Things to do in Devon in August 2026
Hello summer! If you are staycationing in the glorious South West of England then you’ve come to the right place to find out what’s on in Devon this summer and the top things to do in Devon in August.
In this guide you’ll find:
- What’s on in Devon this August
- Devon attractions to visit
- Where to find maize mazes and other outdoor fun
- The best beaches in Devon
- Free things to do
- What to do when it rains.
Scroll to what you want to know!
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Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
Events in Devon August 2026
Without further ado, read on for what’s on in Devon for families this summer!
Brick Explorers at RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington – daily until 30 August 2026

Explore the spectacular Royal Horticultural Society Rose moor gardens in an immersive wildlife trail featuring intricately hand-crafted brick creations and hands-on building activities, in collaboration with Iconic Bricks.
Discover ten ‘wildlife superheroes’, learning about the unique abilities and behaviours that help different species survive and thrive using an activity booklet.
Families can also enjoy additional creative LEGO® workshops lead by Stemgineering on selected days.
Find out more about what’s on at RHS Rosemoor this summer.
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.
Summer fun at National Trust properties – daily until September 2026

The National Trust’s Summer of Play events are back this summer.
Create, explore, move, wonder and make-believe with a range of activities designed to test your exploring skills.
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
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.
Bubble & Bop at Pennywell Farm near Buckfastleigh – daily until 6 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.
READER OFFER: get seven days for the price of one. Find out more on my Devon discounts page.
To get the low down and buy tickets visit the Pennywell website.
Hedgehog trail, archery and alpaca encounters at Canonteign Falls, Teign Valley – until 6 September 2026

Throughout the summer holidays, children can take part in the Find the Hedgehogs Trail at Canonteign Falls, searching for hidden hedgehogs around the estate.
Successful explorers will receive a prize at the end of their adventure. The trail can be purchased separately or is included in the children’s Summer activity bags.
You can also book archery sessions and alpaca experiences on selected dates over the summer.
Find out more about what’s on at Canonteign Falls.
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.
Age of the Dinosaurs at Kents Cavern in Torquay – daily until 31 October 2026

Have you heard what’s arrived in Kents Cavern? They’re 66 million years late to the party, but dinosaurs have finally found their way into the dramatic caves, which were formed a mere 2.5 million years ago.
Age of the Dinosaurs is a new exhibition showcasing skeleton models of 18 species of pre-historic monsters. They range from the equally loved and feared T Rex to the super cute (according to my teen) 60cm long Aquilops Americanus.
Find out more about visiting the dinosaurs at Kents Cavern.
‘Voices of the garden’ immersive audio trail at Greenway near Galmpton – daily until 1 November 2026

Step back in time on this exciting trail as HistoryScapes, an immersive audio app, brings Greenway’s garden to life.
Use your smartphone to unlock stories as you explore the riverside gardens of Agatha Christie’s South Devon holiday home.
This is a free activity. Normal National Trust admissions apply.
Find out more about what’s on at Greenway.
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.
Visit on any Thursday in August for FREE wildlife-themed drop-in activities including live animal encounters.
READER OFFER: mention Devon with Kids in the museum shop and get 10% off your purchase.
Find out more about what’s on at Newton Abbot Museum this summer.
Salcombe Town Regatta – 25 July to 1 August 2026
The 2026 programme for Salcombe Regatta is packed full of family fun with Spot the Bloomer, Children’s Sports and Parachuting Teddy events around the town. Those who enjoy athletic pursuits are catered for with sailing, rowing and raft races, and with the mini-triathlon.
Two particular highlights are the Island Street Party and fireworks. But there’s stalls, displays and entertainment happening throughout the week.
Find out more about what’s on at this year’s regatta.
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.
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 will be awash with music for all ages, which includes plenty of fun activities for families.
Workshops and performances range from crafting to songwriting and dance to singing and forest school.
The Star Marquee will host the Young Performers Stage where families can enjoy performances from some of the UK folk scene’s finest up-and-coming musicians. It also makes for the best picnic spot of the festival!
For families with very little ones, the Rainbow Tent will be hosting sensory story sessions, drop in playtime, and providing a much needed space to chill out when the hustle and bustle of the main festival gets a bit much.
And that’s not all. There’s workshops on all kinds of folk themes for kids aged five and up.
Find out more about the festival programme and children’s festival activities on the website.
Sheep dogs and falconry show at Borough Farm – Wednesdays in August 2026
For a real Devon country experience visit Borough Farm to see their sheep dog and falconry show at 6pm every Wednesday until early September. Booking is not necessary.
Find out more on the Borough Farm website.
Find more fun things to do in North Devon.
Brick Festival at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay – 1 August 2026

