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 2024 as well as what’s on for families. So, if you’re looking for things to do this summer, start here!
You might also be interested in my kids colouring books – they’re a guide, activity and souvenir for your children (and you!).
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Also take a look at my round up of what’s happening in Devon this weekend.
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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 theme this year is Cirque Du Summer.
Create, explore, move, wonder and make-believe with a range of activities designed to test your circus skills.
Summer of Play activities are sponsored by Starling Bank and included in the standard entrance fee to properties.
Participating properties include:
- Arlington Court near Barnstaple – 1 July to 1 September 2024
- Buckland Abbey near Plymouth – 1 July to 1 September 2024
- Saltram near Plymouth – 20 July to 1 September 2024
- Killerton near Exeter – 20 July to 2 September 2024
- Knightshayes near Tiverton – 20 July to 2 September 2024
- Castle Drogo Fun Thursdays – Thursdays from 25 July until 29 August
- Greenway near Churston in South Devon – 27 July to 1 September 2024
- Coleton Fishacre near Brixham – 27 July to 1 September 2024
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.
The Carrot Trail at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary – daily until 30 September 2024
Visit the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth this summer and you’ll find the Golden Carrot Trail.
Search for orange carrots hidden across the sanctuary using a trail map, then find the treasure chest with a golden carrot to win a prize. Each trail sheet costs £5 and includes a gift on completion.
The sanctuary is free to visit and dogs are allowed too.
Find out more about visiting Devon’s Donkey Sanctuary.
Festival of Archaeology at Greenway – 1 to 31 July 2024
Agatha Christie and her husband Max Mallowan spent their days on archaeological digs, sharing a common love for the past. But it’s not just their finds which you can discover at Greenway.
Every where you look there are unusual and fascinating features that hint at Greenway’s past. All this month you can discover more on a fun, family-oriented self-led trail around the gardens.
Inside the house, take a closer look at some of Agatha and Max’s finds on their digs, and have a go at dressing up like an Archaeologist.
Normal admission prices apply. If visiting Greenway by car, you’ll need to book your parking in advance through the website.
Find out more on the National trust website.
Relaxed curator tour at RAMM in Exeter – 2 July 2024
If you’re a new parent you might be wandering if you’ll ever be able to explore a museum again without shadowing your tiny explorer’s every move. Well The Daylight Collective South West have come up with an event just for you.
They are hosting relaxed curator tour of RAMM in Exeter which is designed for parents, grandparents and care-givers, and where children of all ages are welcome too.
The theme is the history of transport. This is a free event but donations are welcome.
Find out more and book your family’s place on the Lizzie Humber website.
Parent & Little One Sensory Screening at Market Hall, Plymouth – 4 July 2024
Market Hall is hosting special sensory film screenings in its Immersive Dome for parents of pre-schoolers.
Under fives go free with a paying adult at these Thursday lunch time sessions where there’s bean bags, plenty of space to move around and a chance to stay and have a coffee in the cafe at the end.
Find out more on the Market Hall website.
Beer Eats Boutique – 5 July 2024
Enjoy an evening of street food looking out to sea. Beer Eats Boutique is a pop up street food market featuring a mouth-watering selection of global flavours and community feasting with something for all tastes.
As well as dinner with a view from the picturesque fishing village of Beer, there’s a playground right next door, no traffic and dogs are welcome.
There’s also a bar with great local beverages for the grown ups and soft drinks for the kids.
Reader offer: get 10% off at the bar when quoting ‘KIDSinDEVON’.
Find out more about Beer Eats Boutique.
Teignmouth Airshow – 4 to 7 July 2024
There’s a brilliant lineup of aerial performances at this year’s event including the Red Arrows, the Gazelle helicopter squadron and Jubilee Pitts aerobatic biplane.
Airshow day is 6 July but there are plenty of other events to support around the show.
Find out what’s on when on the Teignmouth Airshow website.
Miracle Theatre presents Love Riot at various locations – 5 and 31 July 2024
Love Riot is a rom-com for the whole family with plenty of wit, twists and laughter as the protagonist Letty defies her father and dodges an arranged marriage.
This theatre experience is reimagining of Hannah Cowley’s classic play, The Belle’s Stratagem, and will be staged outdoors at Hearn Field in Shaldon on 5 July and Rougemont Gardens at Exeter Phoenix on 31 July 2024.
Find out more and get tickets on the Miracle Theatre website.
Disney’s High School Musical JR at Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe – 6 July 2024
The Rebecca Varley Dance Academy is bringing Disney’s High School Musical JR to the Landmark stage this month.
This upbeat show has been adapted for young performers who will bring to life High School Musical classics such as Get’cha Head in the Game, Stick to the Status Quo, and We’re All in This Together.
Find out more and book tickets on the Landmark Theatre website.
Roar and Snore at Dartmoor Zoo – 6 July 2024
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.
Back to the 40s at South Devon Railway – 6 to 7 July 2024
Engage full steam ahead to South Devon Railway this weekend for a journey back to there 1940s.
The line’s heritage train services will form the backdrop for an even showcasing the style and music of the era, with live entertainment, re-enactors, vintage vehicles and trade stands.
Entry to the event and themed attractions is included with your train ticket.
Find out more on the South Devon Railway website.
Bideford Soap Box Derby – 7 July 2024
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.
Tunes on the Sands – 12 to 13 July 2024
This small seaside music festival takes place right on the beach at Blackpool Sands in the South Hams, giving families the chance to enjoy great music while enjoying this picturesque cove.
Razerlight are headlining on the Saturday night.
Be aware that the festival site is sectioned off on one part of the beach. The rest of the beach remains open to the general public.
