10 May 2026
St Ives Food and Drink Festival, Cornwall – 15 to 17 May 2026
Sidmouth Sea Fest, Sidmouth, Devon – 15 to 16 May 2026
Looe Beer Festival, Cornwall – 15 to 17 May 2026
Falmouth Food Festival, Cornwall – 22 to 25 May 2026
Flavour Fest, Plymouth, Devon – 29 to 31 May 2026
Kingsbridge Food and Music Festival, Devon – 29 to 31 May 2026
Buckfast Abbey Food Festival, Buckfastleigh, Devon – 29 to 30 May 2026
Seaweed Festival, Clovelly, Devon – 24 May 2026
Bridport Food Festival, Dorset – 13 June 2026
Darts Farm Summer Festival, Topsham, Devon – 12 to 14 June 2026
Newquay Food Festival, Cornwall – 9 to 12 July 2026
Dorset Seafood Festival, Weymouth, Dorset – 4 to 5 July 2026
Eat & Drink Arts Festival, Watchet, Somerset – 20 June 2026
Rock Oyster Festival, Cornwall – 23 to 26 July 2026
Great Dorset Chilli Festival, Dorset – 1 to 2 August 2026
Bude Food Festival (Summer), Cornwall – 9 August 2026
Taste East Devon Festival, Devon – 12 to 20 September 2026
Wells Food Festival, Somerset – 11 October 2026
Falmouth Oyster Festival, Cornwall – 8 to 11 October 2026
Airshows in South West England 2026
English Riviera Airshow, Paignton, Devon – 29 to 31 May 2026
Bournemouth Air Festival, Bournemouth, Dorset – 3 to 6 September 2026
Sidmouth Regatta Air Display, Sidmouth, Devon – 28 to 31 August 2026 (air display typically one day)
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week Air Display, Dorset – 15 to 23 August 2026 (Red Arrows display expected)
Agricultural Shows in South West England 2026
Devon County Show, Exeter, Devon – 21 to 23 May 2026
Royal Bath & West Show, Somerset – 28 to 30 May 2026
Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge, Cornwall – 4 to 6 June 2026
North Devon Show, Umberleigh, Devon – 5 August 2026
Honiton Show, Devon – 6 August 2026
Mid Devon Show, Tiverton, Devon – 25 July 2026
Dunster Show, Somerset – 21 August 2026
Melplash Show, Bridport, Dorset – 27 August 2026
Mid-Somerset Show, Shepton Mallet, Somerset – 16 August 2026
Dorset County Show, Dorchester, Dorset – 5 to 6 September 2026
Regattas and Maritime Events in South West England 2026
Dartmouth Royal Regatta, Dartmouth, Devon – 26 to 29 August 2026
Falmouth Week, Falmouth, Cornwall – 7 to 16 August 2026
Sidmouth Regatta, Sidmouth, Devon – 28 to 31 August 2026
Beer Regatta, Beer, Devon – 8 to 14 August 2026
River Exe Regatta, Topsham & Exe Estuary, Devon – 4 to 11 July 2026
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week, Dorset – 15 to 23 August 2026
Free South West events and budget-friendly days out
You do not need to spend a lot to enjoy events in South West England. There are many free South West events, including community festivals, outdoor performances, markets and seasonal celebrations.
Whether you are planning a low-cost day out or simply looking to keep costs down, there are plenty of options across the region. Many events are free to attend, although some activities, parking or extras may involve a charge. This is just a small selection, with many more events and budget-friendly days out taking place across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset throughout the year.
Free South West England Events
• Dart Music Festival, Dartmouth, Devon • Party in the City, Bath, Somerset • Exmouth Festival, Devon • Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol • English Riviera Airshow, Torbay, Devon • Bridport Community Charter Fair, Dorset • Newquay Sessions, Cornwall • World Pilot Gig Championships, Isles of Scilly • Fowey Regatta, Cornwall • Looe Weekender, Cornwall
Budget-Friendly Days Out in South West England
• Walking or cycling the Exe Estuary Trail • Exploring Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks • Visiting beaches along the Jurassic Coast and North Cornwall • Harbour walks in places such as Fowey, Padstow and Brixham • Free museums and galleries in Exeter, Plymouth and Bristol • Seasonal markets and community festivals across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset
Family Events in South West England
Looking for family events and days out in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset? South West England hosts a wide range of family-friendly festivals, outdoor events, seaside celebrations and seasonal attractions throughout the year, from airshows and food festivals to carnival weekends, beach events and countryside shows.
Many events include children’s entertainment, live performances, family activities and outdoor spaces, making them ideal for school holidays, weekends and short breaks across the region. Some events are free to attend, although parking, rides, activities or ticketed areas may involve a charge.
Family-Friendly Events in South West England
• English Riviera Airshow – Free air displays and family entertainment along the Torbay seafront.
• Exmouth Festival – One of Devon’s biggest free festivals, with live music, workshops and family activities.
• Camp Bestival – A major family festival combining live music, theatre, crafts and outdoor activities.
• Foodies Festival – Food stalls, live music, chef demonstrations and family entertainment in Bath.
• Bullring Bites – Summer street food evenings with music, stalls and community entertainment.
• Newquay Sessions – Free seaside summer events with music, entertainment and themed family activities.
• Okehampton Show – A traditional agricultural show with livestock, displays and countryside attractions.
• Exmoor Nature Festival – Wildlife walks, outdoor activities and nature events across Exmoor.
• World Pilot Gig Championships – A lively May bank holiday event on the Isles of Scilly with racing and island celebrations.
• Newquay at Christmas – Festive markets, lights, fireworks and seasonal family entertainment.
Whether you are planning a family holiday, weekend break or local day out, there are family-friendly events taking place across South West England throughout the year. This is just a small selection; many more festivals, shows and seasonal celebrations are listed throughout the guide.
Unusual South West events and traditions
Looking for something a little different in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset? South West England is home to some of the UK’s most unusual events and long-standing traditions, from historic celebrations and quirky customs to distinctive local festivals rooted in place and community.
These events often reflect centuries-old traditions, coastal culture and rural life, offering a different perspective on the region beyond the more familiar festivals and shows.
Unusual Events and Traditions in South West England
• Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels, Devon – A famous Bonfire Night tradition where flaming tar barrels are carried through the streets in a dramatic evening spectacle.
• Bridgwater Carnival, Somerset – One of the largest illuminated carnivals in Europe, featuring elaborate floats, performers and a long-standing Somerset tradition.
• Padstow May Day (Obby Oss), Cornwall – A centuries-old May Day celebration with dancing, music and the iconic ‘Obby Oss’ parading through the streets.
• Cheese Rolling, Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester – A chaotic and well-known event where competitors race down a steep hill chasing a rolling cheese.
• World Pilot Gig Championships, Isles of Scilly – Traditional gig rowing races held over the May Day bank holiday, combining sport with island celebration.
• Fowey Regatta, Cornwall – A historic regatta week with sailing races, parades, fireworks and community events dating back many years.
• Newquay at Christmas, Cornwall – A coastal Christmas celebration combining festive markets, live music, lights switch-on and fireworks by the sea.
• Dartmoor Tors Festival, Devon – A more contemporary but distinctive event exploring Dartmoor’s landscape, folklore and culture through walks, talks and performances.
• Sidmouth Folk Festival, Devon – One of the UK’s best-known folk festivals, with traditional music, dance and street performances rooted in English folk culture.
• English Riviera Airshow, Devon – A large-scale coastal airshow with dramatic displays over the sea, combining aviation with seaside crowds and atmosphere.
These events highlight the variety of traditions and local culture across South West England, from ancient customs and seasonal rituals to modern festivals shaped by the region’s landscapes and communities.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or planning a longer trip, exploring these unusual events offers a different way to experience the South West beyond the typical visitor attractions.
Find South West events near you.
Use our search bar to explore What’s on in South West England by county, including Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, or by specific towns and locations. This makes it easier to find South West events near you and plan your time more effectively.
Submit a Listing
Have an event to add? Submit a listing, and it will be included as soon as possible.
Major South West England Events at a Glance
Eden Sessions 2026
Held at the iconic Eden Project, the Eden Sessions are a series of large-scale outdoor concerts set within a natural amphitheatre beside the biomes, bringing major UK and international artists to Cornwall each summer.
Wolf Alice, Cornwall – 16 June 2026
Snow Patrol, Cornwall – 18 June 2026
Becky Hill, Cornwall – 20 June 2026
Pixies, Cornwall – 26 June 2026
Bowling for Soup and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Cornwall – 5 July 2026
Bastille, Cornwall – 9 July 2026
Ben Howard, Cornwall – 10 July 2026
The Maccabees, Cornwall – 11 July 2026
Mika, Cornwall – 12 July 2026
Each concert is ticketed separately, with a genre-spanning programme ranging from indie and rock to pop and electronic, making the Eden Sessions one of the South West’s standout live music series of the summer.
Music Festivals in South West England 2026
These are some of the largest South West music festivals in 2026, forming the headline events across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Bristol. Many other smaller festivals, local events and independent gatherings are included in our listings below, covering a wider mix of genres, locations and styles across South West England.
Love Saves The Day Festival, Bristol – 23 to 24 May 2026
The Great Estate Festival, Scorrier House, Cornwall – 29 to 31 May 2026
Tunes in the Dunes Festival, Perranporth, Cornwall – 5 to 7 June 2026
Bristol Sounds 2026, Bristol – 23 to 28 June 2026
Eden Sessions, Eden Project, Cornwall – June to July 2026 (selected dates)
Rock Oyster Festival, Rock, Cornwall – 23 to 26 July 2026
Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, Dorset – 30 July to 2 August 2026
Valley Fest, Chew Valley, Somerset – 31 July to 2 August 2026
Boardmasters, Newquay, Cornwall – 5 to 9 August 2026
Jurassic Fields Festival, Bridport, Dorset – 10 to 12 July 2026
ArcTanGent Festival 2026, Bristol – 13 to 15 August 2026
Beautiful Days Festival, Escot Park, Devon – 21 to 23 August 2026
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, Purbeck, Dorset – 20 to 23 August 2026
We Out Here Festival, Wimborne, Dorset – 13 to 16 August 2026
FORWARDS Festival 2026, Bristol – 29 to 30 August 2026
Food Festivals and Events in South West England 2026
eat: Taunton, Somerset – 9 May 2026
eat: Nailsea, Somerset – 10 May 2026
St Ives Food and Drink Festival, Cornwall – 15 to 17 May 2026
Sidmouth Sea Fest, Sidmouth, Devon – 15 to 16 May 2026
Looe Beer Festival, Cornwall – 15 to 17 May 2026
Falmouth Food Festival, Cornwall – 22 to 25 May 2026
Flavour Fest, Plymouth, Devon – 29 to 31 May 2026
Kingsbridge Food and Music Festival, Devon – 29 to 31 May 2026
Buckfast Abbey Food Festival, Buckfastleigh, Devon – 29 to 30 May 2026
Seaweed Festival, Clovelly, Devon – 24 May 2026
Bridport Food Festival, Dorset – 13 June 2026
Darts Farm Summer Festival, Topsham, Devon – 12 to 14 June 2026
Newquay Food Festival, Cornwall – 9 to 12 July 2026
Dorset Seafood Festival, Weymouth, Dorset – 4 to 5 July 2026
Eat & Drink Arts Festival, Watchet, Somerset – 20 June 2026
Rock Oyster Festival, Cornwall – 23 to 26 July 2026
Great Dorset Chilli Festival, Dorset – 1 to 2 August 2026
Bude Food Festival (Summer), Cornwall – 9 August 2026
Taste East Devon Festival, Devon – 12 to 20 September 2026
Wells Food Festival, Somerset – 11 October 2026
Falmouth Oyster Festival, Cornwall – 8 to 11 October 2026
Airshows in South West England 2026
English Riviera Airshow, Paignton, Devon – 29 to 31 May 2026
Bournemouth Air Festival, Bournemouth, Dorset – 3 to 6 September 2026
Sidmouth Regatta Air Display, Sidmouth, Devon – 28 to 31 August 2026 (air display typically one day)
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week Air Display, Dorset – 15 to 23 August 2026 (Red Arrows display expected)
Agricultural Shows in South West England 2026
Devon County Show, Exeter, Devon – 21 to 23 May 2026
Royal Bath & West Show, Somerset – 28 to 30 May 2026
Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge, Cornwall – 4 to 6 June 2026
North Devon Show, Umberleigh, Devon – 5 August 2026
Honiton Show, Devon – 6 August 2026
Mid Devon Show, Tiverton, Devon – 25 July 2026
Dunster Show, Somerset – 21 August 2026
Melplash Show, Bridport, Dorset – 27 August 2026
Mid-Somerset Show, Shepton Mallet, Somerset – 16 August 2026
Dorset County Show, Dorchester, Dorset – 5 to 6 September 2026
Regattas and Maritime Events in South West England 2026
Dartmouth Royal Regatta, Dartmouth, Devon – 26 to 29 August 2026
Falmouth Week, Falmouth, Cornwall – 7 to 16 August 2026
Sidmouth Regatta, Sidmouth, Devon – 28 to 31 August 2026
Beer Regatta, Beer, Devon – 8 to 14 August 2026
River Exe Regatta, Topsham & Exe Estuary, Devon – 4 to 11 July 2026
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week, Dorset – 15 to 23 August 2026
Free South West events and budget-friendly days out
There are many free South West events, including community festivals, outdoor performances, markets and seasonal celebrations.
Whether you are planning a low-cost day out or simply looking to keep costs down, there are plenty of options across the region. Many events are free to attend, although some activities, parking or extras may involve a charge. This is just a small selection, with many more events and budget-friendly days out taking place across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset throughout the year.
Free South West England Events
• Dart Music Festival, Dartmouth, Devon • Party in the City, Bath, Somerset • Exmouth Festival, Devon • Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol • English Riviera Airshow, Torbay, Devon • Bridport Community Charter Fair, Dorset • Newquay Sessions, Cornwall • World Pilot Gig Championships, Isles of Scilly • Fowey Regatta, Cornwall • Looe Weekender, Cornwall
Budget-Friendly Days Out in South West England
• Walking or cycling the Exe Estuary Trail • Exploring Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks • Visiting beaches along the Jurassic Coast and North Cornwall • Harbour walks in places such as Fowey, Padstow and Brixham • Free museums and galleries in Exeter, Plymouth and Bristol • Seasonal markets and community festivals across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset
Family Events in South West England
Looking for family events and days out in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset? South West England hosts a wide range of family-friendly festivals, outdoor events, seaside celebrations and seasonal attractions throughout the year, from airshows and food festivals to carnival weekends, beach events and countryside shows.