Calling all Lego fans! The Riviera Centre is hosting the Brick Festival. This will be a great day for families, collectors, adult builders and every other kind of LEGO fan.
With lots to see and do including speed building competitions, large scale displays, activities, traders selling loose bricks, new LEGO sets, retired LEGO sets, minifigures and accessories plus a dedicated building area.
Find out more on the Brick Festival website.
Free family fun at Royal William Yard in Plymouth – every Saturday 1 to 29 August 2026

Plymouth’s Royal William Yard is bringing families together every Saturday in August with a programme of completely free activities, plus a full summer’s worth of adventures on the water, on the big screen, and throughout the Yard.
From hands-on creative workshops to open-air sports and a full RNLI open day, the historic waterfront destination has loads going on.
Find out more about what’s happening each week.
Staying Alive Exhibition at Coldharbour Mill near Tiverton – 1 to 31 August 2026
Created in partnership with MAKE Southwest, this thought-provoking exhibition shines a spotlight on the Red List of Endangered Crafts, celebrating traditional skills while raising awareness of the crafts at risk of disappearing.
Find out more about what’s on at Coldharbour Mill this summer.
Escape The Game’s Summer escape room in Bovey Tracey – 1 August to 14 September 2026

The quizmasters at Bovey Tracey’s Escape The Game escape rooms are laying on a family-friendly puzzle this summer. Play traditional games you’d find at the fair with a puzzling twist.
READER OFFER: Get £2.50 off per child. Book online using the code DWKOFFER2026. This is valid for bookings with a minimum of three players until 14 September 2026.
Find out more and book on the Escape The Game website.
Torquay Comic Con at the Riviera International Centre – 2 August 2026
Get ready for the return of Torquay Comic Con this summer. This family-friendly event is perfect for sci-fi collectors and every kind of Comic Con fan.
There will be displays and props, traders selling collectables, and celebrities from TV and film. Of course, you can also take part in the cosplay competition or just dress up for fun.
Find out more and get tickets on Eventbrite.
Family workshops at RAMM in Exeter – 4 to 26 August 2026
There’s a variety of family workshops happening at RAMM over the month from arts and culture to crafts and science experiments.
Check the website for individual event details and bookings.
Find out more on the RAMM website.
Pecorama summer opening in Beer, East Devon – selected dates 4 to 27 August 2026
After announcing its closure earlier this year, Pecorama is back for the summer season.
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout August you can visit for rides on the Beer Heights Light Railway, access to the gardens and the Model Railway Exhibition.
There’s also a gala weekend from 15 to 16 August 2026.
Find out more and get tickets on the Pecorama website.
North Devon Show, Umberleigh – 6 August 2026
This celebration of North Devon’s agricultural roots offers plenty of opportunity to see the region’s finest livestock in the arena.
There’s also arena shows, vintage vehicles, family activities and trade stalls.
For full details about what will be happening at the show see the website.
Honiton Show, East Devon – 6 August 2026
Head to this traditional farming show to see one of the county’s largest one-day celebrations of agriculture with more than 400 exhibitors and 1,000 livestock entires into various competitions.
For the latest updates and event programme see the Honiton Show website.
Once Upon a Bubble Show at The Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington – 7 August 2026

