What’s on in Devon in July 2026
July is a blooming great month to get out to Devon family attractions, beaches and country walks. This post rounds up places to visit in Devon in July 2026 as well as what’s on for families at the beginning of the school holidays. So, if you’re looking for things to do this summer, start here!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy something, I may earn some commission. This is at no extra cost to you but helps me cover the costs of running this website. See my privacy policy and disclosure policy for more information.*
Love Devon? Why not follow me on Instagram, join the Devon with Kids Facebook group and subscribe to my newsletter!
Also take a look at my round up of what’s happening in Devon this weekend.
Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
What’s on in Devon this July?
Read on for the brilliant Devon events and activities being laid on for families this month!
Know of an event I can add to my what’s on guides? Submit a listing!
Summer fun at National Trust properties
The National Trust’s summer activities programme gets underway this month with fun activities and events for families.
Participating properties include:
- Arlington Court near Barnstaple
- Lorna Doone Valley near Lymouth
- Castle Drogo on Dartmoor
- Buckland Abbey near Plymouth
- Saltram near Plymouth
- Knightshayes near Tiverton
- Greenway near Churston
- Coleton Fishacre near Brixham
- Killerton near Exeter
Tiny Tales at Theatre Royal Plymouth – every Thursday until 2 July 2026
Head to Theatre Royal for a magical, interactive theatre storytelling sessions held every week. Tiny Tales is designed for two to four-year-olds and their grown-ups to explore enchanting stories together.
Through songs, movement, and hands-on play, little ones will engage their imaginations while building language and social skills in a fun, welcoming environment.
Find out more on the Theatre Royal website.
Toddler Tuesdays at Newton Abbot Museum – every Tuesday until 21 July 2026
Join the team at Newton Abbot Museum for these weekly informal sessions for children aged up-to four-years-old to play, sing and explore the museum space. The sessions are free but pre-booking is recommended as spaces are limited.
Find out more about booking these sessions and facilities for families.
Free storytelling at The Box, Plymouth – every Friday
Head to The Box in Plymouth every Friday until the end of June for its Tell Me A Story storytelling session for preschoolers.
There’s no need to book. You’ll find the half hour session held under the figureheads in the reception area at 10.30am.
Find out more on The Box website.
Budleigh Music Festival – daily until 4 July 2026
Budleigh Music Festival is back for 2026, bringing world-class classical music to the heart of East Devon this summer.
A top pick for families is Aardman in Concert on 3 July when The Wrong Trousers will be screened in full with a live orchestra.
To find out what’s on throughout the festival and how to get tickets see the Budleigh Music Festival website.
Bubble & Bop at Pennywell Farm near Buckfastleigh – daily until 1 September 2026
There’s a whole host of bubbly fun happening at Pennywell Farm is this summer with music, games and bubble themed photo opportunities as well as all the usual farm fun.
Meet the Pennywell mascot Pippa and don’t miss a cuddle with the farm’s famous micro pigs.
To get the low down and buy tickets visit the Pennywell website.
Our Story with David Attenborough at Market Hall in Devonport – daily until 2 September 2026
‘Our Story with David Attenborough’ is coming to Plymouth’s immersive dome – the first time it’s ever been shown outside of London’s National History Museum.
Step inside the dome and experience a cinematic journey through the story of our planet, surrounded by incredible visuals, sound and storytelling, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Plym Card holders can get 10% off tickets.
Find out more and get tickets online.
Art on Your Doorstep free outdoor art trail in Torquay – until 5 September 2026
Torre Abbey has been chosen as one of four partners to showcase The National Gallery: Art on Your Doorstep touring art trail. It brings iconic artworks from the National Gallery’s collection directly to communities across the UK.
From now until September life-sized reproductions of masterpieces by Monet, Turner, Rousseau and many more artists will be on show from Torre Abbey to Torquay Harbour.
This initiative offers residents and visitors a rare opportunity to experience world-class art in everyday settings.
Find out more about the exhibition and its route in Torquay.
Colour exhibition at RAMM in Exeter – daily until 6 September 2026
This exhibition brings together over 150 objects spanning art, science, nature and cultural histories, and explores how we see it, how it’s made, how it’s used and how meaning can become attached to it.
This is a family-friendly exhibition where under 19s go free. Book online for a £2 discount on adult tickets.
Find out more on the RAMM website.
Room on the Broom activity trail at Haldon Forest near Exeter – open daily from 27 January 2027
The newest children’s activity trail in the partnership between Forestry England and Magic Light Pictures opens this week. Help Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s character the Witch as she embarks on a magical journey around Haldon Forest.