Many events include children’s entertainment, live performances, family activities and outdoor spaces, making them ideal for school holidays, weekends and short breaks across the region. Some events are free to attend, although parking, rides, activities or ticketed areas may involve a charge.
Family-Friendly Events in South West England
• English Riviera Airshow – Free air displays and family entertainment along the Torbay seafront.
• Exmouth Festival – One of Devon’s biggest free festivals, with live music, workshops and family activities.
• Camp Bestival – A major family festival combining live music, theatre, crafts and outdoor activities.
• Foodies Festival – Food stalls, live music, chef demonstrations and family entertainment in Bath.
• Bullring Bites – Summer street food evenings with music, stalls and community entertainment.
• Newquay Sessions – Free seaside summer events with music, entertainment and themed family activities.
• Okehampton Show – A traditional agricultural show with livestock, displays and countryside attractions.
• Exmoor Nature Festival – Wildlife walks, outdoor activities and nature events across Exmoor.
• World Pilot Gig Championships – A lively May bank holiday event on the Isles of Scilly with racing and island celebrations.
• Newquay at Christmas – Festive markets, lights, fireworks and seasonal family entertainment.
Whether you are planning a family holiday, weekend break or local day out, there are family-friendly events taking place across South West England throughout the year. This is just a small selection; many more festivals, shows and seasonal celebrations are listed throughout the guide.
Unusual South West events and traditions
Looking for something a little different in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset? South West England is home to some of the UK’s most unusual events and long-standing traditions, from historic celebrations and quirky customs to distinctive local festivals rooted in place and community.
These events often reflect centuries-old traditions, coastal culture and rural life, offering a different perspective on the region beyond the more familiar festivals and shows.
Unusual Events and Traditions in South West England
• Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels, Devon – A famous Bonfire Night tradition where flaming tar barrels are carried through the streets in a dramatic evening spectacle.
• Bridgwater Carnival, Somerset – One of the largest illuminated carnivals in Europe, featuring elaborate floats, performers and a long-standing Somerset tradition.
• Padstow May Day (Obby Oss), Cornwall – A centuries-old May Day celebration with dancing, music and the iconic ‘Obby Oss’ parading through the streets.
• Cheese Rolling, Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester – A chaotic and well-known event where competitors race down a steep hill chasing a rolling cheese.
• World Pilot Gig Championships, Isles of Scilly – Traditional gig rowing races held over the May Day bank holiday, combining sport with island celebration.
• Fowey Regatta, Cornwall – A historic regatta week with sailing races, parades, fireworks and community events dating back many years.
• Newquay at Christmas, Cornwall – A coastal Christmas celebration combining festive markets, live music, lights switch-on and fireworks by the sea.
• Dartmoor Tors Festival, Devon – A more contemporary but distinctive event exploring Dartmoor’s landscape, folklore and culture through walks, talks and performances.
• Sidmouth Folk Festival, Devon – One of the UK’s best-known folk festivals, with traditional music, dance and street performances rooted in English folk culture.
• English Riviera Airshow, Devon – A large-scale coastal airshow with dramatic displays over the sea, combining aviation with seaside crowds and atmosphere.
These events highlight the variety of traditions and local culture across South West England, from ancient customs and seasonal rituals to modern festivals shaped by the region’s landscapes and communities.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or planning a longer trip, exploring these unusual events offers a different way to experience the South West beyond the typical visitor attractions.
Find South West events near you.
Use our search bar to explore what’s on in South West England by county, including Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, or by specific towns and locations. This makes it easier to find South West events near you and plan your time more effectively.
Submit a Listing
Have an event to add? Submit a listing, and it will be included as soon as possible.
What’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in July 2026? Discover peak summer festivals, live music, food events and family-friendly days out across South West England, as the school holidays begin and the region enters its busiest events season.
Foo Fighters GB & Brain of J (Pearl Jam) Tribute Night, Arena Torquay, Devon 3 July 2026 A high-energy tribute night featuring live performances celebrating the music of Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam at Arena Torquay. The show brings together well-known tribute acts for a full evening of rock classics in a large indoor venue setting.
This Ain’t Texas Festival, Dorchester, Dorset 3 July 2026 A one-day country music festival at Dorchester Showground bringing Nashville-style energy to the South West, with live tribute acts, Americana vibes and all-day outdoor entertainment. Expect live country anthems, BBQ street food, bars and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong focus on music, food and festival fun.
Upton Country Park Festival, Poole, Dorset 3 to 4 July 2026 Set in the grounds of Upton Country Park in Poole, this two-day festival is billed as Dorset’s biggest tribute music event, featuring leading UK tribute acts, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. With a relaxed outdoor setting, festivalgoers can bring their own food and drink alongside a range of street food, bars and activities on site.
Tree of Strings Festival, Abbotsbury, Dorset 3 to 5 July 2026 A new three-day music festival set around Abbotsbury’s Tithe Barn, bringing together emerging talent and established artists across classical, jazz and folk, with concerts, workshops and performances in unique local venues. Designed as an immersive experience, the programme spans around 15 events, combining high-quality live music with a relaxed, accessible atmosphere in a striking Dorset setting.
AutoFest UK Big Weekender, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 3 to 5 July 2026 One of the standout South West events for car enthusiasts and families, bringing together modified cars, supercars and live drift displays alongside music, food and entertainment across a full weekend. Expect indoor and outdoor show areas, drift passenger rides, traders and a festival-style atmosphere, making it one of the most distinctive motorsport festivals near you in Somerset.
Paradhis Festival, Boconnoc Estate, near Lostwithiel, Cornwall 3 to 5 July 2026 A three-day music and wellbeing festival set within the parkland of Boconnoc Estate, combining live music with yoga, meditation, workshops and nature-based activities. It offers a relaxed, immersive experience focused on community, connection and creativity, with camping, food and multiple themed spaces across the site.
Goren Festival, Stockland near Honiton 3 to 5 July 2026 A family-friendly, nature-focused festival set in wildflower meadows with live music, camping and a strong focus on wildlife and outdoor activities.
AutoFest UK Big Weekender, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 3 to 5 July 2026 A large-scale motorsport and car culture festival at the Bath & West Showground, bringing together modified cars, supercars, drift displays, and live entertainment across a full weekend. Expect high-speed drift experiences, show-and-shine competitions, trade stands, food, and a lively atmosphere suited to both enthusiasts and families.
Party at the Palace, Wells 3 to 5 July 2026 A lively summer music event set in the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace, featuring live bands, headline acts and a relaxed festival atmosphere
3 to 5 July 2026 A three-day jazz music weekend held at the Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish Warren, featuring live performances, dinner dances and lunchtime jazz sessions overlooking the South Devon coast. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, the event brings together traditional and mainstream jazz performers, hosted by musician Kevin Grenfell, with live bands, ballroom sessions and a relaxed seaside atmosphere across the weekend.
Frome Festival, Somerset 3 to 12 July 2026 A community-led arts festival with music, theatre and exhibitions across Frome.
East Devon Soul Festival, Seaton, Devon 3 to 4 July 2026 Held across multiple venues in Seaton, East Devon. Soul Festival is a community-driven music event blending jazz, funk, soul, electronic and drum and bass. Live bands, DJs and street performances take place across the town, from the seafront to venues such as the Gateway Theatre and Seaton Tramway, creating a lively, town-wide atmosphere with a strong local and creative focus.
Ruckus Festival, Plymouth 3 to 4 July 2026 A two-day music, food and beer festival held at Brickfields, featuring live bands, tribute acts and local performers alongside street food and bars. Expect a lively summer atmosphere with a mix of well-known acts and emerging talent, plus a strong community feel.
Frome Festival, Frome, Somerset 3 to 12 July 2026 A long-running ten-day arts and community festival held across multiple venues in Frome, bringing together a wide programme of music, theatre, comedy, exhibitions, workshops and family-friendly events. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, the festival features both local and nationally recognised performers, with more than 250 events taking place in venues ranging from theatres and churches to pubs, galleries and outdoor spaces across the town.
4 July 2026 A free live music event held on the Killacourt in Newquay, launching the 2026 Newquay Sessions series with performances from local acts, family entertainment and a lively summer atmosphere overlooking Towan Beach. Running alongside the Big Newquay Market and followed by the return of Newquay Carnival, the event combines live music, community celebrations and coastal summer events in the centre of town
4 July 2026 A traditional Devon village show held in the Teign Valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, combining family entertainment, arena displays, local produce, crafts and community activities in a countryside setting. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and strong local character, the show typically features food and drink stalls, rural demonstrations, live entertainment, games and displays, making it a popular summer day out in rural Devon.
4 July 2026 A medieval themed day of live music, storytelling and historical workshops taking place within the atmospheric setting of St Nicholas Priory in Exeter. Bringing together hurdy-gurdy performances, medieval music, puppet shows and interactive demonstrations, the event combines history, traditional arts and family-friendly entertainment inside one of Exeter’s oldest surviving buildings, creating an immersive medieval atmosphere in the heart of the city.
4 July 2026 A family-friendly summer festival held at Lady’s Mile Holiday Park in Dawlish, featuring live music, street food, entertainment and outdoor activities throughout the day. The event includes performances from local bands and musicians, children’s attractions, festival food stalls and a relaxed summer atmosphere close to the South Devon coast, creating a lively community-style summer celebration.
4 July 2026 A large family-friendly music and entertainment festival combining live tribute acts, stunt shows, funfair rides and street food with illuminated hot air balloon displays at Dorchester Showground. The event features live stage performances, children’s entertainment, circus activities, inflatables and the evening SkySafari Night Glow finale, where tethered balloons light up in choreographed displays after dark.
4 July 2026 Held in Vivary Park and the surrounding town centre, Somerset Armed Forces Day is one of the largest Armed Forces Day celebrations in the South West. The free event brings together serving personnel, veterans, cadets, emergency services and military organisations for a full day of displays, demonstrations and family entertainment. Visitors can enjoy military vehicles, living history displays, live music, arena performances, community stalls, food vendors and opportunities to meet members of the Armed Forces community.
Lympsham Fete and Classic Car Show, Lympsham, Somerset 4 July 2026 Held in the Manor Garden, this traditional village fete combines classic cars with family-friendly activities in a relaxed summer setting. It suits visitors looking for a classic English afternoon out, with a mix of stalls, games, dance performances, homemade teas and cakes, a BBQ, ice cream and local beers and ciders.
Dorset Seafood Festival – Weymouth, Dorset 4 to 5 July 2026 The much-loved Dorset Seafood Festival returns to Weymouth Harbour, celebrating local seafood, chefs and producers with live cooking, street food, music and family-friendly entertainment. Free to attend, the event marks a long-awaited return to its historic harbour setting, bringing a lively, coastal festival atmosphere back to the heart of Weymouth.
River Exe Regatta, Topsham and Exe Estuary, Devon 4 to 11 July 2026 An annual sailing and watersports regatta held across the River Exe, with events centred on Topsham and extending to Exmouth, Lympstone and Starcross. The programme includes dinghy and cruiser racing, junior events and a range of on-the-water activities, bringing boats and spectators together across the estuary.
FamFest Live Dorset, Dorchester Showground, Dorset 5 July 2026 A lively, family-focused outdoor festival designed especially for younger children, with a mix of live music, interactive shows and creative play. Expect sing-alongs, dance sessions, workshops, and discovery zones, alongside inflatables, funfair rides, and relaxed spaces for families to enjoy the day together. Runs from midday to the evening, with food, entertainment, and a friendly festival atmosphere.
5 July 2026 A special aviation event held on Lundy Island featuring light aircraft and microlights flying into the island’s grass airstrip throughout the day, alongside day trips for visitors travelling aboard MS Oldenburg. One of North Devon’s more unusual annual events, it attracts aviation enthusiasts and visitors from across the South West, creating a distinctive atmosphere around the island’s airfield, harbour and coastal landscape. Please note that flights and landings remain weather-dependent.
5 July 2026 Pop punk favourites Bowling For Soup join forces with Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls for a co-headline Eden Sessions concert at the Eden Project in Cornwall, as part of their 2026 Bowl My Bones UK tour. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Eden Project biomes near St Austell, the show combines Bowling For Soup’s energetic, humour-filled pop punk anthems with Frank Turner’s folk-punk live performances, alongside special guests American Hi-Fi. Known for hits including 1985, Girl All The Bad Guys Want, and The Way I Tend To Be, the line-up brings together two well-established live acts for one of the bigger alternative rock events of the South West summer music calendar.
The Celebration of Speed, Lympstone Manor, near Exmouth, Devon 8 July 2026 A one-day luxury motoring and lifestyle event set in the grounds of Lympstone Manor near Exmouth, bringing together supercars, classic vehicles and motorbikes alongside fine food, drinks and live music. Set against an estuary backdrop, it combines high-end car displays with a relaxed festival atmosphere, finishing with a Party in the Paddock and evening entertainment.
9 July 2026 Indie-pop band Bastille returns to the Eden Sessions at the Eden Project in Cornwall for a large outdoor summer concert beneath the famous biomes. Known for hits including Pompeii, Happier and Good Grief, the band previously sold out the venue and return as part of their “From All Sides” live shows following a break from touring.
10 July 2026 Folk singer-songwriter Ben Howard returns to the Eden Sessions for one of just two UK summer performances in 2026, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Eden Project biomes in Cornwall. Known for atmospheric live shows and songs such as Only Love, Old Pine, and Keep Your Head Up, the concert promises an intimate yet large-scale outdoor setting.
Held on Exeter’s historic Cathedral Green, Exeter Craft Festival brings together more than 100 artists, makers and craftspeople from across the South West. The three-day event features ceramics, textiles, jewellery, glasswork, woodcraft, sculpture and handmade art, alongside live entertainment, demonstrations and food stalls. One of Exeter’s longest-running cultural events, it has been part of the city’s summer calendar for over 50 years. It offers a relaxed way to explore independent South West makers in the heart of the city.