Internationally renowned, Totnes-based bubble artist Bubbles LaFae is bringing her new interactive family show The Plough Arts Centre.
It’s a colourful summer-holiday show combining giant bubbles, fog, lighting effects, music, storytelling, silliness and audience participation.
Find out more and get tickets from the Box Office.
Community Picnic at Coldharbour Mill near Tiverton – 7 August 2026
Bring your favourite food and join in a free family-friendly picnic in the lovely surroundings of Coldharbour Mill’s Paddock.
There’ll be free entertainment for all ages, hands-on activities, and classic highlights like the much-loved duck race.
Entry to the museum is optional and available at the usual admission rate if you’d like to explore the exhibits.
Find out more about what’s on at Coldharbour Mill this summer.
Dartmoor Folk Festival – 7 to 9 August 2026
This family-friendly festival in the Dartmoor village of South Zeal includes music concerts and Ceilidhs.
Events on the recreation ground include morris dancing, the duck race and ferret racing are by donation on the gate so it’s a brilliant cheap family day out!
Check out further information and programme details at the Dartmoor Folk Festival website.
Newton Abbot Country Show, Newton Abbot – 8 August 2026
This fun-filled family event promises to have plenty for the whole family to enjoy including farm animals, pony rides and a children’s play area, as well as more than 75 stalls.
There’ll be food for all tastes and a beer garden to enjoy a cool drink before continuing your visit.
Find out more about Newton Abbot Country Show.
Theatre in the Park Presents: BIN RAT!!! at Exeter Phoenix Theatre – 9 August 2026

This fun, feral family comedy by The Last Baguette takes a look into refuse and recycling. Rummage through the rubble with Bin Rat to discover where all the junk goes!
The Last Baguette makes entertaining, accessible and eccentric work for family audiences and uses live music, physical comedy, puppetry, visual storytelling & silliness to talk about important issues of our times.
This show is great for families with children aged four to 11. Please be aware that the performance takes place outside with a grassed seating area.
Find out more and get tickets from the box office.
South West Sardine Festival in Brixham – 9 August 2026
Devon is giving Portugal a run for its money this August with its own Sardine Festival. This is the second year this free seafood event has come to Brixham Harbour with live cooking, music and street entertainment from midday until 9pm.
Behind the grills will be Mitch and Ben Tonks, Matt Tebbutt, Mark Hix, Jane Baxter, Nieves Barragán Mohacho of Sabor, Sam White of Fortnum’s 45 Jermyn Street and Steven Lamb of River Cottage – all cooking sardines over charcoal on the quayside.
Find out more about what’s on at the Sardine Festival.
North Devon Festival of Transport, Bideford – 9 August 2026
See classic, vintage, agricultural and military vehicles at the North Devon Festival of Transport taking place in Victoria Park, Bideford.
This charity event is on from 10am to 4pm. Under 16s go free.
Find out more on the Festival’s Facebook group.
FamFest Live at various Devon venues – 9 to 30 August 2026
FamFest is a touring festival where you’ll find a non-stop celebration of family, music, and good vibes in the great outdoors.
The festival is taking place in Torbay, Plymouth and Plymstock.
The festival has immersive kid zones and hands-on experiences as well as performances from chart-topping artists and family-friendly music acts across all genres.
Well behaved dogs are welcome on a lead and under 10s go free.
For more information and tickets visit the FamFest website.
Family fun forest school with Little Squirrels in Paignton – 10 and 17 August 2026
Don’t let the kids have all the forest school fun! Parents can join in too at these family sessions running over the summer holidays.
Enjoy messy mud kitchen play, slides and swings, nature crafts and a camp fire with your children (aged up to 13-years-old).
Find out more and book your family’s place.
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show at Princess Theatre Torquay – 11 to 12 August 2026

A must-see for all Peppa fans, this brand new show welcomes a new arrival.
With building and decorating work to be done, it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George all need your help to get everything ready before the arrival of baby Evie! There’s so much to do – will they get it all finished in time?
Find out more and book tickets to the show.
Messy play with Little Mess South Devon in Newton Abbot – selected dates from 11 to 25 August 2026

