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 2025 as well as what’s on for families. So, if you’re looking for things to do this summer, start here!
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What’s on in Devon this July?
Read on for the brilliant Devon events and activities being laid on for families this month!
Summer of Play at National Trust properties
The National Trust’s Summer of Play gets underway this month with fun activities and events for families.
Summer of Play activities are sponsored by Starling Bank and included in the standard entrance fee to properties.
Participating properties include:
- Arlington Court – 7 July to 1 September 2025
- Lorna Doone Valley – 7 July to 1 September 2025
- Castle Drogo – 18 July until 7 September 2025
- Buckland Abbey near Plymouth – 19 July to 31 August 2025
- Saltram near Plymouth – Sat 19 July to 31 August 2025
- Knightshayes near Tiverton – 19 July to 2 September 2025
- Greenway near Churston in South Devon – 19 July to 3 September 2025
- Coleton Fishacre near Brixham – 19 July to 3 September 2025
- Killerton near Exeter – 21 July to 29 August 2025
Immersive screenings in Plymouth’s 360° dome – various dates
Did you know Plymouth is home to a state-of-the-art 360° dome where you can see immersive shows that will take you on a trip into outer space, or transport you back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth?
Market Hall’s immersive dome is one of a kind in Europe and a great place to head on a wet day.
Find out what’s on this month.
Donkey Passport Trail at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary – until 29 September 2025
Visit the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth this summer and you can explore the glove with the help of its new trail. Pick up a passport and be transported to faraway and exotic countries, including Peru, Mexico and Kenya as you explore the sanctuary.
Trail sheets cost £5 each but the sanctuary is free to visit and dogs are allowed too.
Find out more about visiting Devon’s Donkey Sanctuary.
Bubble & Bop at Pennywell Farm near Buckfastleigh – daily until 1 September 2025
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.
TOADS present Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Princess Theatre, Torquay – 2 to 5 July 2025
Local amateur theatre company TOADS will be bringing Willy Wonka and his fantastical sweet factory to Torquay this summer.
Join Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners as they will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination.
Find out more and buy tickets online.
Tiny Tales at Theatre Royal Plymouth – 3 July 2025
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.
Crafty and a cuppa at Pom Stitch Tassel in Bovey Tracey – every Saturday from 3 to 24 July 2025
Join Pom Stitch and Tassel for a Saturday family crafting session complete with a brew.
Several sessions are available throughout the day with limited numbers. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Find out more about Craft & Cuppa sessions and other school holiday activities on the Pom Stitch Tassel website.
Goren Festival – 4 July to 6 July 2025
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.
Dunsford Show in Dartmoor – 5 July 2025
This year’s show has an incredible list of attractions and events including Britain’s Got Talent, Andrei Burton and his Mountain Bike Trials Show, the Come Bye – dog and duck display, not to mention, Dartmoor Hill Ponies, showcasing the beauty, agility, and unique character of these incredible ponies through engaging and family-friendly performances.
Also expect face painting, a produce show, dog 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.
Bideford Soap Box Derby – 6 July 2025
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.
Green Phoenix Festival at Exeter Phoenix Theatre – 6 July 2025
Join Exeter Phoenix Threatre for a free day celebrating sustainability, community and the arts.
There will be sustainable crafting, opportunities to learn more about ecological issues such as how renewable energy works, and be inspired to protect our environment through art and creative performances including song, dance and film.
Find out more about what’s planned at the Green Phoenix Festival.
Axminster Eats Boutique – 11 July 2025
Head to Minster Green for an evening street food market in the heart of this historic market town.
There will be global flavours with something for all tastes in this large grassy space set back from the traffic. Families and dogs are most definitely welcome.
The bar will have great local beverages for the grown ups and soft drinks for the kids. The menus change at each event but there is always something child-friendly.
Find out more about Axminster Eats Boutique.
Read my round up of all the family-friendly festivals in Devon in 2025.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s – CATS at the Queens Theatre, Barnstaple – Sat 12 July 2025
The Rebecca Varley Dance Academy is bringing Cats to the Landmark stage this month.
This upbeat show has been adapted for young performers who will bring to life Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats by T.S. Eliot.
Find out more and book tickets on the Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple.
Tipton family fun day – 12 July 2025
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.