Exmouth Festival, Exmouth, Devon 9 to 12 July 2026 Held across multiple venues in Exmouth, including Manor Gardens, The Strand and Sideshore, Exmouth Festival is one of the largest free arts festivals in the South West, featuring live music, theatre, circus, workshops and community events over four days. With a strong family-friendly and community focus, it combines a wide-ranging programme of performances and activities with food, drink and a lively seaside setting.
Newquay Food Festival 9 to 12 July 2026 The Newquay Food Festival is a four-day, free-entry event held on the Killacourt overlooking the sea, bringing together chefs, producers and independent traders to celebrate Cornish food and drink. It combines street food, fire-cooking demonstrations, and local produce with live music and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, creating a festival shaped as much by place as by food.
Totnes Fringe Festival, Totnes, Devon 9 to 12 July 2026 A growing independent arts festival bringing theatre, comedy, dance and spoken word performances to venues across Totnes, from pubs and theatres to outdoor spaces. Expect a mix of ticketed shows and free events, with a strong focus on new work, emerging artists and a creative, community-led atmosphere.
10 July 2026 An evening of chamber music at St Michael & All Angels in Exeter featuring the award-winning Elmore Quartet, one of Britain’s leading emerging string ensembles. The programme includes works by Haydn, Britten, Rebecca Clarke and Ravel, performed in the intimate setting of the historic Mount Dinham church.
Somerstock Music Festival, Somerton, Somerset 10 to 11 July 2026 A lively, family-friendly music festival held at the Recreation Ground in Somerton, featuring a packed line-up of live bands across multiple genres, along with DJs, street food, bars and a relaxed community atmosphere. The event runs across Friday evening and a full Saturday programme, with camping, children’s activities and plenty of space to enjoy one of Somerset’s best-loved local summer festivals.
Tropical Pressure Festival, Porthtowan, Cornwall 10 to 12 July 2026 A small, eco-conscious world music festival set at Mount Pleasant Eco Park, overlooking the north Cornish coast, celebrating the cultures of Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean through live music, DJs, food and workshops. Known for its intimate, family-friendly atmosphere and strong sustainability focus, it offers a vibrant, community-driven weekend combining global sounds, dance, and creative experiences by the sea.
The Healing Weekend, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset 10 to 12 July 2026 A well-established outdoor mind, body and spirit festival held at New Road Farm, bringing together healers, therapists, workshops, live music and wellbeing activities across a full weekend. Now in its 18th year, it combines a relaxed, community atmosphere with a wide programme of talks, treatments, exhibitors and family-friendly activities.
11 July 2026 Indie rock band The Maccabees return to the Eden Sessions for a major outdoor concert at the Eden Project in Cornwall, joined by special guests Everything Everything, Tom A. Smith and Tummyache. Known for albums including Wall of Arms and Given to the Wild, the band helped define the UK indie scene of the 2000s.
Razzfest, Cullompton Rugby Club, Cullompton, Devon 11 July 2026 A one-day family-friendly music festival running from midday to midnight, featuring a packed line-up of live bands, street food, bars and entertainment. Held at Cullompton Rugby Club, it combines a relaxed community atmosphere with a full day of music, food and festival-style activities for all ages.
FunFest, Maidenbrook Country Park, Taunton, Somerset 11 July 2026 A community fun day with games, live music, food and family activities running throughout the day into the evening. Designed as a relaxed, family-friendly event, it offers a mix of entertainment and local involvement in an open park environment.
Outlaw Folk Festival, Bideford, Devon 11 July 2026 A one-day open-air folk music festival at The Big Sheep, bringing together live bands, folk punk energy and sing-along anthems in a relaxed countryside setting. With a single-stage format, local food, and optional camping, it offers a lively summer evening of music and atmosphere in North Devon.
Historic Vehicle Gathering, Powderham Castle, near Exeter, Devon 11 to 12 July 2026 One of the largest classic vehicle shows in the South West, bringing together more than 1,500 historic vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, tractors, commercial and military vehicles. Set within the grounds of Powderham Castle, the two-day event features club displays, parades, trade stands, autojumble stalls, live music and family-friendly attractions, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
12 July 2026 Global pop star Mika returns to the Eden Sessions for a colourful summer concert at the Eden Project in Cornwall. Known for hits including Grace Kelly, Relax, Take It Easy and Love Today, Mika’s live shows combine theatrical pop, soaring vocals and an energetic festival atmosphere. Support on the night comes from MEEK.
15 July 2026 Irish singer-songwriter CMAT makes her Eden Sessions debut at the Eden Project in Cornwall, bringing her distinctive blend of country, indie-pop and sharp lyrical storytelling to the iconic outdoor venue. Known for acclaimed albums including Crazymad, For Me and energetic live performances balancing humour and emotion, CMAT has become one of the most talked-about artists to emerge from Ireland in recent years. Special guest Katy J Pearson joins the line-up for an evening of alternative pop beneath the Eden Project Biomes.
17 to 18 July 2026 A family-friendly live music and camping weekend event in the North Devon countryside, featuring country music on Friday alongside live bands, DJs and entertainment across multiple stages on Saturday. Held at North Glebe Farm near Highampton, the event combines camping, food stalls, children’s activities and a relaxed festival setting while raising funds for the RD&E Exeter Kidney Unit.
Wild Gardens Festival, Port Eliot Estate, Cornwall 16 to 19 July 2026 A four-day music and wellbeing festival set in the grounds of Port Eliot, combining major DJs and live acts with woodland parties, riverside experiences and creative workshops in a unique outdoor setting. Known for its mix of high-energy music, wellness activities and immersive nature-based experiences, it offers a lively yet alternative summer festival atmosphere in South East Cornwall.
Christchurch Music Festival, Christchurch, Dorset 17 to 19 July 2026 A long-running summer music festival held at Christchurch Quay, bringing together live bands, DJs and entertainment alongside street food, bars and a strong community atmosphere. Set in a scenic riverside location, it offers a lively, family-friendly weekend with a mix of well-known acts and local talent.
Big Music Camp Out, Weymouth, Dorset 17 to 19 July 2026 A relaxed, family-friendly music weekend at East Fleet Farm, combining live bands, acoustic sets and DJ sessions with a laid-back camping atmosphere by the coast. Designed as a smaller, grassroots-style festival, it brings together local talent, outdoor space, and a sociable community feel under the open sky.
Comedy at the Castle, Powderham Castle, Devon 17 to 19 July 2026 A large open-air comedy festival set in the grounds of Powderham Castle near Exeter, bringing together major UK stand-up acts across a full weekend of performances. The 2026 lineup includes headline names such as Al Murray and Paul Smith, alongside a strong supporting bill. Expect a lively festival atmosphere with street food, bars and evening shows in a unique historic setting.
The Godney Gathering, Godney near Glastonbury, Somerset 17 to 18 July 2026 Held at Garslade Farm on the Somerset Levels, The Godney Gathering is a two-day music festival combining live bands, DJs and entertainment across multiple stages, alongside food, bars and family-friendly activities. Known as a popular micro-festival with a strong community feel, it blends established acts with local talent, creating a lively yet accessible summer event near Glastonbury.
Rock N Ribs Festival, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 17 to 19 July 2026 Held at the Bath & West Showground, this three-day American-themed festival combines live rock and country music with smokehouse BBQ, monster trucks and high-energy entertainment. It suits visitors looking for a lively summer weekend with a mix of music, food and spectacle, including tribute acts, vehicle shows, line dancing and family-friendly activities.
17 to 24 July 2027 Kingsbridge Fair Week returns with eight days of community celebrations, live entertainment and family events across the South Hams town. Highlights typically include the Fair Queen crowning, carnival procession, fireworks, raft race, lantern parade, live music and a packed programme of competitions and activities for all ages.
This Ain’t Texas Festival, Plymouth, Devon 18 July 2026 A one-day country music festival at Home Park bringing Nashville-style energy to the South West, with live tribute acts, line dancing and all-day outdoor entertainment. Expect country anthems, American BBQ, bars, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong focus on music, food, and feel-good festival fun.
Honiton Charter Day, Honiton, Devon 18 July 2026 Held across the High Street, Allhallows Playing Field and Northcote Lane, this traditional town celebration marks the granting of Honiton’s Royal Charter in 1257. It suits visitors looking for a lively summer day out, with live entertainment, music, classic cars, food and drink, and a wide range of local stalls and activities for all ages.
18 July 2026 A country-themed music and family entertainment event at Newton Abbot Rugby Club, featuring live country acts, DJs, line dancing and a range of activities across the day. Organised by The Teignbridge Community Project CIC, the event includes a rodeo bull, street food, market stalls and themed entertainment, combining a lively weekend event with fundraising to support local people with learning disabilities.
18 July 2026 A free country-themed music and family entertainment event held on the Killacourt in Newquay, featuring live country music, line dancing, a rodeo bull and activities for all ages overlooking Towan Beach. Part of the wider Newquay Sessions programme, the event combines live entertainment, summer festival atmosphere and seaside views in the centre of town.
18 to 19 July 2026 A coastal festival celebrating sea swimming, watersports and beach culture on Exmouth seafront, bringing together open-water swims, aquathlon races, raft competitions, rescue demonstrations and community activities across a full weekend by the sea. Hosted at Sideshore Community Hub, the event combines fitness, family entertainment and environmental themes with a relaxed surf-and-saltwater atmosphere centred on Exmouth’s beach and watersports scene.
Beer Heights Light Railway Gala – July Summer Special, Pecorama, Beer, Devon 18 to 19 July 2026 A special summer gala weekend at Pecorama featuring the Beer Heights Light Railway, with visiting locomotives, extended running, and a focus on steam and miniature railway operation. Held as one of a small number of pre-booked event days in 2026, it offers a rare opportunity to experience the railway alongside the gardens and model railway setting above Beer.
Cattistock Countryside Show, Cattistock near Dorchester, Dorset 19 July 2026 Held in the Dorset hills near Maiden Newton, the Cattistock Countryside Show is a traditional one-day rural event featuring horse and dog shows, pony competitions, produce displays and family-friendly entertainment. Known as one of Dorset’s prettiest country shows, it also hosts the quirky Dorset Knob Throwing competition alongside food stalls, trade stands and a relaxed community atmosphere.
Giant Flea Market, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 23 August 2026 One of the most popular South West events, this large indoor and outdoor flea market features more than 250 stalls selling everything from vintage furniture and clothing to collectables, crafts and retro items. Running from around 9:30 am, it’s a well-established market near you with food, a café and a wide mix of traders, making it a great choice for a relaxed day browsing and bargain hunting.
Armchair Adventure Festival, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cornwall 23 to 26 July 2026 A unique adventure travel festival combining inspiring talks from world-leading explorers with outdoor activities, live music and a relaxed camping atmosphere overlooking the Tamar. Designed to inspire and involve, it blends storytelling, hands-on experiences, and a strong sense of community in one of the South West’s most scenic festival settings.
Altitude Festival, Blackborough, Devon 23 to 25 July 2026 Set in the Blackdown Hills near Blackborough, Altitude Festival is a small, family-friendly Devon festival with a laid-back feel, eclectic live music, DJs, local food, craft beers and family entertainment across three stages. With a capacity of around 2,500, it suits those looking for a more intimate festival atmosphere rather than a huge commercial event.
23 to 26 July 2026 A food, music and wellness festival held on the banks of the Camel Estuary near Rock, bringing together top chefs, street food, live music and outdoor experiences. It combines cooking demonstrations, tastings and headline performances with yoga, wild swimming and family-friendly activities in a scenic coastal setting.
Devonport Open Days, Devonport Royal Dockyard, Plymouth, Devon 24 July 2026 A rare opportunity to step inside Devonport Royal Dockyard and HM Naval Base, with behind-the-scenes access to one of the UK’s most important naval and engineering sites. Expect ship and dockyard access, live demonstrations, STEM activities and displays, with the event run by Babcock and the Royal Navy and free tickets available in advance.
24 to 26 July 2026 One of West Somerset’s biggest community celebrations, Watchet Carnival Weekend brings three days of free entertainment, live music and family-friendly activities to the historic harbour town. The festivities begin with a Music and Song Evening on Friday, followed by a lively Fiesta on Saturday, featuring entertainment throughout the town and on the Esplanade. Sunday concludes with the popular Carnival Fayre on Watchet Memorial Ground, with stalls, attractions and activities for all ages.
Sidmouth Arms Cider Festival, Upottery, Honiton 24 to 26 July 2026 A lively weekend of cider, live music and relaxed festival atmosphere at the Sidmouth Arms, Upottery, near Honiton, featuring local producers, bands and a friendly village setting. Expect a mix of great drinks, informal entertainment and a classic Westcountry feel across the weekend.
Bournemouth Reggae Weekender, Dorset 24 to 26 July 2026 Held at Kings Park in Boscombe, this lively three-day festival celebrates reggae, ska and dancehall alongside Caribbean culture, food and dance. It suits music fans and families alike, with live performances, workshops and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere by the coast.
25 July 2026 A popular outdoor market on Cathedral Green brings together independent makers, artists, food producers and vintage traders from across Devon and the South West. The market features handmade crafts, clothing, local food and drink, live music and street performances in the setting of Exeter Cathedral
25 July 2027 The Ilfracombe Gig Regatta brings pilot gig clubs from across the South West to Ilfracombe Harbour for a day of competitive rowing and community celebrations. Visitors can watch the races from the quayside while enjoying food stalls and a lively atmosphere around the harbour.
25 July 2026 A free family-friendly disco held on the Killacourt in Newquay, celebrating the start of the summer school holidays with music, dancing and seaside-themed entertainment overlooking Towan Beach. Part of the wider Newquay Sessions programme, the event brings together live entertainment, summer atmosphere and family activities in the centre of town.
Saturday 25 July 2026 A popular indoor and outdoor flea market held at Newton Abbot Racecourse in Devon, bringing together stalls selling antiques, vintage finds, collectables and pre-loved items. The event attracts bargain hunters and traders from across the South West, with a lively mix of retro pieces, household goods and curios alongside refreshments and free on-site parking at the racecourse.
Natural Seaton Festival, Seaton, Devon 25 July 2026 A free community festival held across Seaton celebrating the natural environment, with activities, stalls and events taking place around the town, including the beach, amphitheatre and town centre locations.
Alstock Festival, Cornwall 25 July 2026 Held at Priory Park in Bodmin, this one-day charity music festival brings together live bands, tribute acts and local performers across multiple stages. It suits those looking for a lively but friendly atmosphere, with food stalls, a licensed bar and all proceeds supporting local charities in memory of Al Hodge.
