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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Know of an event I can add to my what’s on guides? Submit a listing!

Events in Devon August 2026

Without further ado, read on for what’s on in Devon for families this summer!

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.

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.

Our Story with David Attenborough at Market Hall in Devonport – daily until 2 September 2026

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‘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.

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.

Find out more about what’s on at Newton Abbot Museum.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Crafts Festival at Pom Stitch Tassel in Bovey Tracey – 30 August 2026

Join Pom Stitch and Tassel for a drop-in crafts festival.Several sessions are available throughout the day with limited numbers. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Find out more on the Pom Stitch Tassel website.

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.

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.

Maize mazes in Devon

Check out our guide to where to find maize mazes around Devon.

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.