With schools due back from early September this is a great time to visit Devon while the sun (hopefully) still shines and the main tourism season is winding down. But what’s on in Devon as the autumn kicks off? Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Devon in September 2024.
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Also take a look at my round up of what’s happening in Devon this weekend.
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Events in Devon this September
Here’s what’s on in Devon for families this September:
Shaun the Sheep fun and trail at RHS Rosemoor – until 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.
Find out more about what’s on this summer at RHS Rosemoor.
Tribal Summer at Kents Cavern – daily until 1 September 2024
Head to Kents Cavern this summer for some Stone Age-themed activities for all the family. Learn about prehistoric life, and discover the secrets of survival in the Stone Age.
Which tribe will you join? Hyena, Elk, Woolly Mammoth or Cave Bear? Each has its own set of characteristics which might help you choose. Once you’ve decided, your adventure can begin.
All Tribal Summer activities are included with your cave tour ticket which lets you explore one of Britain’s best showcaves.
Top tip: tickets are cheaper when purchased online in advance.
Find out more about visiting Kents Cavern this summer.
Summer of Play at National Trust properties – until 2 September 2024
Don’t miss the last opportunity to take part in the National Trust’s Summer of Play.
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 – until 1 September 2024
- Buckland Abbey near Plymouth – until 1 September 2024
- Saltram near Plymouth – until 1 September 2024
- Killerton near Exeter – until 2 September 2024
- Knightshayes near Tiverton – until 2 September 2024
- Greenway near Churston in South Devon – until September 2024
- Coleton Fishacre near Brixham – until 1 September 2024
Summer Evening Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village – daily until 12 September 2024
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
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.
Turner exhibition at Barnstaple Museum – daily until 12 October 2024
Explore a family-friendly exhibition about the works of one of Britain’s most acclaimed romantic painters, William Turner, everyday throughout September.
Admission to the museum is free.
Find out more about what’s on at the Museum of Barnstaple.
Cockington Court Sculpture Trail – daily until 3 November 2024
Ahoy art lovers, explorers and pirate enthusiasts! The Cockington Court sculpture trail has returned for 2024 and this year is inspired by the theme of ‘pirates and the deep sea’. This free trail features more than 30 different sculptures created by 24 local artists and sculptors.
Some of this year’s sculptures include a crow’s nest, skeleton mermaid, pirate ships, treasure chest and pirate figure head. Also, look out for Morgowr the sea serpent as she swims towards the Cockington café.
To take part collect a free map from inside the Manor House between 10.30am and 4.30pm daily.
Find out more about this free sculpture trail in Torbay.
Beer Eats Boutique – 6 September 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.
Find out more about Beer Eats Boutique.
Heritage Open Days in Devon – 6 to 15 September 2024
This annual opportunity to explore some of the nation’s most extraordinary and often hidden places of history and culture for FREE is happening again in 2024.
From 6 to 15 September you can take special tours of heritage places in Devon like Hemyock Castle, Cawsey Merchant’s House and St Nicholas Priory.
Family favourites like Killerton, Saltram and Arlington Court also have free open days.
Here’s the full list of places to visit during Heritage Open Days in Devon.
Kingsbridge Agricultural Show, Kingsbridge – 7 September 2024
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.
Colour Run at Greendale Farm Shop – 8 September 2024
The Jay’s Aim Family Colour Run 2024 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.
The Merry Wives of Windsor at Clearbrook Village Hall – 8 September 2024
Sir John Falstaff, everyone’s favourite Shakespearean sleazeball, has fallen on hard times. To fix his finances, he plans to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants. But, wise to his wily ways, the ladies take the opportunity to punish Falstaff by playing a series of hilarious tricks on the nincompoop knight.
Expect silly slapstick, abundant anachronisms and memorable music nestled amongst Shakespeare’s poignant poetry as the critically acclaimed Pantaloons put their own innovative and interactive spin on this classic comedy.
The Pantaloons theatre company perform this Shakespeare classic at Clearbook Village Hall.
Find out more and book tickets on the Clearbrook Village Hall website.
East Devon Food Festival – 14 to 22 September 2024
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.
Wild Tribe Science & Art Festival in Devonport – 14 September 2024
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.
Plymouth Seafest – 14 to 15 September 2024
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.
Heritage Open Days at South Devon Railway – 14 to 15 September 2024
Go behind the scenes during South Devon Railway’s Heritage Open Days to see the workshops where heritage skills are being kept alive to ensure the trains here keep running.
Find out more and book tickets on the South Devon Railway website.
Toddler Fest 2024 at the Big Sheep – 15 September 2024
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.
Hydro open day at Drogo Castle near Drewsteignton – 15 September 2024
Learn about how hydro power has been used at Castle Drogo since 1929 to the present day.
Between 11am and 3pm guides will be opening the Hydro mechanism for visitors to come and look inside.
Get to the Hydro from the Castle Drogo car park by following the Hunters path down to the Iron Bridge, cross over onto the Foresters track and follow the path towards Fingle Bridge. Alternatively you can access the Hydro from Fingle Bridge by following the Foresters track for around 40 minutes.
Normal admission prices and parking charges at the castle apply. National Trust members can visit for free.
Find out more by visiting the National Trust website.
Ashburton Food Festival – 16 September 2024
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.
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival – 18 to 22 September 2024
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.
Abbfest, Newton Abbot – 20 to 22 September 2024
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.
Brick Festival, Plymouth – 22 September 2024
Calling all Lego fans! Plymouth Life Centre is hosting the Brick Festival this September. 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.
England’s Seafood Festival in the English Riviera – 27 September to 13 October 2024
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.
Festival of Discovery in Exeter city centre – 28 to 29 September 2024
The University of Exeter is running a free, immersive event giving families the chance to delve into its fascinating research in topics from science to culture.
The FUTURES festival will include a pop-up curiosity shop in Princesshay where you can work with real scientists, a treasure trail weaving around the city centre, and guided walking tours to explore the area in a fascinating new way.
Find out more about what’s on over the weekend.
Pumpkin Festival at Pennywell Farm – 28 September to 3 November 2024
Pennywell – one of Devon’s top attractions – runs a fantastic pumpkin event each autumn. Details will be available nearer the time but you can sign up to the Pennywell newsletter to find out details as they are announced.
Sign up to find out more at Pennywell Farm.
Troublesome Tikes (and how to tame them) at Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport – selected dates from 28 September to 12 October 2024
Join the Stiltskin Theatre company for The Troublesome Tikes, they are not very good at listening or doing what they’re told. So what happens when their troublesome ways go out of control?
Find out more and book tickets on the Soapbox Children’s Theatre website.
Know of an event I can add to my monthly guides? Submit a listing!
What about next month? Here’s my guide to things to do in Devon in October.
Devon days out
With the main summer holidays finishing this month, some Devon attractions are only open on weekends.
However, you can still find some that are open during the week in September:
- Dartmouth Steam Railway
- Kents Cavern
- Paignton Zoo
- Exmoor Zoo
- The Milky Way
- National Marine Aquarium
- The Big Sheep
You can also check my FREE guide to Devon days out for ideas:
Download the 101 Days out in Devon with kids ebook
It’s FREE!
Grab your copy of this guide to family-friendly things to do across the county, from coast to coast, in the cities, on the moors and whatever the weather.
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 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.
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Are you planning your days out in Devon this month? Why not use Pinterest to save this post about what’s on and things to do in Devon in September. If you’ve spotted I’ve missed something let me know! Comment below or email me.