Families with babies and toddlers can get messy at Little Mess’ award-winning sessions aimed at children from six months right up to five years.
These sessions are a fantastic way to boost your child’s cognitive abilities and creative talents, with developmental links to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Splat, squelch, pour, and mix to your heart’s content and let Little Mess do the cleaning up!
READER OFFER: use the code ‘DEVONWITHKIDS10’ when booking online for 10% off.
Find out more about each session and book online.
Southleigh Fayre in East Devon – 12 August 2026

This East Devon community fayre returns in 2026 with falconry, shire horse and vintage tractors displays as well as sheep racing, kids tug of war and welly wanging.
There will also be the usual stalls plus a drinks tent and BBQ.
The fayre takes place at Lees Farm in Southleigh. This is a cash only event. Entry is free for under 16s.
Find out more on Facebook.
Plymouth Firework Championships, Plymouth – 12 to 13 August 2026

The Championships are a spectacle not to be missed and take place overlooking Plymouth Harbour and Sound for extra sea view drama. This is the premier firework display in the country, attracting tens of thousands of people each year.
There’s entertainment, including a funfair, and food and drink stalls to enjoy on Plymouth Hoe before the spectacle begins.
The event is free to attend.
For the latest event news and information see the Plymouth Firework Championships.
Here’s more great reasons to hang out in Plymouth this summer.
Okehampton Show at Stoney Park Showground – 13 August 2026
This one-day traditional agricultural show has a wide range of prize winning animals, delicious local food and drink, and plenty of shopping, displays and children’s entertainment.
Under 16s go free and dogs are welcome.
Find out more about attending the show.
Meet The Witch at Haldon Forest near Exeter – 14 August 2026

Join Haldon Forest’s Room on the Broom fun day for magical family activities and a chance to meet Witch herself!
Witch will be appearing at various times throughout the day and there will be lots of Room on the Broom-themed activities on offer at Haldon Forest Park. There’s also a bookable quiet session for visitors with additional needs.
Find out more on the Forestry England website.
5k inflatable charity challenge at Westpoint Exeter – 15 August 2026
Looking for a fun challenge with family, friends or colleagues? Why not bounce, slide and laugh your way around the incredible Inflatable 5K at Westpoint Exeter while supporting an amazing local cause
Vranch House Children’s Charity is the headline charity for this event and have a limited number of places to supporters.
Find out more about the event.
Love Local Food Festival at Exeter Castle – 15 August 2026

Greendale Farm Shop and Food Drink Devon have teamed up to host the Love Local food Festival at Exeter Castle. This free to enter event includes delicious food and drink from across the region plus live entertainment and family fun.
For more information about the Love Local Food Festival.
Devon’s Strongest Man & Woman competition at Trago Mills, Newton Abbot – 15 August 2026

Join family-run Mammoth Strength Club for this event is based on a World’s Strongest Man to find the strongest people in the county.
The competition includes tests such as the deadlift and atlas stones and is in aid of the charity St Giles Trust, an organisation that aims to help young people avoid gangs and exploitation to build a positive future.
Find out more on the Mammoth Strength Club website.
Gala Weekend at Pecorama in Beer – 15 to 16 August 2026
Don’t miss the last chance to visit Pecorama 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.
Fantasy Festival at Greendale Farm – 16 August 2026

If your kids love princesses and superheroes they will be in their element at Lydia Bailey & Co.’s Fantasy Festival. This one day event includes character meets, arts and crafts, circus workshops and live entertainment.
Find out more about the festival and buy tickets on the Lydia Bailey & Co website.
Map making workshop at Buckland Abbey in Yelverton – 17 August 2026