Mid Devon Show, Devon 25 July 2026 Held at Knightshayes near Tiverton, this popular one-day agricultural show celebrates rural life in Mid Devon, with livestock competitions, countryside displays and a strong focus on local food and farming. It suits families and visitors looking for a traditional day out, with arena entertainment, trade stands and a friendly community atmosphere.
26 June 2026 A large-scale beach party and live dance music event held at Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay, featuring Vernon Kay alongside DJ sets and classic 1990s dance anthems. Set on a private beach overlooking the Atlantic, the event celebrates the era of house, trance and rave culture with a sunset party atmosphere, live entertainment and coastal views.
Hot Pennies Festival, Honiton, Devon 28 July 2026 Held across Honiton town centre, this long-running street festival brings a lively mix of market stalls, live entertainment and traditional activities to the High Street. It suits visitors looking for a classic summer day out, with a busy market atmosphere, local traders and family-friendly events rooted in the town’s historic charter tradition.
New Wine Festival, Somerset 28 July to 2 August 2026 Held at the Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, this large Christian summer gathering brings together thousands for a week of worship, teaching, live music and community, with dedicated programmes for children, youth and young adults alongside family-friendly activities.
28 July to 7 August 2026 A multi-day classical music festival held at the Collegiate Church of St Endellion near Port Isaac, featuring orchestral concerts, opera, chamber music, choral performances and recitals by internationally recognised musicians and singers. One of Cornwall’s most respected classical music festivals, it attracts performers and audiences from across the UK, creating an intimate and atmospheric programme of concerts within the historic church and surrounding North Cornwall landscape.
OutCider Festival, Compton Martin, Somerset 30 July to 2 August 2026 Held at Fernhill Farm in the Mendip Hills, this independent music and cider festival brings together over 35 live acts across two barn-covered stages. Expect an energetic, non-mainstream lineup, local cider, camping, and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere, making it a popular choice for those seeking a smaller, characterful festival experience in the South West.
30 July to 2 August 2026 A large family-friendly festival held in the grounds of Lulworth Castle, combining live music, entertainment and activities for all ages. It features headline acts, themed areas, workshops, comedy and children’s shows, creating a varied programme set in a historic parkland.
31 July, 5pm to 9pm A series of summer food and community events held on Cullompton High Street, featuring street food, craft stalls, live performances and local traders. Organised by Cullompton Town Council, the events create a relaxed early evening atmosphere with entertainment for all ages, followed by live bands at The Weary Traveller later in the evening.
DevonDays Festival, Holwell Farmhouse, Bampton (near Tiverton), Devon 31 July to 2 August 2026 A small-scale countryside festival celebrating Devon’s food, land and makers, with long-table dining, seasonal menus from regional chefs, live music and a programme of talks, tastings and workshops. Set on a working farm, it offers a slower-paced, immersive weekend focused on local produce, creativity and connection to the landscape.
Torbay Steam Fair, Brixham, Devon 31 July to 2 August 2026 A large three-day steam rally near Brixham featuring working steam engines, vintage vehicles, fairground rides, trade stands and family entertainment. One of the biggest events on the English Riviera calendar, it combines heritage displays with live music, food, and evening attractions, including a traditional illuminated show.
Sidmouth Folk Festival, Devon 31 July to 7 August 2026 The Sidmouth Folk Festival returns for eight days of folk music, dance, workshops, storytelling and family entertainment across venues throughout the East Devon seaside town. Concerts, ceilidhs, pub sessions and free outdoor performances combine with a lively fringe programme. Planning to visit? Accommodation in Sidmouth sells out quickly during festival week, so it is worth booking well in advance.
Poole Harbour Festival, Baiter Park, Poole 31 July to 2 August 2026 A large outdoor music and family festival set beside Poole Harbour, featuring live acts across multiple stages alongside DJs and tribute bands. Expect street food, bars, funfair rides and a lively weekend atmosphere, with options for both day visitors and campers.
31 July to 2 August 2026 Set on an organic farm overlooking Chew Valley Lake, Valley Fest is a well-established Somerset festival combining live music, local food and a strong focus on community, sustainability and wellbeing. Expect a mix of headline acts, street food, workshops, family activities and lakeside experiences, creating a relaxed and distinctive festival atmosphere rooted in the South West landscape.
Weston-super-Mare Sea Shanty & Folk Festival, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset 31 July to 2 August 2026 A lively seaside festival in Weston-super-Mare celebrating sea shanties and folk music, with more than 40 bands performing across pubs, venues and outdoor stages throughout the town. Free to attend and full of atmosphere, it brings a carnival feel to Weston with sing-alongs, street performances and a strong community spirit.
31 July to 2 August 2026 A Filipino-inspired camping and wellness festival held at Cornish Tipi Holidays near St Kew in North Cornwall, celebrating Filipino food, music, culture and nature-based experiences across a three-day programme. The event includes Filipino feasts and food tastings, live music, karaoke, wellness sessions and outdoor activities, combining camping, community celebrations and cultural experiences in a woodland setting.
What’s On in South West England in August 2026
What’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in August 2026? Discover major summer festivals, coastal events, family-friendly days out and bank holiday weekends across South West England, as the peak holiday season continues.
Great Dorset Chilli Festival, Stock Gaylard Estate near Sturminster Newton, Dorset 1 to 2 August 2026 Held in the grounds of Stock Gaylard Estate, this lively Dorset food festival celebrates all things chilli, with more than 100 traders, artisan producers and specialist growers alongside spicy street food, local drinks and live music. Expect chilli eating competitions, cookery demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment, creating a fun and flavour-packed summer event with something for all tastes.
Mamma Mia! – The Grand Hotel, Torquay 2 August 2026 An ABBA tribute terrace party at The Grand Hotel featuring live music from Pure ABBA, a 1970s themed atmosphere, Mediterranean style food and dancing overlooking the seafront.
Truro Classic Car Show, Truro City Centre, Cornwall 2 August 2026 A free, family-friendly event bringing classic cars, vintage vehicles and motorcycles into Truro city centre, with displays spread across streets and squares. Alongside the vehicles, expect automobilia stalls, live music, and a lively atmosphere, with park-and-ride access making it easy to visit.
Clovelly Lifeboat Day, Devon 2 August 2026 An RNLI-focused event with rescue demonstrations and family activities.
North Devon Show, Umberleigh, Devon 5 August 2026 A traditional one-day agricultural show celebrating rural life in North Devon, with livestock competitions, equestrian events, trade stands and local food.
7 August 2026 An open-air theatre performance of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland staged on the South Lawn at Forde Abbey, combining live music, humour and family entertainment in the grounds of the historic Somerset estate. Presented by This Is My Theatre, the evening event invites audiences to bring picnics and deckchairs for a summer performance overlooking the abbey gardens and countryside setting.
7 August 2026 An internationally acclaimed chamber ensemble performs at Mount Dinham in Exeter, with a programme including Elgar, Fanny Mendelssohn and Beethoven’s “Archduke” Trio. Known for innovative arrangements and virtuosic performances, the Linos Piano Trio brings a varied evening of classical music to the city.
This Ain’t Texas Festival, Torbay, Devon 8 August 2026 A one-day country music festival at Torbay Showground bringing Nashville-style energy to the South West, with live tribute acts, line dancing and all-day outdoor entertainment. Expect country anthems, American BBQ, bars, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong focus on music, food, and feel-good festival fun.
Newton Abbot Country Show, Newton Abbot Racecourse, Devon 8 August 2026 A popular summer country show at Newton Abbot Racecourse, bringing together local producers, craft and trade stalls, food and drink, and family-friendly entertainment. Expect a mix of outdoor displays, activities and live attractions, with highlights such as a dog show and children’s areas, creating a relaxed and varied day out for all ages.
Beer Regatta, Beer, Devon 8 to 14 August 2026 Held across the village and seafront in Beer, this long-running regatta week combines traditional boat races with a lively programme of community events and entertainment. It suits visitors seeking a classic seaside summer atmosphere, with a mix of races, games, live entertainment, fireworks, and family-friendly activities throughout the week.
5 to 9 August 2026 One of the UK’s leading summer festivals, combining live music with international surfing competitions on the north coast of Cornwall. Held in Newquay, it brings together headline artists, surf contests and beach culture against the backdrop of Fistral Beach. Heading to Boardmasters? Find accommodation near Newquay.
Honiton Show, Devon 6 August 2026 Held in the East Devon countryside near Honiton, this long-running agricultural show celebrates farming, rural skills and local produce. It offers livestock displays, crafts, food and entertainment, making it ideal for a traditional countryside day out.
7 to 9 August 2026 A large heritage and vintage rally held on the Boconnoc Estate near Lostwithiel, featuring full-size and miniature steam engines, classic cars, vintage tractors, military vehicles, fairground rides and traditional steam-powered attractions. One of Cornwall’s best-known steam fairs, it attracts exhibitors and visitors from across the South West, creating a lively family-friendly atmosphere with arena displays, trailer rides, craft stalls, food tents and camping across the estate grounds.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 7 to 9 August 2026 The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of the UK’s most spectacular free events, filling the skies over Ashton Court with hundreds of hot air balloons each August. Famous for its mass ascents and night glows, it is a standout highlight of Bristol’s summer events calendar.
Falmouth Week, Falmouth, Cornwall 7 to 16 August 2026 One of the South West’s biggest summer events, combining a major sailing regatta with ten days of live music, markets, family activities and town-wide celebrations. Highlights include the Pink Wig Mermaid March, Falmouth Carnival, an air display, evening entertainment and a harbour fireworks display, alongside daily racing on the water.
Bude Food Festival (Summer), Bude, Cornwall 9 August 2026 A one-day artisan food festival held in the grounds of The Castle in Bude, bringing together local producers, street food traders and craft drinks. Expect everything from fresh-baked bread and local meats to street food, cider and gin, in a relaxed coastal setting overlooking the beach.
North Devon Festival of Transport, Bideford, Devon 9 August 2026 A large one-day vehicle show at Victoria Park and Bideford Quay featuring classic cars, vintage vehicles, buses, bikes and tractors, alongside displays, stalls and family entertainment. Run as a charity-focused community event, it offers a full day out celebrating transport heritage in North Devon.
FamFest Live Torbay, Torbay Showground, Paignton 9 August 2026 A colourful, family-focused outdoor festival with live music, interactive shows and plenty of space for younger children to explore. Expect sing-alongs, dance sessions and creative workshops alongside inflatables, funfair rides and relaxed zones for families. Running from midday to evening, it offers a full day of entertainment, including food, activities, and a friendly festival atmosphere suitable for all ages.
10 to 15 August 2026 A multi-day literary festival held at the Palace Theatre in Paignton, bringing together well-known authors, speakers and performers for a varied programme of talks, discussions and live events. Expect author sessions, book signings, panel discussions and a mix of ticketed and free events, creating a lively celebration of books and storytelling on the English Riviera.
11 August 2026 Part of the wider Falmouth Week celebrations, Falmouth Rocks Night brings an evening of live rock music to Events Square in the heart of the town. The 2026 programme features tribute performances from AC/DC UK and Guns 2 Roses, recreating the music and energy of two of rock’s most iconic bands. Taking place alongside one of Cornwall’s biggest summer festivals, the event combines live entertainment with the vibrant atmosphere of Falmouth Week, which includes sailing races, family activities and a packed programme of shoreside events throughout the town.
12 to 13 August 2026 One of the South West’s biggest free summer events, the British Firework Championships sees leading pyrotechnic companies compete across two evenings above Plymouth Sound, with large-scale choreographed displays launched from Mount Batten Breakwater. Drawing huge crowds to Plymouth Hoe and the waterfront, the event combines spectacular fireworks, live entertainment, fairground rides and a festival atmosphere, with six companies battling to be crowned British champions.
13 August 2026 A traditional one-day agricultural show held on the edge of Dartmoor at Stoney Park Showground, featuring livestock competitions, horse classes, local food and drink, rural crafts, trade stands and family entertainment. One of Devon’s largest agricultural shows, it attracts farmers, exhibitors and visitors from across the South West, creating a lively celebration of countryside life, farming traditions and local produce.
13 to 15 August 2026 Held at Fernhill Farm in the Mendip Hills, ArcTanGent is a specialist music festival focused on experimental rock, math rock and post-rock, attracting a dedicated international audience. Known for its carefully curated lineup and multiple intimate stages, it offers a distinctive alternative to mainstream festivals, with camping, food, bars and a strong community atmosphere.
Minelab 500 Metal Detecting Weekender, Somerset 14 to 16 August 2026 A large-scale metal-detecting event bringing together enthusiasts for three days of detecting, camping, and community. It combines access to farmland with a festival-style atmosphere, including live music, traders and food.
West of England Steam Engine Society Rally (WESES), Cornwall 14 to 16 August 2026 Held at Stithians Showground near Redruth, this large traditional steam rally features around 70 full-size steam engines, vintage vehicles, working machinery, craft displays and live entertainment, alongside family-friendly activities and catering across a busy three-day showground.
14 to 16 August 2026 Held at West Bay Fields near Bridport, Jurassic Fields is a three-day Dorset music festival combining live bands, DJs and family-friendly entertainment across multiple stages. With a mix of well-known acts, tribute performances, local talent, camping and a relaxed coastal setting, it offers an accessible, community-focused festival atmosphere for all ages.
15 August 2026 A summer music festival at Lupton House near Brixham featuring tribute performances celebrating artists including Bon Jovi, Robbie Williams, Tina Turner and U2. The event combines live music with street food, bars and a relaxed outdoor festival atmosphere within the grounds of the historic country house, running from afternoon into the evening.
15 August 2026 A free summer music event held on the Killacourt in Newquay, featuring DJ sets, live performances and sunset views overlooking Towan Beach. Part of the Newquay Sessions programme, the event combines laid-back summer atmosphere, coastal scenery and live entertainment in the centre of town.
Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza, Powderham Castle, Exeter, Devon 15 August 2026 An outdoor cinema and live entertainment evening set in the grounds of Powderham Castle, combining a screening of Mamma Mia! with an ABBA disco and singalong atmosphere. Expect a large open-air screen, street food, bars and a relaxed picnic-style setting, with visitors encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and enjoy a lively summer evening of music and film.
