Things to Do in the South Hams this Summer: Mr Toad’s Quick Fire Round Up
With the summer now in full swing, we wanted to remind you about some of the upcoming events taking place all over the South Hams.
Mr Toad has picked out just some of the fantastic adventures going on between now and late August, from stand up paddle board yoga to bush craft and survival skills, there’s something here for everyone…
What better way to discover the magnificent River Dart than by canoe. Winding River are offering all manner of tours throughout July and August, from moonlit paddles to campfire storytelling. No previous canoeing experience necessary.
There’s many an adventure to be had at Slapton Ley this summer. The field centre is hosting some fascinating events sure to satisfy the endless curiosity of your budding naturalists. Night-time bat watches, rocky shore explorations, mammals and moths and survival skills are just some of the themes covered during the Slapton Ley Field Centre’s exciting summer calendar.
Simply Soulful SUP has joined forces with Sailfunk Yachting to offer you the opportunity to enjoy estuary cruising, paddling tours and SUP Yoga. Enjoy an overnight stay and delicious food onboard a boutique luxury yacht while discovering the stunning creeks and hidden coves of the Kingsbridge and Salcombe Estuary. These exclusive Yacht SUP and Yoga Safaris are available throughout July, August and September, email info@simplysoulful.co.uk to find out more.
If you like the sound of medieval-themed children’s activities then the Deer Park Opening could be just the ticket. Enjoy a guided tour of the estate, meet the deer and learn all about the 700 year history of Dartington Deer Park, “a very special place where history, nature and learning come together”. Why not pop along on Thursday 27th July, 11am (free entry, suitable for ages 3 – 11).
For all you lovers of ‘The Bard’, Dartmouth Shakespeare Week is bound to appeal. Take your seat in the atmospheric Dartmouth Castle for an open air performance of Othello and enjoy the town’s cultural highlight, brought to you by the highly respected Inn Theatre Company from 25th July – 29th July. For more information about the Inn Theatre Company and to purchase tickets, please visit www.theinntheatrecompany.co.uk – tickets are also on sale at the Dartmouth Tourist Information office.
What better way to find some deep relaxation than a spot of yoga on the beach. The golden shores of North Sands, Salcombe, is the venue for these Simply Soulful beach yoga sessions. Start the day the spiritual way and enjoy the stunning backdrop of the Salcombe Estuary and the ruins of Fort Charles. “Refresh your body and focus your mind in the great Devon outdoors”. These beach yoga sessions will be running throughout the summer months, all abilities welcome.
Dartington International Summer School and Festival is a thriving venue for concerts and events, all of them set in the magnificent grounds of the Dartington Estate. Here, you’ll experience some of the world’s best musicians, from opera and choral concerts, to jazz and folk. This renowned festival is set to run from 29th July – 26th August.
It’s reckoned to be the biggest one day show in Devon, a celebration of all things rural and packed with demonstrations of countryside crafts. The Totnes and District Agricultural Show is a must for countryside lovers, a chance to learn from the region’s very best artisans, from blacksmiths to thatchers, plus plenty of locally grown produce on sale. The show falls on Sunday July 30th.
Staged in the historic maritime town of Dartmouth, the Rockfish Crab Party is not to be missed. Head down to the South Embankment for an afternoon dining on sumptuous, freshly-caught crab hosted by Mitch Tonk and guest chef, Angela Hartnett, topped off by an afternoon of live entertainment. Starts midday on Sunday 30th July.
Torbay Steam Fair is a celebration of all things steam powered. Here you’ll find traction engines, classic cars, motorbikes, military tractors, fairground rides and much, much more! From working to vintage, it’s a wonderful day out and a rare chance to get up close to machines from a bygone age. The Torbay Steam Fair will run from 4th – 6th August.
It’s a festival in one of the South Hams’ prettiest seaside towns which every year attracts people in their hundreds. The Salcombe Town Regatta is spread across seven days from 5th– 12th August and will once again be chock-a-bloc with fun events for all the family, from sandcastle building to the annual harbour swim.
The Crabshell Quay Regatta is an event packed with zany waterside antics. Organised by Kingsbridge Estuary Boat Club and hosted by one of the town’s long-standing inns, it’s a day of paddle board jousting, backwards rowing, fancy dress and all manner of whacky events. Pop on down to the Crabshell Quay on 6th August for some fun and frolics on the water.
If you’re feeling fit and up for a challenge, why not take on the Totnes 10K & Fun Run. This annual event is now firmly established in the regional athletics calendar and attracts runners in their hundreds. Both the 10K and one mile fun run are set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Dartington Estate on a course that runs through meadows and woodland. The run is set to take place on 6th August.
Set in the stunning gardens of The Old Rectory with breathtaking views of the Salcombe Estuary, the East Portlemouth Village Fete is an event full of fun and tradition. They’ll be plenty of entertainment for children, plus games, cakes and lots of local produce on sale. This wonderful South Hams church fete takes place on 10th August.
The 43rd South Hams Vintage Rally will take place over two days on fields at Sorley Cross, Kingsbridge. It’s a showcase of the district’s heritage with superb exhibits and working demonstrations including commercial vehicles, motorbikes, cars, steam engines and horse drawn ploughs. The South Hams Vintage Rally takes place on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August.
Totnes Carnival week is a colourful handful of days set in one of the South Hams’ most historic market towns. There’ll be lots of fun things going on around the town, from children’s fancy dress to picnicking in the park, all culminating in the grand carnival procession. The Totnes Carnival week schedule is spread across the 14th – 19th August.
Every year the picturesque village of Frogmore, set deep in the South Hams, puts on a regatta. This wonderful event is full of quirky activities from raft and mud racing to rowing contests. Expect a warm welcome at the Frogmore Regatta from noon 20th August (Pool Meadow, Frogmore).
It’s been dubbed the ‘Best in the West’, The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta attracts thousands of visitors for a three-day programme of air displays, sailing, sports, live music, street food, fireworks and much, much more. There’s competition on both land and water, plus lots of fun events for all the family to enjoy. This showpiece extravaganza runs from the 24th – 27th August.
Hope Cove Weekend is three days of family fun and relaxation in one of the South Hams’ most scenic coastal villages. Expect everything from folk dancing to rock pooling when you visit this popular seaside resort over a bumper three days, from 25th – 28th August.
Now in its 135th year, The Kingsbridge Show returns for yet another fantastic, jam-packed day. There’ll be a long list of animal classes to judge, plus horticulture, crafts, donkey rides, vintage and modern tractors on display, the ever-popular pets corner and so much more to keep the entire family entertained. The show will be staged at Borough Farm, just outside Kingsbridge, on Saturday 2nd September (gates open at 9am).