Things to do in Devon in September 2026

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 Evening Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village – every Friday in September 2026

See Babbacombe’s model village sparkle on selected nights throughout the summer. There will be thousands of lights, along with special fire and lighting effects to create an enchanting atmosphere on Tuesday and Thursdays after dark.

Regular admission prices apply. Booking not essential.

Find out more on the Babbacombe Model Village website.

Kingsbridge Agricultural Show, Kingsbridge – 5 September 2026

Each year the Kingsbridge show offers a great family day out with livestock and countryside competitions, donkey rides, vintage vehicles and live music. There’s also a packed programme of arena entertainment.

See all the show details, ticket prices and what’s on by visiting the website.

Appledore Book Festival – 18 to 27 September 2026

Appledore Book Festival is one of the largest cultural festivals in Devon and has been attracting world-class authors, speakers and performers since its inaugral event in 2006.

Look out for details of the festival’s family fun day nearer the time. Expect crafts, games, storytelling and model making.

Find out more about what’s on for all ages during Appledore Book Festival.

Ashburton Food Festival – 12 September 2026

Come and meet the people behind local produce at this foodie festival in Ashburton. As well as lots of delicious stalls there’s going to be a stage with live music and talks about food, menus for kids and food from abroad.

The festival takes place across North Street and Saint Lawrence Lane.

Find out more about the Food Festival.

Plymouth Seafest – 12 to 13 September 2026

Love seafood? Head to The Barbican and Sutton Harbour this weekend to sample some of the South West’s best alongside some nautical entertainment.

Seafest is free to attend and celebrates the incredible sustainably caught fresh fish and seafood on offer in Britain’s Ocean City.

Find out more about what’s on at this year’s festival.

East Devon Food Festival – 12 to 20 September 2026

This celebration sees award-winning venues, producers, chefs and restaurants across East Devon join forces to celebrate the incredible food and drink on offer across the region.

Founder members include River Cottage, THE PIG-at Combe, Darts Farm, Mazzard Farm, Otter Brewery, Deer Park Country House, East Devon AONB, Donkey Sanctuary, Jack in the Green and Lympstone Manor.

The festival starts with the iconic Ottery St Mary Food and Families Festival with a whole host of tasting experiences, set menus and events. 

Find out more about what’s on where on the Taste East Devon website.

Toddler Fest at the Big Sheep – 13 September 2026

This big attraction in North Devon is hosting an even bigger day out for little people with live shows, music, dancing and role play.

If you have a little people under five this event is not to be missed.

Find out more on The Big Sheep website.

Abbfest, Newton Abbot – 18 to 20 September 2026

The best of Newton Abbot’s food, drink and craft traders will showcase their wares alongside a weekend of music and cookery demonstrations.

Families will get the most out of the Saturday when there is a day of children’s activities.

For the full festival line-up and ticket information visit the Abbfest website.

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival – 23 to 27 September 2025

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is returning this September with a full, live programme of events including huge names in both fiction and non-fiction, and a wide and varied range of events and topics for all ages.

The programme is also packed with activities for kids.

Find out more about what’s on and buy tickets for Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival.

Wild Tribe Science & Art Festival in Devonport – 19 September 2026

Join Soapbox Children’s Theatre for a day of imagination and adventure at the Wild Tribe Children’s Festival.

The event is recommended for children aged four to 10, accompanied by their big people, and takes place in Devonport Park.

This fun-packed day combines art, science, and the environment through entertainment, workshops, and activities.

Find out more on the Theatre’s website.

Torbay Half Marathon and 10k – 20 September 2026

Take your places to support the runners in this year’s events where athletes run along the seafront from Paignton to Torquay.

The half marathon gets underway at 9.15am while the 10k starts at 9.30am.

Find out more about these sporting events.

England’s Seafood Festival in the English Riviera – 21 September to 4 October 2026

A two-week celebration of Devon’s world-renowned seafood is returning to the towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.

Throughout the celebration the English Riviera towns all showcase some of the best seafood in the world, right where it’s landed. Highlights include everything from fine dining to street food and seafood celebration suppers to guest chef events.

Find the full programme on the English Riviera website.

Apple Day at Lydford Gorge – TBC September 2025

Come along to help the National Trust team at Lydford Gorge press the apples from the orchard, and taste the tart juice. 

This event is included in the usual admission charge.

Find out more about visiting Lydford Gorge.

Pumpkin Festival at Pennywell Farm – September to November 2025

Pennywell – one of Devon’s top attractions – runs a fantastic pumpkin event each autumn. And it kicks off this month.

Pennywell is one of those places that is perfect to get in the spirit of the season without any frights, making it ideal for little ones.

This year there will be a pumpkin patch, trail, live music and plenty of seasonal fun and games alongside the usual farm fun.

Find out more on the Pennywell Farm website.

Silent disco beach cleans at Woolacombe – 27 September 2025

Join the National Trust’s Woolacombe rangers for their monthly beach clean with a added bonus of a silent disco. 

All equipment is provided. Meet at Mill Rock at 10.30am.

Find out more about silent disco beach cleans at Woolacombe.

Devon attractions open all week in September

With the summer holidays finishing this month some Devon attractions are only open on weekends.

But the daily fun continues into the autumn at a host of places. Find a list in my round up of things to do in Devon this autumn.

What to do when it rains in Devon this September

Sadly it’s not always sunny in Devon. I have a big list of ideas for things to do in Devon on wet days this September.

Make the most of the last few beach days

I don’t know about you, but I always hold out a hope for some warmth in late summer, especially as I know we’ll find it much easier to get parking on the coast.

Here are some of the best beaches to visit on the South coast, on the Jurassic East Coast and in North Devon.

If you’re not a fan of sand and salty water, then why not check out some of the splash parks and outdoor swimming pools around the county. Some extend their open days into September.