A one-day outdoor music event featuring leading UK tribute acts, including Queen, ABBA, Oasis and Coldplay, performed on a full stage setup at Newton Abbot Racecourse. Expect a lively festival atmosphere with bars, street food and a full afternoon and evening of familiar hits.
West of England Steam Engine Society Rally (WESES), Stithians Showground, Cornwall 14 to 16 August 2026 One of Cornwall’s largest traditional steam rallies, featuring around 70 full-size steam engines alongside vintage vehicles, tractors, working machinery and craft displays. The event includes arena entertainment, rural demonstrations, live music, trade stands and family activities, creating a classic countryside show with something for all ages.
The Western Motorhome & Campervan Show, Worcestershire 14 to 16 August 2026 Held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, this long-running outdoor show combines motorhomes, campervans and trade stands with live music and evening entertainment. It suits owners and enthusiasts alike, with a relaxed festival atmosphere, on-site camping and a strong community feel.
15 August 2026 A long-running summer carnival and community celebration held in the seaside town of Bude, featuring an evening procession of decorated floats, walking groups, royalty entries and vintage vehicles through the town centre. Dating back to the 1920s and raising money for local charities and organisations, the event combines traditional West Country carnival atmosphere with live entertainment, daytime activities and a lively coastal setting around Bude Rugby Club and the town streets.
Beer Heights Light Railway Gala – August, Pecorama, Beer, Devon 15 to 16 August 2026 A late-summer gala weekend at Pecorama featuring the Beer Heights Light Railway, with visiting locomotives, extended train running and a focus on steam operations. One of a small number of special event days in 2026, it offers a rare chance to experience the railway alongside the gardens above Beer, with access limited to pre-booked events only.
FamFest Live Plymouth, Central Park, Plymouth 15 to 16 August 2026 A lively, family-focused outdoor festival combining live music, entertainment and interactive activities across two full days. Expect main-stage performances from tribute acts and family-friendly artists, alongside kids’ zones, inflatables, games, workshops, and funfair-style attractions. With food stalls, open space and a relaxed atmosphere, it is designed as an all-ages day out, with something to keep both children and adults engaged from midday through to the evening.
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week, Dorset 15 to 23 August 2026 A week-long seaside festival raising funds for the RNLI, with family-friendly events, displays and entertainment along the seafront. The highlight in 2026 is the return of the RAF Red Arrows on 16 August (date change from 15 August to be confirmed), drawing large crowds for a spectacular air display over Lyme Bay.
Mid-Somerset Show, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 16 August 2026 Held at the Mid-Somerset Showground, this traditional one-day agricultural show celebrates rural life with livestock displays, equine events, crafts and local produce. It suits families and visitors looking for an authentic countryside day out, with main ring entertainment, food halls, classic vehicles and competitions across farming, food and the arts.
Flats & Sharps, Otterton Mill, Devon 20 August 2026 A lively evening of bluegrass from this Cornwall-based four-piece, known for energetic performances, tight harmonies and a modern take on traditional sounds. Set in the atmospheric Otterton Mill courtyard near Budleigh Salterton, the show promises a fun, foot-stomping night with food available beforehand and tickets recommended in advance.
20 to 23 August 2026 A multi-day folk and roots music festival held on a farm near the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, featuring a wide mix of folk, acoustic and world music across several stages. It combines live performances with workshops, craft areas and a range of activities set within the Purbeck countryside.
20 to 23 August 2026 Set in the grounds of Wimborne St Giles in Dorset, We Out Here Festival is a four-day event celebrating genre-spanning music, creativity and community, with a strong focus on jazz, soul, hip hop, electronic and global sounds. Expect a carefully curated lineup featuring artists such as Thundercat, Joy Crookes and Digable Planets, alongside DJs, workshops, talks and family-friendly activities, creating a diverse and immersive festival experience.
Dunster Show, Somerset 21 August 2026 A traditional agricultural show near Exmoor, with livestock and rural displays.
21 to 23 August 2026 A well-established family-friendly music festival held at Escot Park, featuring a mix of folk, rock and roots music alongside comedy, crafts and workshops. It combines multiple stages, a relaxed festival layout and a varied programme of entertainment set within parkland in East Devon. Staying overnight? Find accommodation nearby.
21 to 24 August 2026 A multi-day sailing regatta held on the waters of Torbay and based around the Royal Torbay Yacht Club in Torquay, featuring yacht racing, national championships and competitive sailing events across multiple classes. One of Devon’s best-known sailing events, it attracts competitors and visitors from across the UK, creating a lively atmosphere along the English Riviera with racing, harbour activity and waterfront viewing points throughout the regatta weekend.
22 August 2026 A large-scale beach dance music event held at Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay, featuring legendary DJ and broadcaster Pete Tong performing on a unique 360° stage overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions, the event combines electronic music, beach party atmosphere and sunset coastal views, with live DJ sets and dance music celebrations on one of Cornwall’s best-known beach venues.
22 August 2026 A free live music event held on the Killacourt in Newquay, featuring performances chosen by the public as part of the closing event in the 2026 Newquay Sessions programme. Overlooking Towan Beach, the event brings together live music, summer atmosphere and community entertainment, rounding off the season with a full day of performances and seaside festival vibes.
22 to 30 August 2026 A nine-day nautical festival celebrating the seas, wildlife and maritime heritage of the Isles of Scilly, with activities taking place on, in and around the water across the islands. The programme includes sea swims, kayaking, wildlife safaris, coastal walks, talks and outdoor adventures, highlighting the islands’ strong connection with the Atlantic Ocean.
Uffculme Show & Country Fayre, Uffculme (near Cullompton), Devon 23 August 2026 A traditional one-day country show at Bridwell Park featuring arena displays, classic and vintage vehicles, dog shows, local crafts, food stalls and live entertainment. With a strong community feel and activities for all ages, it offers a classic Devon countryside day out from 10 am to 5 pm.
23 July to 2 August 2026 A long-running community festival and carnival celebration held across Paignton Green and the surrounding seafront, featuring live entertainment, family activities, funfair attractions, classic vehicles and community events across more than a week of festivities.
26 to 29 August 2026 The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta returns with four days of rowing and sailing competitions, live entertainment and family activities around the River Dart. Visitors can enjoy shoreside attractions, markets, live music, air displays and the traditional Saturday night fireworks that bring the annual celebration to a spectacular close. Staying overnight for Dartmouth Regatta? Compare hotels in Dartmouth.
27 August 2026 A large agricultural show held at West Bay Showground near Bridport, celebrating farming, food and rural life with livestock competitions, equestrian events, horticulture displays and more than 400 trade stands. One of Dorset’s leading countryside events, it attracts visitors from across the region for a full day out combining traditional agriculture with family-friendly entertainment and local produce.
27 to 30 August 2026 Held over the August bank holiday in the grounds of Port Eliot Estate near St Germans, Tunes in the Park is a multi-day Cornwall festival blending live music, DJs, comedy and family-friendly entertainment across several stages. The lineup mixes well-known acts such as Jessie J, Faithless and Basement Jaxx with tribute acts, local performers and themed areas, creating a lively but accessible festival suited to a broad audience.
Cornwall Folk Festival, Wadebridge, Cornwall 27 to 31 August 2026 One of Cornwall’s longest-running music festivals, held over the August bank holiday weekend with a mix of concerts, ceilidhs, workshops and informal sessions across the town. The programme includes ticketed performances alongside free street entertainment, pub sessions and family-friendly events, creating a lively folk atmosphere throughout Wadebridge.
28 August 2026, 5pm to 9pm A series of summer food and community events held on Cullompton High Street, featuring street food, craft stalls, live performances and local traders. Organised by Cullompton Town Council, the events create a relaxed early evening atmosphere with entertainment for all ages, followed by live bands at The Weary Traveller later in the evening.
Riviera Tribute Festival, Paignton, Devon 28 to 29 August 2026 A lively weekend music festival at Torbay Showground featuring top UK tribute acts performing crowd favourite hits alongside live music, food stalls and a funfair atmosphere. Family-friendly and easy to enjoy, it combines sing-along anthems with a relaxed summer festival setting on the English Riviera.
Truckfest South West, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 28 to 30 August 2026 One of the biggest South West events for motors and family entertainment, featuring monster truck shows, stunt displays, live music and hundreds of trucks from across the UK. Expect arena action, rides, trade stands and a festival-style atmosphere, making it one of the standout vehicle festivals near you in Somerset.
Cowes–Torquay–Cowes Powerboat Race, Torquay, Devon 28 to 30 August 2026 A high-speed offshore powerboat race forming part of the Cowes Powerboat Festival, with boats racing from Cowes to Torquay and back along the south coast. One of the longest-running offshore powerboat races in the world, it brings international teams, powerful race boats and a strong spectator atmosphere to Torquay and the wider coastline.
Sidmouth Regatta, Devon 28 to 31 August 2026 Sidmouth Regatta takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend in Sidmouth, bringing a lively mix of sailing, beach events and family activities to the East Devon coast. Highlights typically include a spectacular air show and seafront fireworks, making it one of the standout late-summer events in South West England.
Dartmoor Outdoor Festival, Princetown, Dartmoor (multiple locations), Devon 28 August to 4 September 2026 A week-long outdoor festival centred on Princetown, featuring guided walks, climbing sessions, navigation workshops, talks and live music across Dartmoor. Designed for all ages and abilities, it offers a chance to explore lesser-known parts of the moor while taking part in a varied programme of activities celebrating outdoor adventure and community.
Minehead Bay Festival, Minehead, Somerset 29 August 2026 A free, community-led seaside festival celebrating art, culture and live music on Minehead’s seafront. Expect a varied programme including live performances, street art, circus acts, workshops and family activities, alongside street food and local traders. Set along the Esplanade, it offers a relaxed, creative atmosphere and is designed to be accessible and welcoming to all.
29 August 2026 A popular outdoor market on Cathedral Green brings together independent makers, artists, food producers and vintage traders from across Devon and the South West. The market features handmade crafts, clothing, local food and drink, live music and street performances in the setting of Exeter Cathedral
Saturday 29 August 2026 A popular indoor and outdoor flea market held at Newton Abbot Racecourse in Devon, bringing together stalls selling antiques, collectables, vintage items, retro finds and second-hand bargains. The market attracts traders and visitors from across the South West, with a wide mix of bric-a-brac, household items and curios alongside refreshments and free on-site parking.
29 to 30 August 2026 A two-day music festival held on The Downs in Bristol, featuring major international artists alongside emerging talent across a genre-spanning lineup. It combines live performances with talks, cultural content and food, creating a broader festival experience that reflects Bristol’s strong musical heritage and contemporary scene.
Honiton Hill Rally, Smeatharpe (near Honiton), Devon 30 to 31 August 2026 A long-running August bank holiday rally celebrating rural and mechanical heritage, held at Smeatharpe Airfield. Expect a wide mix of vintage tractors, steam engines, classic vehicles, military displays and working machinery, alongside tractor pulling, lawn mower racing, craft stalls and a traditional fairground, making it a well-established family day out with plenty to see across the site.
30 August 2026 A one-day outdoor music festival at Vivary Park in Taunton, celebrating classic 1980s synth pop, electronic music, and live performances in a lively summer setting. Featuring headline artists, DJs, food and drink stalls, and a festival atmosphere in the centre of Somerset, the event combines nostalgic live music with a large, open-air crowd and a late-summer party atmosphere.
30 August 2026 A free family-friendly summer fair set within the historic grounds of Torre Abbey in Torquay, featuring artisan craft stalls, live music, children’s workshops, storytelling sessions and traditional carnival-style games. The event combines community entertainment, local traders and outdoor activities with a relaxed festival atmosphere, alongside food and drink stalls, face painting and a light-hearted dog show in the abbey gardens.
31 August (Monday) – Summer bank holiday
What’s On in South West England in September 2026
What’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in September 2026? Discover food festivals, cultural events, live music and late summer days out across South West England, as the season changes into early autumn and the crowds begin to ease.
Burn It Down Festival, Devon 3 to 5 September 2026 Held across multiple venues in Torquay, including The Foundry, The Attic, and The Apple & Parrot, this indoor alternative music festival brings together punk, hardcore, emo, metal and rock acts in an intimate, high-energy setting on the English Riviera.
4 to 5 September 2026 An independent family-friendly music festival in the Devon countryside, featuring live music across two stages alongside local food, camping and entertainment for all ages. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, the weekend event includes headline performances from Kaiser Chiefs, The Feeling, Ellie Sax Presents Ibiza Anthems Live and Charlie Hedges, alongside fairground rides, fireworks and family activities at Allacott Farm in North Devon.
4 to 5 September 2026 A charity music festival at Stoke Gabriel Cricket Ground in South Devon, featuring live bands, tribute acts and entertainment across two days in aid of children affected by humanitarian crises overseas. Organised by the ESSW Charitable Trust, the weekend event combines live music, camping, food stalls and a community-focused festival setting overlooking the Dart Valley countryside.
4 to 6 September 2026 One of the UK’s biggest touring food festivals, bringing together celebrity chefs, street food, artisan producers, live music and cooking demonstrations in Royal Victoria Park, Bath. The three-day event features chef theatres, cake and bake stages, fire cooking demonstrations and live performances from headline music acts, alongside food stalls, tastings and family-friendly entertainment in one of Bath’s best-known park settings.
4 to 6 September 2026 A lively coastal festival celebrating Cornwall’s maritime heritage with sea shanty performances, pirate-themed entertainment and family activities taking place across The Lizard village. Bringing together live music, traditional shanty groups, pirate parades, costumes and community events, it creates a fun and informal festival atmosphere inspired by Cornwall’s seafaring history and coastal culture.
Ice Rock Winterfest, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 4 to 6 September 2026 A new South West events entry for 2026, this three-day heavy rock and metal festival brings together live bands, DJs, comedy and indoor camping for a full weekend experience. Expect multiple stages, late-night entertainment and a strong festival atmosphere.
Kernowfornia Festival, Looe 4 to 6 September 2026 A beachside music festival on East Looe Beach featuring live bands across two stages, with a strong community feel and mix of well-known and grassroots artists.
Wellington Independent Food & Drink Festival, Wellington, Somerset 5 September 2026 A lively town-centre food festival celebrating independent producers from Somerset and the wider South West, with street food, local drinks, artisan stalls and live music. Held across Wellington’s High Street,
Seaton Carnival, Seaton, Devon 5 September 2026 A lively seaside carnival featuring a traditional evening procession, decorated floats, music and community groups. Part of the East Devon Carnival circuit, it brings a strong coastal atmosphere with entertainment throughout the day, leading into the main evening parade.
