Summer in Devon – The Top Events in July and August

It’s one of the country’s most popular destinations all year round, but summer in Devon is particularly busy, with plenty of events, festivals and fairs to keep everyone of all ages happy. From family days out to events that will appeal to couples, if you’ve booked a luxury cottage in Devon you’ll find there’s plenty to entertain you throughout July and August. Devon celebrates the summer in style, so here are our favourite events for you to share:

Vintage Transport Festival Lifton, Dartmoor, 4^th – 5^th July History literally drives past you in this celebration of vintage vehicles. From steam power to historic military and commercial lorries, it’s a fun festival that also includes great food and drink, and plenty to do for younger visitors.  

National Qualifier Sheep dog Trials - Pennywell Farm Buckfastleigh, 5^th August Devon’s sheep farmers show off their skills with this key event in the farming calendar. Watch the dogs as they respond to their master’s commands, and enjoy a day out that gives you a real taste of rural life in Devon.

Visions of the Future: Science Fiction Exhibition Torquay Museum, 27^th June – 5^th September If your little ones love all things Sci-Fi then this is a great exhibition to catch during your holiday in Devon. Get up close to some of the greatest Sci-Fi movie props and meet the characters in this immersive exhibition.

Babbacombe Model Village - Minilluminations with Fire and Light Effects Babbacombe, 1^st July – 4^th September See the world in miniature with this fabulous attraction. This year they’re going the extra mile and illuminating the model village at night for a truly spectacular display.

Buckfast Abbey Storytelling Festival Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, 2^nd – 4^th July Tales and stories that are bound to delight audience of all ages are on offer at this festival of the spoken and written word in the grounds of beautiful Buckfast Abbey. Puppets bring the stories alive for the little ones, and there are readings and workshops for adults too.

Tiverton Balloon and Music Festival Tiverton, 10^th – 12^th July Head into the county’s heartland and the mid-Devon market town of Tiverton for a balloon and music extravaganza in July. For two days the skies above this beautiful and often overlooked part of the county are filled with colourful balloons, while down at ground level live performances entertain the crowds.  

Brixham Pirate Thursdays Brixham, 23^rd July – 27^th August All summer budding brigands and prospective pirates can head down to Brixham Harbour for a taste of life on the high seas. The Brixham Pirate Thursdays are hugely popular with young and old visitors, and a great opportunity to dress up and have fun.  

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust - Seawatch - National Whale and Dolphin Watching Weekend Brixham, 25^th – 31^st July Find out more about Devon’s marine life with a chance to spot some of our most popular offshore visitors. These carefully organised tours ensure that you get a great view of the wildlife without disturbing them.  

Classic Channel Regatta Parade of Sail Dartmouth, 11^th – 18^th July Also commonly known as the Dartmouth Regatta, this is Devon’s most important sail regatta of the year and a fantastic celebration of the county’s nautical connections. There’s also plenty going on back on dry land, including local food and drink, handicrafts and entertainment for the kids.

Evening Paddle by Canoe on the River Dart Dartmouth, 24^th July and 31^st August A truly magical way to experience the sheer beauty of the River Dart, paddle down the tranquil river at dusk and see bats flitting overhead. A genuinely unique experience and very different from the usual attractions you’ll discover in Devon.