What’s On in South Devon this Autumn Half Term
There is so much going on this autumn half term in South Devon, enough to keep the whole family entertained. From breathtaking woodland walks and foraging trails to spooky tours and ghoulish Halloween happenings, here’s a little taster of some of what’s in store this October…
What’s On in South Devon this October Half Term
Get your walking boots on and head for the wilds of Dartmoor for a treasure hunt and history trail that encompasses spectacular countryside and historic villages. The trail winds its way along the eastern fringes of Dartmoor, starting at Bovey Tracey, and is to be navigated by car with the addition of four optional walks each with a round of treasure hunt questions, some more tricky than others.
Venture over to the English Riviera to discover a world in miniature. This autumn half term, Babbacombe Model Village is putting on a ghostly tour full of spooky illuminations as part of this season’s Halloween Happenings. You’ll feel like Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver as you stride like a giant past hundreds of highly detailed model scenes set amid the splendour of four acres of award-winning gardens.
Enjoy a scrumptious gathering in one of the South Hams most famous maritime towns. Dartmouth Food Festival offers the very best in West Country fayre, welcoming top chefs and restaurateurs for sizzling demos and workshops plus a gathering of the region’s most innovative food producers. Friday 19th – Sunday 21st October. FREE entry for all.
We’re all aboard one of the West Country’s most beloved attractions and the longest established steam railway in the South West. This half term the South Devon Railway is running a ‘Kids for a Quid’ week, a chance for youngsters to enjoy the stunning views of the Dart Valley between Buckfastleigh and Totnes from the window of a steam locomotive. To celebrate the ‘chug’ of another successful season, all tickets for the last weekend of October (Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th) will be half price. Under 3s also travel for free.
It’s the greatest goat show on earth! This October Pennywell Farm, near Buckfastleigh, will be showcasing all that is goat in their Gruffts 2018 event sponsored by Goat Compare. Who will win the much coveted ‘Best in Show’? Come along and get to know these intelligent and inquisitive animals between 20th – 28th October, plus, enjoy loads of other fun activities and spooky goings-on.
Mosey on down to the Slapton Ley Field Centre & National Nature Reserve for a guided stroll through the stunning local woodlands to partake in a ‘fungal foray’ on the 25th October from 10am.
Have a mooch around Dartmouth Artisan Market on the Old Market Square where you’ll find handmade gifts, jewellery, art, soaps, textiles, bags, scarves, antiques and lots, lots more. The market is held on the fourth Saturday of every month between 9am – 3pm.
Delve deeper into the fascinating world of apples at Dartington Apple Day on Monday 9th October. Learn all about apple tree care, planting and growing techniques and harvesting recipes. A must for all apple lovers! Ploughman’s lunch included.
‘Halloween fun for your little horrors!’ Pop along to Dartmouth Castle, if you dare, for a week of spooky stories, terrifying tales, fancy dress and a creepy tour. Running from Monday 22nd – Friday 26th October, 11am – 4pm.
There are some spooky happenings in the magnificent coastal gardens of Overbeck’s, near Salcombe, this Autumn. Take the ghostly garden trail and prepare yourselves for some ghoulish tales. All budding witches and wizards welcome.
Follow the Greenway harvest trail. Pick up the clues and solve the riddles as you explore the stunning Greenway gardens, now full of Autumn colour, on the banks of the River Dart. The trail runs from Saturday 20th – Sunday 28th October between 10.30 am – 4.30 pm.
Thinking of an Autumn Getaway in the UK? Look no further than Toad Hall Cottages. We’ve got hundreds of gorgeous holiday properties dotted up and down the sparkling South West coast, all of them with their own character and charm. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape for two, a grand family gathering, or a fun-filled friends’ reunion, we can find your perfect location. What’s more, you’ll even be able to bring along your four-legged friends when you book a stay at one of our many dog-friendly cottages.