This Ain’t Texas Festival, Par, Cornwall 5 September 2026 A lively country music festival bringing Nashville-style sounds, line dancing and American BBQ to Cornwall, with a fun, family-friendly outdoor atmosphere.
Dorset County Show 5 to 6 September 2026 Held near Dorchester, this is Dorset’s main agricultural show, with livestock, food and countryside displays.
The Labyrinth Challenge 10 Year Anniversary Tour, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 5 to 6 September 2026 One of the more active South West events for families and groups, this touring inflatable attraction features a 1,000ft obstacle course alongside the world’s largest bouncy castle, with timed sessions and unlimited runs during each slot. Expect a mix of physical challenges, chill-out zones and an adults-only evening session on the Saturday, making it a distinctive event.
The Wreckers Dawlish Bike & Trike Show, The Den, Dawlish, Devon 6 September 2026 A charity bike and trike show supporting veterans, held on The Den seafront in Dawlish. Expect a wide range of motorcycles and trikes, competitions, live music, food and drink, and a relaxed community atmosphere, with proceeds supporting the Armed Forces Bikers Veterans Charity.
FamFest Live Cornwall, Par Market, St Austell 6 September 2026 A family-focused outdoor festival designed especially for younger children, combining live music, interactive shows and hands-on activities in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Expect sing-alongs, creative workshops, inflatable play zones, funfair rides and dedicated discovery areas, alongside food stalls and open space to unwind. With a mix of high-energy entertainment and calmer areas, it works well as a full day out for families, running from midday into the evening.
Bridport Hat Festival, Dorset 6 September 2026 A creative and slightly quirky event in Bridport town centre, where visitors are encouraged to wear imaginative hats, giving it a relaxed and informal feel.
Widecombe Fair, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Dartmoor, Devon 8 September 2026 A traditional Dartmoor country fair held on the second Tuesday in September, featuring livestock judging, rural crafts, vintage vehicles, dog shows and local produce alongside live music and family activities. One of Devon’s most distinctive events, it blends agricultural heritage with a lively village atmosphere and attracts visitors from across the South West.
11 September 2026 A chamber music concert in Exeter featuring the young and fast-rising Apricity Trio. The programme includes works by Kahn, John Ireland and Brahms, performed by the Royal College of Music ensemble at St Michael & All Angels, Mount Dinham.
Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival, Penhallow near Truro, Cornwall 11 to 13 September 2026 A well-established Cornish cider and music festival held at Healeys Cyder Farm, combining live bands, a silent disco and a wide range of ciders from across the UK alongside food, camping and glamping. Known for its relaxed, sociable atmosphere, it hosts a lively end-of-summer festival with a strong focus on music, cider and good company.
The South West Motorhome & Campervan Show, Somerset 11 to 13 September 2026 Held at the Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, this large outdoor show brings together motorhomes, campervans and over 150 exhibitors alongside expert talks and live demonstrations. It suits buyers, owners and enthusiasts alike, with live entertainment, food and a relaxed festival-style atmosphere across the weekend.
11 to 20 September 2026 A ten-day food and drink festival celebrating local produce, seafood and island hospitality across the Isles of Scilly. Events include beach barbecues, supper safaris, vineyard tours, tastings and special dining experiences showcasing locally grown and freshly landed ingredients from across the archipelago.
Colyton Carnival, Colyton, Devon 12 September 2026 A carnival with illuminated floats, walking groups and local organisations taking part in an evening procession. Known for its friendly atmosphere and strong community involvement, it forms a key part of the East Devon circuit.
Exeter Quayside Shanty Festival, Exeter, Devon 12 September 2026 A free day and evening of sea shanties and maritime folk music set around Exeter’s historic quayside, with performances from visiting groups and local singers. Family-friendly and full of atmosphere, it brings live music to waterside venues and open spaces across the heritage harbour.
12 September 2026 A free family-friendly environmental festival held at Camborne Recreation Ground, featuring live music, eco-themed stalls, food and drink, children’s activities, workshops and community organisations promoting sustainability and green living. Part of the national Great Big Green Week celebrations, the event attracts local groups, performers and visitors from across Cornwall, creating a lively day of entertainment and environmental activities in the heart of Camborne.
Build It Live South West, Westpoint Exeter, Clyst St Mary, Devon 12 to 13 September 2026 One of the more practical South West events for self-build and renovation, this two-day exhibition brings together hundreds of suppliers, expert advice clinics and free seminars covering everything from planning permission to design and construction. Visitors can meet architects and specialists, explore thousands of products and attend workshops, making it a well-established event for anyone planning a home project.
Sacred Wild Festival, near Shepton Mallet, Somerset 12 to 13 September 2026 A nature-based wellbeing festival set in the Somerset countryside, combining workshops, talks, yoga, sound healing and live music in a woodland and lake setting. It focuses on community, ecology and reconnecting with nature, with optional camping and immersive outdoor experiences.
Shepton Mallet Antiques, Vintage & Collectors Fair, Somerset 18 to 20 September 2026 Held at the Royal Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, this large antiques fair features up to 600 stands across multiple halls, offering everything from furniture and decorative pieces to vintage clothing, collectables and restoration items.
Taste East Devon Festival, East Devon, Devon 12 to 20 September 2026 Held across venues throughout East Devon, this multi-day food and drink festival celebrates the region’s producers, chefs and local businesses with a varied programme of events. It suits visitors looking to explore local food culture, with tastings, farm experiences, dining events and workshops taking place from Exmouth to Axminster and across the surrounding countryside.
Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival, Sidmouth, Devon 12 to 18 September 2026 Held across Sidmouth and the wider East Devon countryside, this week-long walking festival offers a varied programme of guided walks along the Jurassic Coast, countryside trails and historic routes. It suits visitors looking to explore the region on foot, with options for all abilities, knowledgeable local guides and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
St Ives September Festival, Cornwall 12 to 26 September 2026 A two-week arts and music festival across one of Cornwall’s best-known coastal towns.
Wells Soup, Wells, Somerset 12 September 2026 Held at Wells Cathedral, this community fundraising event brings together local people for an afternoon of food, live charity pitches and audience voting. It suits visitors looking for a relaxed, social event with a strong local focus, where a small entry fee includes homemade soup and the chance to support projects competing for a share of the funds.
Seafest, Plymouth, Devon 12 to 13 September 2026 Seafest Plymouth is a free waterfront festival celebrating the city’s connection to the sea, with seafood, live cooking demonstrations, music and marine-themed activities spread across locations such as the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and Royal William Yard. It combines local food, water sports, entertainment and sustainability themes, bringing the whole waterfront to life for a family-friendly weekend each September.
International Agatha Christie Festival, Devon 12 to 20 September 2026 Held across the English Riviera, including Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, this literary festival celebrates Agatha Christie’s life and work with talks, guided walks, performances, films and a wider fringe programme exploring her Devon connections.
Abbfest, Devon 18 to 20 September 2026 Abbfest is a volunteer-run charity festival held near Newton Abbot in Devon, bringing together live music, locally produced beer and cider, food stalls and craft producers in a relaxed countryside setting. It is designed to celebrate Westcountry food and drink while raising funds for local causes, with more than £250,000 donated to community projects over the years.
18 to 27 September 2026 A multi-day literary festival held across the historic fishing village of Appledore in North Devon, featuring author talks, interviews, workshops, performances and community events. The festival attracts well-known writers, broadcasters and public figures alongside readers and visitors from across the South West, creating a lively cultural atmosphere throughout the village’s halls, churches and waterfront venues.
Mere Carnival, Mere, Wiltshire 19 September 2026 An evening illuminated procession through the town, featuring decorated carts, walking entries and music. It opens the Wessex Grand Prix circuit with a traditional carnival format.
Axminster Carnival, Axminster, Devon 19 September 2026 A popular town carnival featuring a vibrant procession of floats, bands and performers through the streets of Axminster. Expect a mix of traditional carnival entries, local creativity and a lively evening crowd.
Bristol Sea Shanty Festival (SS Great Britain), Bristol 19 to 20 September 2026 A free maritime music festival centred around the SS Great Britain and Bristol’s historic harbourside, featuring dozens of sea shanty groups performing across venues including the Great Eastern Hall and Underfall Yard. With a lively atmosphere and strong maritime heritage, it’s one of the best places to experience traditional sea songs in an authentic setting.
Newquay Beer Festival, Newquay, Cornwall 18 to 20 September 2026 A lively charity beer festival at Hendra Holiday Park featuring over 100 beers, ciders and craft drinks alongside live music, food stalls and entertainment across the weekend. Organised by the Newquay Towan Blystra Lions, it combines a friendly festival atmosphere with fundraising for local causes, making it a popular late-season highlight in Cornwall.
20 September 2026 One of the South West’s best-known road running events, the Torbay Half Marathon & 10K follows a scenic coastal route around the English Riviera, with races taking place along the seafronts of Paignton and Torquay. Returning for 2026, the event combines closed-road racing, strong crowd support and sea views across Torbay, attracting runners of all abilities for both the half-marathon and 10K distances.
25 to 26 September 2026 A multi-day arts and culture festival held across Bournemouth town centre and gardens, featuring live music, outdoor performances, installations, dance, theatre and interactive experiences. One of the South West’s largest free arts festivals, it attracts performers, artists and visitors from across the region, creating a lively programme of events and large-scale spectacles throughout the town’s public spaces.
Frome Carnival, Frome, Somerset 26 September 2026 A well-supported town carnival with illuminated carts and a varied procession route through Frome. Known for attracting strong entries from across the circuit.
Wellington Carnival, Wellington, Somerset 26 September 2026 An evening illuminated procession through the town, featuring decorated carts, walking entries and live music. It opens the South Somerset Federation circuit with a well-supported local turnout.
Sidmouth Carnival, Sidmouth, Devon 26 September 2026 One of the best-known events in the circuit, combining a full day of entertainment with a large evening procession along the seafront. Expect live music and a strong carnival atmosphere across the town.
Colyford Goose Fayre, Devon 26 September 2026 Held in the village of Colyford near Seaton, this traditional medieval fayre features a colourful procession, historic crafts, music and family-friendly activities. It offers a unique step back in time, with local food, stalls and entertainment centred around Michaelmas traditions.
This Ain’t Texas Festival, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 26 September 2026 A one-day country music festival at the Bath & West Showground, bringing Nashville-style energy to the South West, with live tribute acts, line dancing and all-day outdoor entertainment. Expect country anthems, Texas-style BBQ, bars and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong focus on music, food and feel-good festival fun.
Somerset’s Festival of Transport, Frome, Somerset 26 to 27 September 2026 A large end-of-season transport show at West Woodlands Showground featuring steam engines, classic cars, military vehicles, tractors and vintage displays, alongside a traditional funfair, arena entertainment and trade stalls. With camping, evening entertainment and family-friendly activities, it offers a full weekend celebrating transport heritage in Somerset.
Giant Flea Market, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 27 September 2026 One of the most established South West events, this large indoor and outdoor flea market features more than 250 stalls selling vintage furniture, clothing, collectables and retro items. A popular market near you in Somerset, it runs from 9:30 am and features food, a café, and a wide mix of traders, making it a strong choice for browsing and bargain hunting.
30 September to 3 October 2026 A historic multi-day fair and street market held in Bridgwater each autumn, featuring one of the South West’s largest travelling funfairs alongside traditional market stalls, food traders and fairground attractions across St Matthew’s Field and West Street. Dating back nearly 800 years, the event attracts large crowds from across Somerset and beyond, creating a lively atmosphere with rides, entertainment and long-standing local traditions in the centre of the town.
What’s On in South West England in October 2026
What’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in October 2026? Discover food festivals, seasonal events, live entertainment and autumn days out across South West England, with harvest celebrations, cultural festivals and half-term activities throughout the month.
1 to 4 October 2026 A multi-day blues and roots music festival held across pubs, bars and live music venues throughout Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck, featuring dozens of performances from blues, soul and roots artists from across the UK. One of the South West’s best-known blues festivals, it creates a lively atmosphere across the seaside town, with live music running throughout the day and evening across multiple venues.
3 October 2026 One of the UK’s best-known pianists performs at Mount Dinham in Exeter, with a solo recital featuring music by Mozart, Schumann, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, John Ireland and Liszt. The evening forms part of the Mount Dinham classical concert series held at St Michael & All Angels.
Shaftesbury Carnival, Shaftesbury, Dorset 3 October 2026 An evening procession through the hilltop town, with illuminated carts and local groups creating a distinctive setting on the Dorset circuit.
Ilminster Carnival, Ilminster, Somerset 3 October 2026 A traditional night carnival with illuminated carts and performers moving through the town centre. Part of the established South Somerset circuit, with a strong mix of local and visiting entries.
Budleigh Salterton Carnival, Budleigh Salterton, Devon 3 October 2026 A traditional coastal carnival with a strong community feel, featuring a colourful procession, stalls and family-friendly entertainment. The seafront setting adds to the atmosphere, making it a popular autumn highlight.
Port Isaac Shanty Weekend, Port Isaac, Cornwall 3 to 4 October 2026 A lively weekend of sea shanty singing and maritime music across venues in the village, with performances from visiting groups and local musicians. Events take place at multiple locations, including the village hall and pubs, creating a relaxed, community atmosphere in this historic fishing village.
Falmouth Oyster Festival, Cornwall 8 to 11 October 2026 A celebration of seafood marking the start of oyster season, with cooking demonstrations and live music.
Sidmouth Science Festival, Sidmouth, Devon 9 to 18 October 2026 Held across venues in Sidmouth, including Kennaway House and the Norman Lockyer Observatory, this ten-day festival explores science through talks, workshops and hands-on activities for all ages. It suits visitors seeking an engaging and educational experience, featuring a mix of expert speakers, family-friendly events, and interactive sessions designed to bring science to life.
Gillingham Carnival, Gillingham, Dorset 10 October 2026 A night-time carnival featuring decorated carts, performers and community entries, continuing the weekly run of Wessex events.
Chard Carnival, Chard, Somerset 10 October 2026 An evening procession showcasing large illuminated carts, music and community groups, continuing the weekly run of South Somerset carnival events.
