Things to do in Devon in September 2026
With schools back from early September this is a great time to visit Devon while the sun (hopefully) still shines or, if you’re local, enjoy playing tourist in your own backyard. 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 2026.
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Events in Devon this September
Here’s what’s on in Devon for families this September:
St Luke’s Guiding Lights Trail in Plymouth – daily until 13 September 2026
There’s 40 colourfully decorated lighthouses to be found around Plymouth during a free activity trail in aid of St Luke’s Hospice.
Either visit the charity’s website and find each lighthouse’s location for free or download the app for £1.99 from the Apple or Android stores for a map and extra information. Printed maps are available from Plymouth Tourist Information Centre and most St Luke’s charity shops for a suggested £2 donation.
Find out more about this St Luke’s Guiding Light Trail.
Escape The Game’s Summer escape room in Bovey Tracey – daily until 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.
Curious Coastal Quest at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth – daily until 30 September 2026
Calling all intrepid explorers! Help to find the lost pieces of the coast at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Hidden around the Sanctuary are eight Jurassic Coast boards. Using your trail sheet, search high and low for each board, making sure to say hello to any donkeys you see on the way.
Entry and parking at the Sanctuary are free. Trail sheets cost £5 each.
Find out more about what’s on at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Our Story with David Attenborough at Market Hall, Devonport – selected dates until 31 October 2026
At the start of the summer we were invited to experience the Our Story – a 50-minute immersive film that takes you on a four-billion-year journey through Earth’s history with Sir David Attenborough as your guide.
It was due to finish at Market Hall in Devonport on 2 September but screenings have now been extended until 31 October 2026.
Find out more and get tickets on the Real Ideas 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.
Cockington Court Sculpture Trail in Torbay – daily until 1 November 2026
Listen up art lovers, explorers and history enthusiasts! The Cockington Court sculpture trail has returned for 2026 and this year is inspired by movie magic This free trail features more than 30 different sculptures created by local artists and sculptors.
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.
‘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.
Messy play with Little Mess South Devon in Newton Abbot – 1 September 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.
Read Write Yap Literary Festival at Royal William Yard in Plymouth – 1 to 30 September 2026
Royal William Yard is hosting its first literary festival with a month of events, from a mythology workshop at sea, writing and crafting sessions, and multiple book clubs.
Children can take part in a story-writing competition and take part in a workshop with Plymouth’s Laureate of Words, Richard Thomas later in September.
Find out more about what’s on during Read Write Yap.
Free storytelling at The Box in Plymouth – Fridays from 4 to 18 September 2026
Parents of toddlers: start your visit to The Box with a free 30 minute storytelling session under the figureheads. These sessions are perfect for under fives and start at 10.30am.
Find out more about Tell Me a Story sessions at The Box.
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.
Little Miss Marple: Muddle at the Vicarage at Torquay Museum – 5 September 2026
Calling all mini-sleuths! Torquay Museum is hosting a free Little Miss Marple storytelling adventure as part of The Agatha Christie Festival.
Expect live music, actions, audience participation, storytelling and a draw-a-long as you help unravel the mystery alongside some classic characters from the much-loved Mr Men and Little Miss universe.
This event is free but places must be booked in advance.
Find out more and book on The Agatha Christie Festival website.
Heritage Open Days in Devon – 11 to 20 September 2026
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 2026.
From 11 to 20 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.
Dino Tales at Princess Theatre Torquay – 12 September 2026
With a captivating story and an entire herd of pre-historic beasts, Dino Tales is an unforgettable family adventure starring Europe’s largest walking dinosaurs to ever roam the stage.
Along the adventure you’ll meet Freya the dancing Raptor, Dylan the cheeky Dilophosaurus, Angie the Ankylosaurus, Scar the fearsome Spinosaurus and Roxy the mighty T-Rex.
Find out more and get tickets for Dino Tales.
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.
Earth Photo 2026 at Coleton Fishacre in Kingswear – 12 September to 21 October 2026
The National Trust gardens at Coleton Fishacre are hosting the touring photographic exhibition Earth Photo 2026. It brings together award-winning photographers and filmmakers from across the world, inviting them to create innovative and visual stories that encourage conservations about our world and the challenges it faces.
Coleton Fisacre is also celebrating its centenary and the team have delved into the archives to share photographs documenting the building of the house and landscaping of the garden from start to finish.
This and the Earth Photo 2026 exhibition are included in the normal admission price and free for National Trust members.
Find out more about visiting Coleton Fishacre.
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.