Join Linnet Workshops for this craft activity at Buckland Abbey National Trust. Taking inspiration from historical and artist maps, children will create unique fold up maps using pens, pencils and collage.
Whether its imagined lands, tropical islands, buried treasure or fearsome sea monsters, the session will encourage children to create their own worlds and have fun drawing from their imagination.
This is a bookable workshop for children aged five and up. The price is £9 per child in addition to entry to this National Trust property.
Find out more about this an other craft events run by Linnet Workshops.
Children’s Week in Paignton – 18 to 22 August 2026
There’s five days of free family entertainment happening on Paignton Green on the seafront including craft workshops, a cookery kitchen and live entertainment on stage.
Expect magic shows, competitions, music and dancing.
For full details of this annual summer event take a look at its Facebook page.
Pirate Tram at Seaton Tramway – 18 and 25 August 2026
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.
Find out more and book tickets on the Seaton Tramway website.
Chagford Show, Dartmoor – 20 August 2026
As well as all the livestock and horse competitions you’d expect at a country show, there’s a we have a full programme of attractions and events including 200 trade stands, a BMX show, scurry racing and a sheep show.
Children aged 10 and under go free.
Find out more about what’s on at Chagford Show.
Surf & Conservation Film Festival in Croyde – 21 to 22 August 2026
Join the charities and organisations working to protect it the North Devon coastline for a weekend celebrating surf, wildlife and conservation. This family-friendly festival takes place at Freshwell Camping with an outdoor cinema, live music and family workshops.
Organisers include North Devon World Surfing Reserve, Earth Action North Devon, North Devon Coast National Landscape and North Devon UNESCO Biosphere.
Under-12s go free when with a paying adult.
Find out more and get tickets from Earth Action North Devon.
Beautiful Days, Escot Park – 21 to 23 August 2026
Beautiful Days is an family music festival organised by The Levellers. There are several stages, art installations, a wild spa, walkabout theatre and folk sessions as well as food and craft stalls.
The festival has a huge children’s play area, family camping and campsite play zones.
Find out more and how to get tickets on the festival website.
Read my round up of all the family-friendly festivals in Devon in 2026.
Torbay Royal Regatta, Torquay – 21 to 24 August, 2026
This sailing event takes place between Torquay and Paignton on the English Riviera in South Devon.
For more information see the Regatta website.
Moretonhampstead Food Festival – 22 August 2026
The Moretonhampstead Food & Drink Festival is a vibrant street market plenty of family-friednly things to do from food and drinks stalls to live entertainmetn including Morris Dancing.
The event supports Moretonhampstead Carnival and Hospiscare, so families can enjoy the day while giving back.
Find out more about what’s on at Moretonhampstead Food Festival.
Rails & Dinosaur Scales at Woody Bay Station in Parracombe – 22 to 23 August 2026
The dinos are returning to Lynton and Barnstaple Railway for a roarsome weekend of summer fun.
Meet Ruby the Megalosaurus and her adorable baby dino friends as they roam Woody Bay Station, enjoy a dinosaur-themed train ride and take part in the free kids trail.
Children can enjoy all this for just £1.
Find out more on the Lynton and Barnstaple website.
Cosmic Dance Kids Ibiza event in Torquay – 23 August 2026
This family dance experience at Rock Garden Cafe Bar has been created for parents and children to enjoy together with Clubnight DJs taking young ravers and their families on an uplifting musical journey.
There will be feel-good Ibiza anthems, hands-in-the-air classics, and energetic family-friendly dance music.
Find out more and get tickets on Eventbrite.
Family Canoe Event at Sharpham Estate – 23 August 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.
Find more fun things to do in Paignton and Torquay.
Make fairy houses at Stover Country Park near Newton Abbot – 25 August 2026
Join Naturemake for a fun imaginative workshop for the whole family to enjoy.
Craft with beautiful natural materials to make an enchanting summer woodland fairy house or elf camp in this two hour workshop suitable for crafters aged four and up.
Find out more on Facebook.
Dartmouth Royal Regatta, Dartmouth – 26 to 29 August 2026

Devon’s royal regatta hosts sports, sailing and family events throughout a three day family fun weekend followed by the main regatta’s rowing and sailing competitions.
You can also see impressive visiting ships moored on the River Dart throughout the festivities. Families will love the children’s fancy dress competition, scavenger hunt and a shopping village showcasing local companies.
The fireworks display takes place at 9pm on Saturday 29 August.
To see the full regatta programme visit the Dartmouth Royal Regatta website.
Here’s more things to do in Dartmouth.
Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural Show, North Devon – 27 August 2026
This traditional countryside show has been a fixture in the North Devon calendar for more than 120 years.
Expect live stock competitions and a parade, horse jumping, vintage tractors and classic vehicles as well as plenty of family entertainment throughout the day. You’ll also be able to find 250 trade stands on the day, offering everything from handmade jewellery to top of the range tractors.
Find out more about visiting the show.
The Dinosaur that pooped at Queens Theatre, Barnstaple – 28 August 2026

Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie, a lot of laughs and a whole lot of poo!
Find out more and book tickets to the show.
Sidmouth Regatta – 28 to 30 August 2026
This year’s regatta will feature events in the community and at sea as well as a grand firework display on the Saturday night.
Plus, returning in 2026 are the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows who will headline an air display kicking off the Sidmouth Regatta weekend in style.
Find out more about what’s on at this year’s regatta.
West End Carnival in Plymouth – 29 August 2026
This full on day of family entertainment around Plymouth’s West End and market includes a carnival parade, live music and plenty of street entertainment.
The carnival is free to attend and takes place between 11am and 4pm.
Find out more about this year’s West End Carnival.
Ilfracombe Carnival – 30 August 2026
Get ready for llfracombe Carnival with a vibrant parade through this seaside town.
Expect floats and walking tableaux parading from Hillsborough car park along Hillsborough Road, Portland Street, High Street, Church Street along the Seafront, down St James Place to Broad Street.
The carnival is free to attend with money being collected for local charities.
Find out more about the carnival.
Central Park Fun Day in Plymouth – 30 August 2026
Plymouth’s Central Park will host its second annual fun day with market stalls, live music and entertainment for all ages. There’s also a dog show.
Entry is free.
Find our more about what’s on at this year’s fun day.
Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival – 30 to 31 August 2025
Enjoy live music and seaside fun during a whole weekend of free entertainment at the annual Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival.
The main festival takes place across three venues with music stages, food stalls, bars, a craft market and kids activities.
There will be storytelling with a mermaid, pirates and competitions.
Find our more about what’s on at Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival.
Scoriton Country Show, near Buckfastleigh, South Devon – 31 August 2026
Ths small show is celebrating its 77th year with sport competitions, displays of locally grown produce, a cross country run, fun and gams in the show field and an evening ceilidh.
Find out more about attending this year’s show.
Lustleigh Village Show in Dartmoor – 31 August 2026
This traditonal village show held at Kelly Farm has been taking place in the area for nearly 130 years. It has grown to feature a produce and flower show, dog show, a 10k run, live bands, children’s sports and dozens of stalls.
Traditional attractions like sheaf tossing, animal encounters, and a live jazz music are complemented by a climbing wall, circus skills workshops, and a Lustleigh Showtime music stage.
Find out more about visiting this year’s show.
Silent disco beach clean at Woolacombe - 31 August 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.
Colour Run at Greendale Farm Shop – 31 August 2025
The Jay’s Aim Family Colour Run 2025 is a fun run for all the family set on a picturesque cross country course over farmland at Greendale Farm Shop.
Choose from 1k or 5k courses with medals for all.
One hundred percent of the profits from the event will go towards fulfilling the Jay’s Aim charity objectives of reducing the number of young people that die of sudden cardiac arrests in South West England.
Find out more and enter on the Jay’s Aim website.
Magic of the Mill at Coldharbour Mill near Tiverton – 31 August 2026
Coldharbour’s summer steam day gives you the opportunity to explore this heritage wool mill, watch the factory and steam complex spring into action, and enjoy a fun-filled day of seasonal activities for all ages.
Get hands-on with magic wand making, enjoy the wizard themed activity bouncy castle, jazzy live music and uncover the fascinating stories behind this unique site as it comes alive in the sunshine.
Find out more about what’s on at Coldharbour Mill this summer.
Know of an event I can add to my what’s on guides? Submit a listing!
Family attractions to visit in Devon this August
Here’s your guide to great days out to be had in Devon in August 2026:
Theme Parks in Devon