Comic Con & Gaming Festival, Westpoint Exeter, Clyst St Mary, Devon 10 to 11 October 2026 One of the livelier South West events, this two-day festival brings together cosplay, gaming zones, comic artists, and film and TV guests, alongside immersive props and interactive displays. Expect exhibitors, photo opportunities and a wide mix of entertainment across the weekend, making it a family-friendly event with a strong pop culture and gaming focus.
Toy & Train Collectors Fair, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 11 October 2026 A large collectors’ fair bringing together hundreds of stalls selling model trains, toys, vintage items and collectables, with everything from Hornby and Dinky to comics and memorabilia. One of the biggest events of its kind in the UK, it attracts enthusiasts from across the country and offers a wide range of items to browse in a single venue.
Wells Food Festival, Somerset 11 October 2026 A large food festival set around Wells Cathedral, showcasing regional produce.
14 October 2026 A historic annual street fair held across the centre of Tavistock, featuring hundreds of market stalls, traditional fairground rides, food traders and entertainment throughout the town. Dating back to the 12th century, it is one of Devon’s best-known traditional fairs and attracts large crowds each year, creating a lively atmosphere across Bedford Square, Plymouth Road and the surrounding streets.
Wincanton Carnival, Wincanton, Somerset 16 October 2026 An evening procession through the town centre with illuminated carts and music, forming part of the core Wessex Grand Prix schedule.
Ottery St Mary Carnival, Ottery St Mary, Devon 16 October 2026 A well-supported evening carnival with illuminated floats, walking entries and local groups, bringing a lively atmosphere to the town. It continues the East Devon circuit into autumn with a strong local turnout.
Castle Cary Carnival, Castle Cary, Somerset 17 October 2026 A traditional carnival parade with illuminated entries moving through the town, held on the same weekend as Wincanton as part of the circuit run.
The Big South West Wedding Fair, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 17 to 18 October 2026 One of the largest South West events for wedding planning, bringing together more than 100 suppliers, including venues, photographers, florists and bridal specialists under one roof. Expect live entertainment, inspirational ideas and the chance to meet local experts, making it a well-established wedding fair near you for couples planning their day.
Trowbridge Carnival, Trowbridge, Wiltshire 18 October 2026 A town-centre procession featuring carnival carts, walking groups and music, drawing entries from across the wider Wessex circuit.
Mevagissey Shanty Festival, Mevagissey, Cornwall 16 to 18 October 2026 A traditional Cornish sea shanty festival bringing together dozens of groups performing across pubs, venues and harbour spaces in Mevagissey and nearby villages. Largely free to attend, it celebrates maritime music, community spirit and local culture, with performances running throughout the weekend.
North Devon Ska & Mod Weekend, Devon 16 to 18 October 2026 Held at Golden Coast Holiday Park near Woolacombe, this three-day music weekender celebrates ska, mod, soul and two-tone with a packed lineup of live bands and DJs. It suits fans of retro sounds and seaside escapes alike, with on-site accommodation, dancing into the night and a lively, adults-focused atmosphere by the North Devon coast.
Weston Beach Race, Weston-super-Mare 16 to 18 October 2026 A world-famous beach motocross event in Weston-super-Mare, where hundreds of riders race across a challenging sand course with huge dunes, drawing massive crowds and a high-energy festival atmosphere.
Taunton Carnival, Taunton, Somerset 17 October 2026 A large town-centre carnival with a long procession route, featuring detailed illuminated carts and a broad mix of entries. One of the bigger dates in the South Somerset Federation calendar.
23 to 25 October 2026 A multi-day food and drink festival held across Dartmouth’s waterfront, markets and public spaces, featuring chef demonstrations, tastings, workshops, talks and over 100 food and drink exhibitors from across the South West. One of Devon’s best-known food festivals, it attracts leading chefs, local producers and thousands of visitors each year, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the town and along the River Dart. Planning to stay? Find accommodation in and around Dartmouth before you travel.
Saturday 24 October 2026 A large-scale flea market at Newton Abbot Racecourse featuring indoor and outdoor stalls selling everything from antiques and furniture to records, books, tools and vintage collectables. Popular with bargain hunters and collectors alike, the event offers a relaxed atmosphere with regular traders and a changing selection of unusual finds.
Honiton Carnival, Honiton, Devon 24 October 2026 The final event in the East Devon Carnival circuit features a large illuminated procession through the town. Known for its strong finish to the season, it draws crowds to a lively, colourful evening event.
Warminster Carnival, Warminster, Wiltshire 31 October 2026 A later-season carnival with an illuminated evening procession through the town, bringing the Wessex Grand Prix circuit towards its conclusion.
31 October 2026 Folk group Fisherman’s Friends bring their mix of traditional sea shanties, folk songs and humour to Hall for Cornwall as part of their 2026 UK tour. Formed in Port Isaac on the North Cornwall coast, the group became nationally known through their chart success and the Fisherman’s Friends films inspired by their story.
What’s On in South West England in November 2026
What’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in November 2026? Discover fireworks events, festive markets, seasonal celebrations and late-autumn days out across South West England, including Bonfire Night, traditional carnivals such as Bridgwater Carnival, and unique events like the Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels.
Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels, Devon 5 November 2026 A distinctive and intense Bonfire Night tradition in Ottery St Mary, where flaming barrels are carried through the streets, attracting large crowds.
6 November 2026 A performance of sacred and choral music by Exeter-based vocal ensemble Dumnonii Consort at St Michael & All Angels, Mount Dinham. The programme includes works by Taverner, MacMillan, Victoria and Philip Moore, performed by professional singers associated with Exeter’s cathedral music scene.
Shepton Mallet Antiques, Vintage & Collectors Fair, Somerset 6 to 8 November 2026 Held at the Royal Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, this large antiques fair features up to 600 stands across multiple halls, offering everything from furniture and decorative pieces to vintage clothing, collectables and restoration items.
6 to 9 November 2026 A three-night dance music weekender held at Butlin’s Minehead, curated by Fatboy Slim and featuring headline DJ sets alongside a wide lineup of electronic artists. It combines live performances with pool parties, daytime activities and themed entertainment, creating a full weekend of music and nightlife within the resort setting.
Charity Firework Display, Westpoint Exeter, Clyst St Mary, Devon 7 November 2026 One of the standout South West events for Bonfire Night, this large-scale charity fireworks display at Westpoint Exeter features a professionally choreographed show with gates open from 5:30 pm through the evening. Organised by Exeter Round Table, it typically includes fairground rides, food stalls and a lively atmosphere, with proceeds supporting local charities.
Bridport Literary Festival, Bridport, Dorset 7 to 14 November 2026 A well-established literary festival held across venues in Bridport, bringing together authors, speakers and audiences for a week of talks, discussions and events. Covering fiction, non-fiction, politics, history and culture, it offers a varied programme in an accessible and engaging setting in West Dorset.
Burnham-on-Sea Carnival, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset 9 November 2026 Part of the famous Somerset carnival circuit, this evening procession brings large illuminated carts, performers and music through the town centre and seafront route. The carnival builds across the weekend, with carts arriving in advance and going on public display, alongside a seafront fireworks show ahead of the main parade.
Weston-super-Mare Carnival, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset 13 November 2026 A large illuminated procession along the seafront route, with detailed carnival carts, walking entries and live music drawing sizeable crowds. One of the biggest nights in the Somerset carnival calendar.
Cathedral Christmas Market, Exeter 13 November to 13 December 2026 Set on Cathedral Green in Exeter, beneath the illuminated Exeter Cathedral, this popular Christmas market features festive chalets, artisan gifts, and seasonal food and drink. It offers a classic West Country Christmas atmosphere, with local traders, mulled wine and a picturesque historic setting.
Shiiine On Weekender, Butlin’s Minehead, Somerset 13 to 15 November 2026 One of the most distinctive South West events, this three-day indoor music festival celebrates indie and dance from the late 80s and 90s, with live bands and DJs across multiple stages. Held entirely within the Butlin’s resort, it combines accommodation, entertainment and headline performances in one place, creating a lively, nostalgia-driven weekend with a strong festival atmosphere.
13 to 16 November 2026 A multi-day literary festival set in the small Exmoor town of Dulverton, bringing together authors, speakers and cultural events in an intimate countryside setting. Held across local venues in the heart of Exmoor, the programme combines talks, discussions, readings and community events celebrating books, writing, landscape and rural life.
Live at the Mile: 90s & 00s Weekend, Lady’s Mile Holiday Park, Dawlish, Devon 13 to 16 November 2026 A high-energy themed music weekend celebrating 90s and 00s hits, featuring live acts, DJs and a full programme of nostalgic entertainment across the holiday park. Designed as an immersive festival-style experience, it combines tribute performances, late-night parties and on-site facilities, with tickets and accommodation typically required for the full weekend stay.
Antiques Fair, Westpoint Exeter, Clyst St Mary, Devon 14 to 15 November 2026 A well-established South West events listing, this two-day antiques fair brings together specialist dealers offering a wide mix of antiques, vintage items and collectables in a large indoor setting. Expect hundreds of stands with everything from furniture and jewellery to smaller curios and decorative pieces, attracting collectors and browsers from across the region.
South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 14 to 15 November 2026 One of the key South West events for anyone planning a home project, bringing together expert advice, seminars and more than 100 exhibitors under one roof. A popular exhibition near you for self-build, renovation and home improvement ideas, with free tickets often available and a full programme of talks and demonstrations across the weekend.
North Petherton Carnival, North Petherton, Somerset 14 November 2026 A traditional illuminated procession through the village, featuring decorated carts, local groups and a strong link to the wider Somerset carnival circuit.
Illuminate the Night, Taunton, Somerset 14 November 2026 An evening of fireworks and light display at Taunton Racecourse, featuring a large-scale fireworks show, food stalls and a lively family-friendly atmosphere. Gates open in the late afternoon, with entertainment building towards the main display after dark, creating a classic Bonfire Night-style event.
Clovelly Herring Festival, Devon 15 November 2026 A traditional fishing heritage event celebrating herring, with food, demonstrations and music.
Shepton Mallet Carnival, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 18 November 2026 An evening parade through the town centre with illuminated carts, performers and music, forming part of the midweek Somerset circuit schedule.
18 to 19 November 2026 A festive two-day Christmas fair held at the Eden Project in Cornwall, featuring independent stalls, artisan gifts, food and drink producers, homeware, fashion and seasonal entertainment within the setting of the famous biomes. One of Cornwall’s best-known Christmas shopping events, it attracts visitors from across the South West while raising funds for community projects and local charities through the Cornwall Community Foundation.
Wells Carnival, Wells, Somerset 20 November 2026 A city-based carnival with a procession passing through the historic streets of Wells, combining large carts with smaller local entries.
Glastonbury Carnival, Glastonbury, Somerset 21 November 2026 A final weekend procession through the town, featuring illuminated carts, music and walking groups, closes this part of the Somerset carnival run.
Wells Soup, Wells, Somerset 21 November 2026 Held at Wells Cathedral, Wells Soup brings together the local community for an afternoon of fundraising, conversation and live charity pitches. Four local causes will present their ideas for a share of £700, with tickets available on the day for a minimum suggested donation of £7.
Saturday 21 November 2026 A late-season outdoor flea market at Newton Abbot Racecourse, bringing together traders from across Devon and the South West for a day of antiques, second-hand goods, vintage pieces and collectables. The event combines indoor and outdoor selling areas with on-site food and drink facilities, making it one of the area’s regular markets for browsing and bargain hunting.
21 November to 24 December 2026 A large festive Christmas market held across Lemon Quay and central Truro, featuring artisan gifts, local crafts, seasonal food and drink, entertainment and late-night shopping throughout the city. One of Cornwall’s best-known Christmas events, it attracts visitors from across the South West, creating a lively festive atmosphere with market cabins, music, street entertainment and independent traders across the city centre.
26 November to 13 December 2026 A large festive Christmas market is held across the historic streets and squares of Bath city centre, featuring hundreds of decorated chalets selling artisan gifts, crafts, food and seasonal drinks alongside entertainment, light displays and late-night shopping. One of the UK’s best-known Christmas markets, it attracts visitors from across Britain and beyond, creating a lively festive atmosphere around Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and the city’s Georgian streets.
27 to 29 November 2026 A large festive weekend held across Newquay town centre, featuring Christmas markets, live music, seasonal entertainment, food stalls and the town’s Christmas lights switch-on, followed by fireworks. One of Cornwall’s best-known coastal Christmas events, it brings together festive shopping, family activities and seaside celebrations, creating a lively seasonal atmosphere across the town.
Christmas Shopping Fayre, Westpoint Exeter, Clyst St Mary, Devon 27 to 29 November 2026 One of the most popular South West events in the run-up to Christmas, this three-day indoor fair brings together hundreds of exhibitors offering gifts, crafts, decorations and festive food. Expect a wide mix of traders, free parking and a busy seasonal atmosphere, making it a well-established festive shopping event in Devon.
27 November to 30 December 2026 The multi award-winning Christmas Train of Lights returns to the Dartmouth Steam Railway for another festive season of illuminated steam train journeys between Paignton and Kingswear. Widely regarded as one of the South West’s most popular Christmas attractions, the experience combines thousands of lights, animated displays, festive scenes, music and onboard entertainment along the railway’s spectacular coastal route overlooking Torbay and the River Dart. Departing from Queen’s Park Station in Paignton, the event can only be fully experienced from aboard the train, with advance booking strongly recommended as many departures sell out well before Christmas.
28 November 2026 The Seaton Christmas Market opens in the town centre from 12.00 pm, with festive entertainment and the official Christmas lights switch-on beginning from 4.00 pm. Visitors can enjoy Father Christmas, family activities, carol singing, late-night shopping and an independent Christmas market.
Bay of Lights, Devon 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 Held across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, this large winter festival transforms the English Riviera with illuminated trails, lantern parades, festive markets and light displays, centred around the seafront Illumination Trail in Torquay.
Christmas Lights Switch On, Somerton, Somerset 29 November 2026 An annual festive event held in Somerton town centre, bringing live music, entertainment and seasonal stalls to the market square. It marks the start of the Christmas period with a strong community feel and a mix of performances, food and festive activities.
What’s On in South West England in December 2026
What’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in December 2026? Discover Christmas markets, festive events, winter festivals and seasonal days out across South West England, with light displays, traditional celebrations and coastal Christmas events throughout the month.