Rhythms from The Wild Shore family workshop in Alwington – 12 July 2025
Families are being invited to take part in music workshops with acclaimed musician Becki Driscoll of Rootnotes, to create seashore-inspired sounds that will be incorporated into this summer’s The Wild Shore shows talking place in August.
The workshop takes place in Alwington Village Hall.
Get tickets for all events and workshops from The Wild Shore.
Kaleidoscopic Minds – Festival of Neurodiversity at Exeter Phoenix Theatre – 13 July 2025
Kaleidoscopic Minds Festival of Neurodiversity is a day to celebrate the neurodivergent community, to inspire creativity, and to explore new connections, as well as discover support tools and regulation strategies.
There will be a diverse programme of activities for all ages, as well as a Poco Drom family rave, conversational crafts, and sensory areas for quiet regulation. You can also meet local neurodivergent charities to find out more about their services.
Find out more on the Exeter Phoenix Theatre website.
Freight Train Experience at South Devon Railway – 13 July 2025
Travel on the open veranda of a 1930s ‘Toad’ or 1950s ‘Shark’ and embark in a unique journey and fulfill that childhood dream and create unforgettable memories in a traditional guard’s Brake Van for a return trip between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.
Your ticket also includes unlimited travel on other passenger services during the day, perfect for exploring the local area.
Find out more on the South Devon Railway website.
Celebrate Pecorama’s 50th Birthday – 15 to 19 July 2025
To help celebrate one of Devon’s best loved train attractions turning 50 Thomas Junior and Little Nell – two of the original Pecorama locomotives will be returning for a visit.
Take a trip down memory lane with these iconic engines as they take to the tracks once again and come dressed in your favourite 70s-themed attire to truly look the part.
Find out more on the Pecorama website.
Miracle Theatre presents Twelfth Night at various locations – 17 and 31 July 2025
Miracle Theatre is back on the road this summer with a new production of Shakespeare’s dazzling comedy Twelfth Night, a joyous, chaotic tale where love knows no boundaries!
The show is on at Poltimore House in Exeter on 17 July and Ibberton Village Hall on 31 July
Find out more and get tickets on the Miracle Theatre website.
Roar and Snore at Dartmoor Zoo – Saturday – 19 July 2025
There’s a unique opportunity to camp overnight at Dartmoor Zoo this month.
Find out what life is like between dusk and dawn, when many residents come out to play. There will be an evening tour and a twilight tour when you’ll be able to meet all the diurnal and nocturnal animals.
A BBQ dinner and breakfast are also included, as well as a Roar n’ Snore t-shirt to remember the night.
Find out more and book on the Dartmoor Zoo website.
History Hunters Family Fun Day in Dartmoor – 19 July 2025
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 Postbridge Visitor Centre.
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.
Kingsbridge Fair Week – 19 to 26 July 2025
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 for £3.
Find out more on the Kingsbridge Fair Week website.
Festival of Archaeology at National Trust – 19 July to 3 August 2025
Three National Trust places in Devon are hosting Festival of Archaeology events this fortnight. Activities include guided walks, finds handling, talks, children’s activities, surveying and excavations to help members and visitors to find out more about archaeology.
The properties taking part are Knightshayes, Greenway and A La Ronde.
Find out more on the National Trust website.
Clovelly Maritime Festival, Clovelly – 20 July 2025
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.
Dartmouth history experiences at The Flavel Theatre – 21 July to 31 August 2025
Join Devon storyteller Ronnie Conboy for an immersive family history session using spellbinding storytelling, fun activities and film to learn about two significant events in Dartmouth’s colourful past.
The Newcomen Experience and The Mayflower Experience both take you on a journey to discover people and events from moments in time that not only shaped Dartmouth but the world.
Find out more and book tickets on The Flavel website.
Summer events at Made-Well CIC in Hatherleigh – selected dates from 21 July to 2 September 2025
This summer Made-Well CIC is hosting a range of family-friendly activities including its annual summer fayre, animal club special, pottery painting, and a fun garden trail for all ages.
Visitors can also enjoy the free inclusive playground, explore the accessible garden with trail, and meet the friendly animals. The site includes a Changing Places toilet and is fully wheelchair accessible, with a on-site café serving refreshments throughout the day.
Find out more on the Made-Well events website.