- Crealy Theme Park and Resort, Exeter
- Woodlands Family Theme Park, Dartmouth, South Devon
- Diggerland Devon, Cullompton, East Devon
- The Milky Way, Bideford, North Devon
- The Big Sheep, Abbotsham, North Devon
- Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe, North Devon
Find out more about Devon’s theme parks.
Devon zoos and animal days out
- Wildwood Escot, Ottery Saint Mary, East Devon
- Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, Totnes, South Devon
- Paignton Zoo, Paignton, South Devon
- Exmoor Zoo, Barnstaple, North Devon
- Dartmoor Zoo, Sparkwell, Dartmoor
- Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, South Devon
- Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, Ilfracombe, North Devon
- World of Country Life, Exmouth, East Devon
Find out more about Devon’s zoos.
Outdoor activities in Devon

- Bicton Park, East Budleigh, East Devon
- Devon Sculpture Park, Exeter
- RHS Rosemoor, Torrington, North Devon
- Powderham Castle, Exeter
- Canonteign Falls, Chudleigh, Dartmoor
- River Dart Country Park, Ashburton, Dartmoor
- Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay, South Devon
- Hartland Abbey, Hartland, North Devon
- Becky Falls, Manaton, Dartmoor
- Clovelly Village, Clovelly, North Devon
- Go Ape Haldon Forest, Exeter
- English Riviera Wheel, Torquay, South Devon
- Splashdown Quaywest, Paignton, South Devon
- Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth, East Devon
- The Golden Hind, Brixham, South Devon
- Quince Honey Farm, South Molton, North Devon
Trams and steam trains in Devon

Here are the Devon steam trains and trams running during August.
- Dartmouth Steam Railway, Dartmouth/Paignton, South Devon
- Seaton Tramway, Seaton, East Devon
- Babbacombe Cliff Railway, Torquay, South Devon
- Devon Railway Centre, Bickleigh, Mid-Devon
- Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, Lynton, North Devon
- Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Lynton, North Devon
Take a look at my big guide to all things choo choo for even more train-themed fun.
Action-packed Devon days out with teens

If you are looking for high ropes, water sports and outdoor adventures to try with teenagers check out my post about things to do in Devon with teens.
Best days out with toddlers
Looking for the best things to do with toddlers? Here’s the Devon days out where you’ll find easy pushchair access, baby changing and that all important cafe.
Dog-friendly Devon days out
If you are after places to visit with a pooch, here’s my guide to dog-friendly Devon days out.
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.
What to do when it rains in Devon
Sadly it’s not always sunny in Devon. Here’s a few things to do in Devon on wet days this summer:
- Bygones, Torquay, South Devon
- Clip n Climb, Plymouth
- Kents Cavern, Torquay, South Devon
- Dinosaur World, Torquay, South Devon
- National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
- The Box, Plymouth
- The House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey, South Devon
- iBounce, Exeter
- Torre Abbey, Torquay
- Brixham Heritage Museum, Brixham
- Torquay Museum, Torquay
- RAMM museum in Exeter
You can also go pottery painting at various places around Devon.
Here’s more ideas for things to do in Devon in the rain.
Visit a Devon beach

You can’t visit Devon with kids and not go to the seaside.
Here are the best beaches in South Devon for families, great beaches in East Devon and the best North Devon beaches.
And if you are looking for something a bit more off the beaten track check out these hidden beaches in Devon.
Outdoor pools and splash parks

Outdoor swimming pools are open now! Here’s a list of where to find them as well as splash pads and water parks in Devon.
Devon walks with kids

Who’s up for some fresh air? Countryside and coast walks abound in Devon are a top way to enjoy the summer season.
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.
Devon country parks also offer level paths for walking and cycling with kids. Here’s some of our favourites:
- Decoy Country Park, Newton Abbot, South Devon
- Stover Country Park, Newton Abbot, South Devon
- Haldon Forest Park near Exeter
- Cockington Country Park, Torquay, South Devon
National Trust in Devon

There’s plenty of amazing National Trust places and properties to explore in Devon.
Find out what’s open by visiting the National Trust website.
Sample a local ice cream

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.