Find out mort about the Room on the Broom trail.
Insects Uncovered at Newton Abbot Museum – daily until 1 March 2027
See a collection of butterfly specimens and take part in The Great Butterfly & Moth Hunt to find
eight insects hiding around the museum and learn some amazing facts along the way.
When you’ve found them, go to the front desk to collect a special sticker for your Pastport and some wildflower seeds to plant at home.
Find out more about what’s on at Newton Abbot Museum.
American Car Show at Cofton Holidays – 3 to 4 July 2026
Cruise down to Cofton Holidays near Dawlish for its annual American Car Show – the biggest of its kind in the South West – where there will be more than 200 different classic American cars on show.
There’s a full programme of entertainment running across the weekend, with live music, children’s activities, street food and a bar. Highlights for families include roving characters, a huge inflatable fun zone, balloon modelling, circus skills, face painting, and lively performances from the Cofton Crew, featuring Digby the Dinosaur.
Even furry friends are welcome, with the ‘Crofts’ dog show taking place on Saturday afternoon.
Find out more about the American Car Show at Cofton.
Goren Festival – 3 to 5 July 2026
Get set for some long sunny evenings in the wildflower meadows filled with the sounds of music, laughing and playing.
This is a nature oriented family festival with a heavy bias for young children between five and 15. The area is quite safe to let your children explore the meadows, hedgerows and streams.
There’s music planned from Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon. Keep an eye on the Goren Festival website to find out the bands playing.
For tickets and more information see the Goren Festival website.
Read my round up of all the family-friendly festivals in Devon in 2026.
Dunsford Show in Dartmoor – 4 July 2026
Expect arena entertainment, dog, duck and pony displays as well as face painting, a produce show, and more than 200 stall holders,.
Tickets are available on the gate and there’s a family ticket option.
Find our more about what’s on by visiting the Dunsford Show website.
Tipton family fun day near Ottery St Mary – 4 July 2026
This community-run event is being held at Tipton Playing Field near Ottery St Mary with lots for families to enjoy. There will be bouncy castles, live music, a BBQ, games and crafts, a dog show, and a wellness zone.
Find out more on the Tipton St John Village website.
The Scarlet Pimpernel at venues in South Devon – 4, 11, 18 and 25 July 2026
South Devon Players present this engaging drama of disguise, adventure, and conspiracy set between London and Paris, during the height of the French Revolution in 1792.
Combining drama and humour, this is a production of pure escapism and suspense. Suitable for families with teens.
There is a performance at Kingskerswell Village Hall on 4 July, in Stokenham Village Hall on 11 July, Torquay Royal Lyceum Theatre on 18 July and Buckfastleigh Town Hall on 25 July.
Find out more and book tickets online.
Bideford Soap Box Derby – 5 July 2026
The Bideford Soapbox Derby is a community event held to raise funds for the charity Chemohero. Thousands of people attend each year to raise money for charity.
The event starts at midday and is free to attend.
Find out more on the event’s Facebook page.
Exmouth Festival – 9 to 12 July 2026
Exmouth Festival is a free family-focused event where you’ll find live music, theatre, circus and art, alongside the very best food and drink Devon has to offer.
This year’s theme is Wild Things and events will take place across several outdoor locations in Exmouth, including Manor Gardens, The Strand and Imperial Hotel Gardens.
Find out more about Exmouth Festival.
Comedy of Errors at Clovelly Village in Bideford – 11 July 2026
Book your tickets for this outdoor theatre performance by the Plough Theatre Company.
Come rain or shine, The Comedy of Errors tells the story of twin sons and their twin servants, separated in a shipwreck. The play explores themes of identity, mistaken identity, and family as we find out what happens when the twins find themselves in the same town on the same day.
Get tickets on the Plough Theatre website.
Paddington meet and greets at South Devon Railway – 11 to 12 July 2026
Paddington Bear will we saying hello to passengers before they embrak on a heritage steam railway journey in South Devon this weekend.
See the marmalade-loving traveller between 10am and 4pm.
Find out more on the South Devon Railway website.
Whitestone summer fun day near Exeter – 18 July 2026
Whitestone parish is holding its family fun day including races, children’s activities, a bouncy castle, a bird of prey experience, BBQ and bar. There will also be music from the 1960s to the 2020s.
Entry is free.
Find out more on the Whitestone website.