If you come for the day there is allocated parking for festival ticket holders. Book this at the same time as your tickets.
Find out more and buy tickets to Tunes on the Sands.
Read my round up of all the family-friendly festivals in Devon in 2024.
Tawland Music Festival – 13 July 2024
This community music festival at North Tawton Rugby Club in West Devon has something for all ages. As well as local bands, duos and solo artists there will be a bouncy castle, crafting tables, storytelling and face fainting.
For adults you can speak to a medium and enjoy local ales, ciders and an assortment of food.
Entry is free for children aged 12 and under.
Find out more about Tawland Music Festival.
Family fun day at Ivybridge Rugby Club – 13 July 2024
Join Ivybridge Rugby Club for its summer family fun day including a show arena, stalls, vintage fair, food outlets and a beer and cider festival.
Find out more on Facebook.
Exmouth Festival – 19 to 21 July 2024
Head to Exmouth where you’ll find free live music, theatre, circus and art, alongside the very best food and drink Devon has to offer.
Check the website for a packed daily programme of entertainment and activities.
Find out more about Exmouth Festival.
Ceilidh for Ukraine at Broadleigh Farm, Stoke Gabriel – 20 July 2024
Hunts Cider, near Stoke Gabriel, is hosting its second ceilidh to raise funds for Ukrainian Action, a charity which is sending conveys of trucks with humanitarian aid from the UK to Ukraine.
Local ceilidh band Blue Jewel will be providing music and calling the dances while food and drink will be provided by the Pig Apple, and Hunts.
Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children and are free for anyone from Ukraine.
For more information and to buy tickets visit the Hunts Cider website.
History Hunters Family Fun Day in Dartmoor – 20 July 2024
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 – 20 to 27 July 2024
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.
Clovelly Maritime Festival, Clovelly – 21 July 2024
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.
Summer Party at The Hive in South Molton – 25 July 2024
Qunice Honey Farm’s play space is hosting its Summer BBQ Play Hive Party!
Let the kids buzz around and enjoy the disco dome, bubble machine, face painting, the usual soft play fun, plus a raffle for the grown ups and a BBQ with hot dogs and burgers.
Find out more and book your family’s places.
Axminster Eats Boutique – 26 July 2024
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, including squash for just £1. The menus change at each event but there is always something child-friendly.
Reader offer: get 10% off at the bar when quoting ‘KIDSinDEVON’.
Find out more about Axminster Eats Boutique.
Sheldon Open Air Theatre – 26, 27 and 31 July 2024
Get your tickets for one, two or all three of the open air concerts coming up at Shaldon Retreat this July.
On 26 July see the One Like Wonder Stevie Wonder Tribute act performing the best of Motown.
On 27 July Pure Queen will take to the stage with all the flamboyance you’d expect from Freddie himself.
Then on 31 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.
Summer at the Quayside in Exeter – selected dates form 26 July to 30 August 2024
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.
Mid-Devon Show, Knightshayes, Tiverton – 27 July 2024
In 2024 the show will be in its 29th year and offers 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.
Vintage Weekend at RHS Rosemoor in Great Torrington – 27 to 28 July 2024
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.
Seaton Natural Festival – 27 to 28 July 2024
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.
Sporty Summer activities at Tiverton Museum – 27 July to 31 August 2024
Ready, Set, Go! for a Sporty Summer with a difference at Tiverton Museum. Throughout the holidays there’s a trail of weird and wacky competitions around the museum. Race snails, flip a pancake and roll cheese to win your pay on to the podium.
There will also be games in the yard and all the usual indoor fun and dressing up.
All summer activities are included in the normal admission price. Book online for a 10% discount.
Find out more and buy tickets online.
Shaun the Sheep fun and trail at RHS Rosemoor – 27 July to 1 September 2024
Shaun the Sheep is coming to RHS Rosemoor this summer with farm games, crafts, a trail and family theatre shows.
Have your smartphone handy for Shaun’s Hide & Sheep AR Trail app to interact with Shaun in augmented reality and meet him and other farmer characters in the real world. Also join in tractor-themed games and theatre performances with Hot Rock.
Throughout the summer little nature lovers can enjoy Woodland Wednesdays or join a Summer Stomp through the garden in Great Torrington. Normal admission prices apply.
Find out more about what’s on this summer at RHS Rosemoor.
Woolacombe Beach Clean with silent disco – 28 July 2024
Go and get some fresh air and join the Plastic Free Woolacombe team and the National Trust for a beach clean on Woolacombe beach.
Meet at Mill Rock for a 1.30pm start.
Find out more on the Plastic Free North Devon website.
Totnes & District Show, Totnes – 28 July 2024
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.
Coldharbour Mill Summer Fayre – 28 July 2024
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.
Pop Princesses at Princess Theatre in Torquay – 28 July 2024
This pop concert for kids features four fairytale princesses who love to sing. Hear them perform hits by artists like Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and Lizzo.
Find out more and buy tickets.
Yealmpton Agricultural Show, Yealmpton – 31 July 2024
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.
Know of an event I can add to my monthly guides? Submit a listing!
Find out more about family-friendly festivals happening in Devon in 2024.
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:
- Zoos and animal parks
- Theme parks in Devon
- Water parks and swimming pools
- Adventure playgrounds
- Outdoor places to visit in Devon
- Days out for toddlers in Devon
- Things to do with teenagers in Devon
Get a while to stay? Check out my full guide to family holidays in Devon.
More things to do in Devon in July 2024
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 and the best North Devon beaches.
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?
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Planning your days out in Devon With Kids this July? Why not pin save this post about places to visit in Devon in July on Pinterest.