Rainbow summer trail at Seaton Wetlands – 25 July to 1 September 2025
Wild East Devon is running a free fun trail at Seaton Wetlands this summer. Pick up a Rainbow Trail map at the Look Out or Discovery Hut and complete the fun challenges for a chance to win a bug hunting kit.
Find out more about this free summer activity.
Sheldon Open Air Theatre – 25, 26 and 30 July 2025
Get your tickets for one, two or all three of the open air concerts coming up at Shaldon Retreat this July.
On 25 July see the Quo-incidence. This dynamic tribute act formed in 1999 and has been celebrating the music of Status Quo for more than two decades.
On 26 July Not The Rolling Stones will take you back to the rock ‘n’ roll era. The band have travelled the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Featuring the best Mick Jagger look-a=like you will ever see, the band will take you back to the golden age of The Stones.
Then on 30 July party the night away with West Country favourites Joey the Lips as they play their unique mix of soul, blues and funk with a bit of disco, Motown and rock thrown in.
Find out more and get tickets from Sheldon Theatre.
Mid-Devon Show, Knightshayes, Tiverton – 26 July 2025
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 – 26 July 2025
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.
Creative writing workshops in Bideford and Barnstaple – 26 July 2025
Join a creative writing workshop with The Wild Shore’s writer Bernadette Russell and Burn The Curtain’s Kerrie Seymour who will offer the chance to write letters to imaginary folks ‘Lost At Sea’.
The final works will be incorporated into this summer’s The Wild Shore shows talking place in August.
The workshops take place in Barnstaple and Bideford Libraries.
Get tickets for all events and workshops from The Wild Shore.
Tavistock Street Food Festival, 26 July 2025
Head to the Bedford Square & Guildhall Car Park for an evening of great street food and entertainment.
Find out more on Facebook.
Vintage Weekend at RHS Rosemoor in Great Torrington – 26 to 27 July 2025
Travel back in time and enjoy a weekend of nostalgia in the beautiful gardens of RHS Garden Rosemoor.
Admire classic cars, bikes, tractors and caravans, relax with live music, learn to swing dance or enjoy vintage games.
Dress up and you may even win the ‘Best Dressed’ prize of VIP tickets for next year’s event.
Find out more about what’s on at RHS Rosemoor this weekend.
Totnes & District Show, Totnes – 27 July 2025
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 – 27 July 2025
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 fun at RHS Rosemoor – 27 July to 1 September 2025
Find out more about what’s on this summer at RHS Rosemoor.
Summer at the Quayside in Exeter – selected dates from 29 July to 29 August 2025
There’s a colourful, diverse and free programme of family activities taking place at Exeter Quay every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of the school summer holidays.
Expect entertainment ranging from storytelling to magic and seaside games as well as craft workshops and big art projects to get involved in.
Check out the full line up of activities on the Exeter Custom House website.
Coldharbour Mill Summer Fayre – 29 July 2025
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.
Pirate Tram at Seaton Tramway – 30 July 2025
Set sail for a swashbuckling adventure onboard Seaton Tramway this week.
The Seaton Pearl will be voyaging along the Axe Estuary and requires a motley new to search for booty at Colyton Station.
This two hour family experience includes a pirate themed tram ride from Seaton to Colyton and activities and entertainment at Colyton Station.
There are more dates for this event in August.
Find out more and book tickets on the Seaton Tramway website.
Yealmpton Agricultural Show, Yealmpton – 30 July 2025
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.
Free family fun day in the Lorna Doone Valley – 30 July 2025
Join the National Trust team at Lorna Doone for a free family fun day.
Enjoy a day of activities, from creative crafts to exciting nature discoveries. Try your hand at lawn games like Kubb and Boccia, get creative and explore the wild play area complete with climbing frames, tunnels and games.
The Buttery Cafe will also be open, serving lunches, a selection of cakes and hot/cold drinks.
Find out more on the National Trust website.
Summer exhibitions at Newton Abbot Museum – 31 July to 30 August 2025
Two new exhibitions are coming to Newton Abbot Museum this summer and they’re both free to visit!
Making Tracks: Newton Abbot and the Railway celebrates 200 years of the railway in the UK while Rediscovering Stover Country Park shares the museum’s Lottery-funded project to help rejuvenate the park.
Find out more about these exhibitions and other summer activities on the museum’s website.
Know of an event I can add to my monthly 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 2025
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?