Gala Weekend at Pecorama in Beer – 18 to 19 July 2026
Don’t miss the chance to visit Pecorama for the second of three gala events this summer. This two-day celebration of narrow gauge steam railways takes place in Pecorama Gardens above the village of Beer.
Please note: Pecorama is only open for its gala weekends in 2026.
Find out more about this special event and the other dates happening this summer.
Kingsbridge Fair Week – 18 to 25 July 2026
Kingsbridge Fair Week is a week of free events including live music, fireworks, a carnival and many more community events for all ages.
The full details of all activities and events are available in the fair programme which is available to buy locally.
Find out more on the Kingsbridge Fair Week website.
Clovelly Maritime Festival, near Bideford – 19 July 2026
See the village’s Clovelly Cup Race as well as other waterborne competitions.
Back on land there will be lots of family entertainment and activities.
Under 16s wearing maritime fancy dress get free entry.
See what else is happening during the maritime festival on the the Clovelly website.
Altitude Night Festival, Blackborough – 23 to 25 July 2026
This family-friendly festival brings you an eclectic mix of live music and DJ’s from across the country including independent, established and emerging artists.
Find out more and buy tickets for 2026 on the festival website.
History Hunters Family Fun Day at The Box in Plymouth – 24 July 2026
Discover Dartmoor’s secrets that have been lost in time from the Bronze Age through to the Victorian era at this family fun day at The Box.
There will be crafts and activities with things to make and take home as well as storytelling, archeological digs, a trail and games.
Find out more about the History Hunters Family Fun Day.
The (almost) Complete History of Britain at Clovelly Village in Bideford – 24 July 2026
Book your tickets for this outdoor theatre performance by in Devon’s car-free village.
Come rain or shine, join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company on a breathless race through the centuries in this delightfully inventive show that tells the entire story of Britain in under 2 hours.
Get tickets on the Plough Theatre website.
Family Canoe Event at Sharpham Estate – 24 July 2026
Explore the River Dart in two 12-seater Canadian canoes, travelling at a gentle pace, relaxing and taking in the wonderful natural beauty and wildlife of the tidal, downriver section.
Find out more and book your family’s places on the Sharpham website.
Robinson Crusoe at the Princess Theatre in Torquay – 24 to 25 July 2026
Set sale for a summer adventure with Robinson Crusoe as he voyages across the Seven Seas in search of buried treasure.
With seafaring silliness and surprises aplenty, the brilliant cast will have you singing, laughing, and cheering from start to finish.
But beware…a tropical storm and villainous Pirate King have other plans for Crusoe and his merry crew.
Find out more and book tickets online.
Concerts at Sheldon Open Air Theatre – 24, 25 and 29 July 2026
Get your tickets for one, two or all three of the open air concerts coming up at Shaldon Retreat this July.
On 24 July see ‘Back To The 80s’ with Riviera Dogs Live. This five piece party band hails from Torbay ‘The English Riviera’. No lycra, wigs or make up, just faithful and respectful renditions of songs from the best decade in music.
On 25 July see the winners of the official UK No.1 Abba Tribute Band award from the Agents Association Ltd perform your favourite songs like Mamma Mia or Dancing Queen.
Then on 29 July Joey the Lips will be bringing infectious on-stage energy with an evening of Soul/Blues & Funk with a bit of Disco, Motown & Rock thrown in.
Find out more and get tickets from Sheldon Theatre.
Mid-Devon Show, Knightshayes, Tiverton – 25 July 2026
This year promises to offer an award-winning combination of ringside entertainment, countryside history and livestock competitions.
There’s also plenty of local traders selling Devon delicacies, crafts and gifts in the grounds of this beautiful National Trust estate.
Parking is free and dogs are welcome on a lead.
All the latest event information is available on the show website.
Seaton Natural Festival – 25 July 2026
Expect live entertainment, a dog show and plenty of local stall holders at this two day event in Seaton town centre.
Events will be taking place around Thury Harcourt Place, the Amphitheatre and Tesco Plaza.
Entry to the festival is free. Expect to pay for animal handling, axe throwing and some entertainment.
Find out more about what’s on at Seaton Natural Festival.
Coldharbour Mill Summer Fayre – 25 July 2026
The Mill’s annual summer fayre is a fun-filled day for all the family with live entertainment, music and local makers.
The Summer Fayre will be open from 11am until 4pm with a suggested donation of £2 for entry.
Find out more on the Coldharbour Mill website.