Bayeux Around Britain at RAMM in Exeter – 15 September to 11 July 2027
Can’t get to London to admire the Bayeux Tapestry? Visiting RAMM in Exeter is the next best thing!
It’s part of a nation-wide programme to bring the the story of the tapestry alive with objects from RAMM’s collection, alongside digital assets from the British Museum and a trail about the history surrounding the Norman invasion.
See the Bayeux Around Britain exhibits and experiences at RAMM for free Tuesday to Sunday.
Find out more about visiting RAMM and Bayeux Around Britain.
DadFest Devon at Beeson near Kingsbridge – 18 to 20 September 2026
DadFest is an award-winning festival welcoming all father figures and their children, offering a fun-filled weekend of activities.
There’s campfire stories, archery, slip n slide, a beach trip, bat walks, star-gazing and, of course, The World Dad Dancing Championship 2026. The full line-up of events is huge.
Find out more and get tickets for DadFest Devon.
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.
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.
Three Little Pirate Pigs at Pavilions Teignmouth – 19 September 2026
Join Sea Legs Puppet Theatre and Shadrack the lighthouse keeper for a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas as he narrates the thrilling story of The Three Little Pirate Pigs.
Tired of playing piggy-in-the-middle, our fearless trio decide on a game of pirates and treasure hunts. First they must build a boat! Should it be made of straw, sticks or bricks?
This show is suitable for children ages 3 to 9 and their families.
Find out more and get tickets for this show at Pavilions Teignmouth.
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.
Accessible foraging with Sharpham Trust – 20 September 2026
Discover the amazing world of wild food and medicine in this accessible foraging event with Sharpham Trust plant expert Lisa Carnell.
You’ll take an in-depth look at the wild seasonal plants and herbs growing in the accessible areas of the Sharpham Estate.
This event is suitable for families with children aged 14 and over. Adults pay £4 to £7 and teens aged 14 to 17-years-old can come along for free.
Find out more and book your family’s places.
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.
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival – 23 to 27 September 2026
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.
Illuminate the Night at Torbay Showground near Brixham – 26 September 2026
This night-time experience promises spectacular visuals, thrilling attractions, and something for all ages. Expect a fireworks display, laser shows cutting, and high-energy entertainment.
Explore the funfair, enjoy a wide range of street food, and see street performers.
Find out more and get tickets for Illuminate the Night.
Apple Day at Lydford Gorge – 26 September 2026
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.
Dog Man the Musical at Princess Theatre Torquay – 26 to 27 September 2026
Dog Man the Musical is a hilarious new show based on the worldwide bestselling book series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.
Best friends George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re ten, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favourite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man and all hero! How hard could it be?
Find out more and get tickets for Dog Man the Musical.
Pumpkin Festival at Pennywell Farm – 26 September to 1 November 2026
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.
Pumpkins at Watermouth Castle in Ilfracombe – 26 September to 1 November 2026
See Watermouth Castle theme park decked for spooky season with pumpkin walkways through the grounds and into the Courtyard.
As well as all the usual attractions, there will be a trick or treat trail, photo opportunities and market stalls are stacked with pumpkins, squashes and gourds in every shape, size and colour.
There’ll be even more seasonal fun on selected dates, including marshmallow toasting at weekends and additional family entertainment during October Half Term.
Find out more about the different ticket options on the Watermouth Castle website.
Kaleidoscopic Minds: Festival of Neurodiversity at Exeter Phoenix Theatre – 27 September 2026
The Festival of Neurodiversity is a day to celebrate the neurodivergent community, to inspire creativity, and to explore new connections, as well as discover support tools and regulation strategies.
Designed by, and for, neurodivergent people and their families, there will be a diverse programme of creative activities for all ages, as well as talks from local neurodivergent experts, conversational crafts, and sensory areas for regulation.
This event is run on a pay what you can afford basis with adult tickets starting at £5. All under 18s are free.
Find out more on the Exeter Phoenix website.
Silent disco beach cleans at Woolacombe – 27 September 2026
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.
Respect Festival Super Saturday at The Box – 29 September 2026
Celebrate the differences within the Devon community at this free event being held as part of Plymouth’s Respect Festival.
Super Saturday will feature live performances, music, family activities, cultural celebration, food and community stalls ahead of this year’s Respect Festival parade.
Find out more about this event and what else is happening on The Box website.
What about next month? Here’s my guide to things to do in Devon in October.
Know of an event I can add to my what’s on guides? Submit a listing!
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.
You can also check my FREE guide to Devon days out for ideas:
Check out my guides to days out in Devon with kids
They are FREE!
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, 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.
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