Cinderella, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Devon 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 A large-scale Christmas pantomime bringing the classic Cinderella story to life with comedy, music, costumes and family-friendly entertainment. Running throughout the festive season, it is one of the South West’s most popular Christmas shows.
4 to 5 December 2026 A festive Christmas event held across the medieval village of Dunster, featuring candlelit streets, market stalls, late-night shopping, entertainment, music and seasonal food and drink throughout the village. One of Somerset’s best-known Christmas events, it attracts thousands of visitors each year, creating a distinctive festive atmosphere with traditional decorations, lantern processions and historic buildings illuminated by candlelight.
4 to 6 December 2026 A multi-day Christmas market held across the harbour town of Fowey, featuring festive market stalls, seasonal food and drink, live entertainment, late-night shopping and family attractions throughout the town. One of Cornwall’s best-known Christmas events, it attracts thousands of visitors each year, creating a lively festive atmosphere across the quayside, streets and indoor market venues with local traders, crafts and entertainment.
5 to 6 December 2026 A festive Christmas market held at Symondsbury Estate near Bridport, bringing together local makers, artisan food producers, craft stalls and seasonal entertainment in the Dorset countryside. Set around the estate’s Tithe Barn and Manor Yard, the event is expected to feature Christmas shopping, festive food and drink, workshops, music and family activities, continuing one of the area’s best-known Christmas market weekends near the Jurassic Coast.
Westpoint Equestrian Fair, Westpoint Exeter, Clyst St Mary, Devon 5 to 6 December 2026 One of the more specialist South West events, this two-day equestrian fair brings together trade stands, demonstrations and a wide range of products linked to horse riding and country life. Expect shopping, displays and a mix of exhibitors, making it a well-established event for riders, owners and anyone interested in equestrian culture.
Giant Flea Market, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 6 December 2026 One of the most popular South West events, this large indoor and outdoor flea market features more than 200 stalls selling vintage furniture, clothing, collectables and retro items. A well-established market in Somerset, it runs throughout the day with a wide mix of traders and plenty to browse, making it a strong choice for a relaxed pre-Christmas day out.
Toy & Train Collectors Fair, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 13 December 2026 One of the largest South West events for collectors, this indoor fair features more than 300 stalls selling model trains, toys, vintage items and memorabilia, from brands such as Hornby, Dinky and Matchbox. A popular event near you in Somerset, it runs from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm with free parking and a wide range of traders, making it a great pre-Christmas day out for enthusiasts and families alike.
Montol Festival, Penzance, Cornwall December 2026 (around the winter solstice) A midwinter celebration featuring music, masks and fire processions, reviving old Cornish traditions.
25 December (Friday) – Christmas Day
What’s On in South West England in January 2027
What’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in January 2027? Discover winter walks, seasonal events, coastal days out and quieter attractions across South West England, making it a great time for peaceful breaks after the festive season.
8 to 11 January 2027 A mod and ska themed adult music weekend held at Butlin’s Minehead, celebrating classic mod culture, live music and scooter scene entertainment across three days on the Somerset coast. Part of the Butlin’s Big Weekenders programme, the event features live bands, DJs, film screenings, Q&As and themed entertainment inspired by mod, ska and Northern soul culture, creating a nostalgic seaside festival atmosphere for fans of the scene.
22 to 25 January 2027 A live music weekend held at Lady’s Mile Holiday Park, celebrating classic soul and Motown music with tribute acts, live bands and themed entertainment across three days. The event features performances inspired by artists including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, creating a lively weekend of nostalgic live music and dance in a coastal Devon holiday park setting.
What’s On in South West England in February 2027
What’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in February 2027? Discover seasonal events, half-term activities, winter days out and early spring festivals across South West England.
What’s On in South West England in March 2027
What’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in March 2027? Discover early spring events, seasonal festivals, outdoor days out and coastal walks across South West England as the region moves out of winter.
What’s On in South West England in April 2027
What’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in April 2027? Discover spring festivals, Easter events, outdoor days out and coastal breaks across South West England as the season comes into full swing.
30 April to 1 May 2027 Hosted by Toby Buckland at Powderham Castle, Toby’s Garden Festival returns for two days of gardening inspiration, specialist plant nurseries, expert talks, garden displays, shopping, food and live entertainment. Set within the grounds of the historic castle near Exeter, the festival brings together leading horticultural speakers, growers and West Country exhibitors in a relaxed outdoor setting. Visitors can expect plant sales, demonstrations, family-friendly attractions and a strong focus on gardening, growing and the South West countryside. Early Bird tickets for 2027 are already on sale.
30 April to 2 May 2027 Teddy Rocks Festival returns to Charisworth Farm near Blandford Forum for a weekend of live music, camping, family entertainment and fundraising. Founded in memory of Ted Newton, the Dorset festival supports children’s cancer charities while bringing together a varied line-up of bands, performers, food vendors and activities across multiple stages. Tickets for 2027 are already on sale.
30 April to 3 May 2027 Abbey Hill Steam Rally returns to Yeovil Showground over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, bringing together steam engines, vintage tractors, classic cars, motorcycles, military vehicles, fairground attractions, live entertainment, trade stands and family activities.
What’s On in South West England in May 2027
Looking for what’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in May 2027? Discover festivals, live music, food events, family days out and seasonal highlights near you across South West England this month.
1 to 3 May 2027(Dates tbc) Brixham Pirate Festival returns to the South Devon harbour over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, transforming the town into one of the world’s largest pirate gatherings. Expect live music, sea shanties, pirate re-enactments, street entertainment, cannon displays, themed food and drink, family activities and thousands of costumed pirates filling the waterfront.
7 to 15 May 2027 The du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival returns to the Cornish harbour town for nine days of author talks, interviews, workshops, performances, discussions and cultural events inspired by the legacy of Daphne du Maurier. Held across venues including churches, halls and waterfront locations around Fowey, the festival attracts leading writers, broadcasters, historians and performers while celebrating Cornwall’s literary heritage and one of its most famous former residents.
8 May 2027 Helston Flora Day returns to the Cornish market town for one of Cornwall’s oldest and most distinctive traditional celebrations. Held each spring, the event sees the streets filled with flowers, greenery, music and the famous Furry Dance, as hundreds of dancers move through the town accompanied by the Helston Town Band. Visitors can also experience the historic Hal-an-Tow pageant, community celebrations and a unique atmosphere that transforms Helston for the day.
22 to 25 May 2027 The Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival returns over the late May Bank Holiday weekend with four days of live jazz, blues, soul and funk performances in venues across the town. The festival combines ticketed headline concerts at Blackmore Gardens with free fringe performances, workshops and community events, attracting music lovers from across the UK.
27 to 29 May 2027 The Royal Bath & West Show returns to the Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet for three days, celebrating farming, food, countryside life and rural traditions. One of the largest agricultural shows in the South West, the event features livestock competitions, equestrian displays, agricultural machinery, food and drink producers, shopping, family entertainment, live demonstrations and hundreds of trade stands across the showground. Organised by the Royal Bath & West Society, the show has been a major part of the region’s agricultural calendar for generations
28 to 30 May 2027 Fisherman’s Friends Festival returns to Stithians Showground near Penryn for a Bank Holiday weekend celebrating live music, Cornwall’s cultural heritage and festival entertainment. Created by the internationally known Cornish sea shanty group Fisherman’s Friends alongside the team behind Beautiful Days, the family-friendly festival combines headline concerts, folk, roots and traditional music, camping, local food and drink, Cornish performers and community events.
28 to 30 May 2027 Bournemouth 7s Festival returns to Chapel Gate near Christchurch for its 20th anniversary edition, combining competitive sport, live music, camping and festival entertainment across the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Known as one of the UK’s largest sport and music festivals, the event brings together rugby, netball, hockey, dodgeball, fitness competitions, DJs, live acts, themed arenas, street food, fairground attractions and thousands of participants from across the country.
28 to 30 May 2027 Devon Truck Show returns to Smeatharpe Airfield near Honiton for its 10th anniversary edition, bringing together hundreds of show trucks, monster truck displays, live music, arena entertainment, camping, trade stands, family attractions and festival-style evening events. One of the South West’s largest truck gatherings, the event attracts vehicles and exhibitors from across the UK and Europe, with weekend camping, stunt shows, funfair rides, food vendors and live entertainment throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.
What’s On in South West England in June 2027
What’s on in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in June 2027? Discover summer festivals, outdoor events, live music and coastal days out across South West England, as the early summer season brings some of the region’s most popular events.
11 to 13 June 2027 Discovery Festival is expected to return to Central Park in Plymouth for a weekend of live music, food and drink vendors, VIP experiences and festival entertainment. Previous line-ups have featured major chart, rock and pop artists, helping establish the event as one of Plymouth’s most ambitious outdoor music festivals. Ticketmaster listings currently show the next Plymouth festival weekend running from 11 to 13 June 2027, although organisers have yet to confirm the event or announce line-up details.
The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival returns from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June 2026, celebrating maritime heritage with over eighty shanty-groups from around the UK, Europe, and further abroad. The festival is entirely free to attend, with performances taking place at multiple sites including quayside venues throughout Falmouth. Alongside the shanties, this edition again […]
Plymouth Central Park
Plymouth Central Park, Plymouth
Discovery Festival will no longer take place in 2026 and has been officially postponed until 11 to 13 June 2027. Festival organisers announced that, after exploring all available options with partners and stakeholders, they had made the difficult decision to move the event to 2027. The three-day festival is now scheduled to take place from […]
Join us for a relaxed community lunch held in the wonderful space of Wells Cathedral, where you can enjoy good food and support local causes. You will be served a bowl of freshly made soup and bread, prepared by Fresh & Good, while four local groups give short talks about their projects. After the presentations, […]
Abbotsbury Church Newton Abbot TQ12 2ND
Waverley Road, Newton Abbot, United Kingdom
+1 more
The Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival returns in 2026! Nine days of free or low-cost nature and community events across the Island, celebrating our unique UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, only one of seven in the UK. The incredible natural diversity is reflected in a wonderfully varied programme: wildlife, art, walks, talks, fashion, science and more. It’s […]
Dorchester Arts
The Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset
Mooch Market is back! With the newest and brightest of artists from the local area, come and indulge in a day full of creativity, delivered with its very own custom soundtrack played by the people at our open mic “The Jam”. Enjoy a tasteful selection of art and activities! If you fancy a mooch, bring […]
The Borgen Project, an international advocacy and lobbying organisation fighting to end global poverty, is hosting an information event at Exeter Library. George, a political affairs team member with The Borgen Project, and a student at the University of Exeter will be hosting the event – he is very keen to talk to people in […]
Lympsham Fete and Classic Car show Saturday 4th July 2026. 2-4.30pm Manor Garden Lympsham Entry: adults £2, children free Plenty of free parking A perfect summer afternoon for all the family. A chance to enjoy Lympsham’s glorious Manor Garden and admire a stunning collection of classic cars. Lots of much-loved fete attractions including grand raffle, […]
St Michael & All Angels Mount Dinham
St Michael & All Angels Mount Dinham, Dinham Road, Exeter
Performing at St Michael & All Angels as part of the highly-anticipated ‘Music on the Mount’ classical music series, the Elmore Quartet is an award-winning ensemble founded in 2017 at […]
The Wild Gardens Festival returns 16-19 July 2026 at Port Eliot Estate in Cornwall, bringing together music, wellness, and outdoor experiences in one immersive weekend. The event features a main […]
The Wild Gardens Festival returns 16-19 July 2026 at Port Eliot Estate in Cornwall, bringing together music, wellness, and outdoor experiences in one immersive weekend. The event features a main […]
The Wild Gardens Festival returns 16-19 July 2026 at Port Eliot Estate in Cornwall, bringing together music, wellness, and outdoor experiences in one immersive weekend. The event features a main […]
Exmouth
Sideshore, Queens Drive, Exmouth, United Kingdom
The Sideshore Salt Fest – Sponsored by Brillband Saturday 18th July & Sunday 19th July 2026 Dive into a weekend celebrating all things sea, surf, and saltwater at The Sideshore […]
Have you got a South West event you would like to share?
We are always looking to feature great events across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, from local festivals and markets to seasonal highlights and community days out.
If you are organising something and would like it included, feel free to get in touch with the key details. Dates, location, booking information, and a short description all help us ensure listings are accurate and useful for readers.
At This Is South West, we aim to keep this guide up to date and genuinely helpful for people planning days out in the region. Hearing directly from organisers makes a real difference.
What is included in this South West England events guide?
This guide brings together festivals, events and days out across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, including major festivals, local shows, food events, live music, family events and seasonal highlights throughout 2026.
Can I use this page to find what’s on in Devon and Cornwall this weekend?
Yes. This page includes a South West Events This Weekend section near the top, followed by monthly listings for Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. It is designed to help you find what’s on in South West England this weekend, this month and throughout 2026.
Does this guide cover what’s on South West this weekend?
Yes. If you are searching for what’s on South West this weekend, this guide highlights selected weekend events across the region and links through to the wider monthly listings for more ideas.
Does this guide cover Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset?
Yes. The guide is focused on South West England and covers events across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
How often is the South West England events calendar updated?
This South West England events guide is updated regularly as new dates are confirmed. We add events throughout the year to keep listings accurate and useful for planning days out, weekends away and longer trips.
Can I find South West England events in 2026?
Yes. The guide includes confirmed South West England events in 2026, including festivals, food events, live music, agricultural shows, local celebrations and seasonal days out.
Are all events confirmed before they are listed?
Most events are based on organiser or venue information, but details can still change. It is always worth checking with organisers before you travel.
Can I browse events by month?
Yes. The page includes monthly sections to help you explore South West events by month, date, location and event type.
Can I find major festivals as well as smaller local events?
Yes. This guide includes major festivals and standout events, alongside smaller local events, markets, performances and seasonal days out across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
Is this page useful for planning a trip to South West England?
Yes. It is designed to help with advance planning, whether you are organising a short break, a weekend away or a day out in South West England.
Can event organisers submit an event to this calendar?
Yes. Event organisers can submit events to be considered for inclusion in our South West England what’s on calendar.
Why should I check with organisers before travelling?
Event details can change after publication, including dates, times, locations or ticket arrangements, so it is always recommended to check with organisers before setting off.
South West Event Venues
Exmouth Pavillion
Other Helpful Links
Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.
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New to South West England or returning after a while? Start with our ‘Travel Basics’ – quick guides packed with tips to help you plan your trip.