Totnes & District Show, Totnes – 26 July 2026
The Totnes & District Show is more than 100-years-old. Popular features of the event are seeing the livestock in the main ring, the lamb sheering competition, horse events and live music.
For all the latest show information see the Totnes Show website.
Silent disco beach clean at Woolacombe – 26 July 2026
Join the National Trust team at Woolacombe beach for its monthly silent disco beach clean with Plastic Free Woolacombe and North Devon Silent Disco.
This event is free and no booking is required.
Find out more and check timings on the National Trust website.
Summer holiday creative clubs with Pom Stitch Tassel in Bovey Tracey – selected dates from 28 July to 20 August 2026
Get crafty this summer with craft, fashion and sewing workshops at Pom Stitch Tassel. There’s sessions suitable for children aded five and up with parents welcome to join in too.
Find out more and book your places on the Pom Stitch Tassel website.
Yealmpton Agricultural Show, Yealmpton – 29 July 2026
See vintage tractors, a motorcycle display team and the live stock parade. There’s also a countryside marquee where you can get up close with farm animals.
Check the show website for the final programme.
For more information about the show, tickets and parking see the Show website.
Eras Experience: Taylor Swift Tribute by Xenna at Palace Theatre Paignton – 31 July 2026
Step into the world of Taylor Swift in this tribute show featuring the incredible Xenna as Taylor – a celebration of the iconic pop sensation’s music, style, and unrivalled stage presence.
Find out more and get tickets on the Palace Theatre website.
Torbay Steam Fair – 31 July to 2 August 2026
The English Riviera’s biggest event returns in 2026. See full size steam engines, vintage and classic cars, military vehicles, tractors, and fairground rides.
Tickets are available on the gate.
Find out more about this year’s Torbay Steam Fair.
Sidmouth Folk Festival, Sidmouth – 31 July to 7 August 2026
Sidmouth Folk Festival offers a packed programme of music, dance and workshops across eight days at venues around the town. A lot of the festival is free to attend but there are some ticketed events.
The dedicated children’s folk festival is staged across three workshop venues with crafts, family-friendly shows and story times.
Find out more about the festival programme and children’s festival activities on the website.
Know of an event I can add to my what’s on guides? Submit a listing!
If you want to find out what’s on at other times of the year take a look at my full Devon events guide.
More Devon attractions to visit in July
Devon is packed full of great days out with kids. Here’s where to read more about family attractions in Devon:
Got a while to stay? Check out my full guide to family holidays in Devon.
More things to do in Devon in July 2026
Here’s some more things to do around Devon this month:
Sample a local ice cream
In my latest blog post I’ve been sharing where to find the best ice cream in Devon.
There’s so many dessert cafes and ice cream parlours around the county that it would be rude not to visit one this summer.
Pick from hundreds of locally produced flavours in a cone, on a waffle or even in a milk shake at one of the best places for ice cream in Devon.
Things to do on rainy days in Devon
We are due a heatwave in Devon this July, but if there is the odd wet days check out my post about things to do on rainy days in Devon.
Free things to do in Devon this summer
Days out can be soooo expensive. If you are looking for ideas I have a list of free things to do in Devon.
Visit a beach
You can’t visit Devon with kids and not go to the seaside. Here are the best beaches in South Devon for families fun beaches in North Devon and where to take the kids for a beach day in East Devon.
Devon walks with kids
Who’s up for some fresh air? Countryside and coast walks abound in Devon.
Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks have plenty of routes where you can get away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet ramble.
Here’s some short walks on Exmoor to try with your family and seven of our favourite Dartmoor walks to do with kids, including a few that are suitable for toddlers and pushchairs.
Love waterfalls? Here’s where to find family-friendly waterfall walks in Devon.
You might also want to check out these routes:
- Avon Dam, Dartmoor
- Little Dartmouth to Dartmouth Castle, South Devon
- Gara Rock to Mill Bay, South Devon
- Valley of Rocks, North Devon
Visit a country park
Devon country parks also offer level paths for walking and cycling with kids. Some have additional activities like high ropes.
Get lost in a Devon Maize Maze
Check out our guide to where to find maize mazes around Devon. They start opening this month.
National Trust in Devon
The National Trust has several properties in Devon.
Find out which National Trust properties were formerly owned by Devon’s rich and famous.
Spending a bit more time in Devon this summer? Here’s what’s coming up in August.
What do you enjoy doing in Devon in the summer? Is there something I’ve missed from this list of places to visit in Devon in July?
