OUTDOORS: Wildflower Meadows Open Days, Goren Farm, nr Honiton, Weds-Sun, 11am -6pm until 18 Sept

Fancy roaming wild for the afternoon? Let your hair down on a self-guided walk among the bees and wildflowers at Goren Farm. Dogs on leads can come too, theres’ a play area with a trampoline, giant hammock and monkey bars for the kids. When you’ve had a wander around the walled vegetable garden, and cider museu, why not try a sample of Goren Farm cider? £5/kids free

MUSIC: Dartington Music Summer School & Festival, Dartington Estate, nr Totnes, until20 Aug

Running since 1947, the Dartington Summer School & Festival is a four week mix of week-long courses, individual workshops and concerts from acclaimed international musicians. There is also an extensive programme of family-friendly events throughout the festival. 

FAMILY: Circus Berlin, Plymouth, Fri 5 – 30 Tues 30 Aug

No lions or parading elephants here, but a fantastic live display of daredevil acts, including Motorbikes inside the Globe of Death, which will have you on the edge of your seat.

FESTIVAL: The Little Big Festival, Higher Mead Farm, Ashburton, Tues 9 – Sun 14 Aug

Brought to you by the people who started The Port Eliot Festival, this one-day’er has doubled in size in 2022 to deliver two fun-filled days of music, variety, circus, comedy, talks, poetry and literature, film, flamenco, opera, art, a children’s festival-within-a festival. Very creative, just what you’d expect from arty Ashburton, with plenty of local flavour from the town’s eateries too. You will not be bored – or hungry! Adult day tickets from £55.

EXHIBITION: Titanic Exhibition, Corn Exchange, Exeter, Weds 10 – Mon 22 Aug

A chance to see genuine artefacts from the wreck of the Titanic, including a small piece of the Titanic’s hull, and discover more about the ill-fated liner’s association with the city. Free audio guide available, £12.50 / £14.50 weekends.

OUTDOOR THEATRE: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cockington Court, Torquay, Weds 10  Aug

Illyria Theatre will be providing the ultimate summer show to watch in England, so let the sun shine dim, grab a blanket and a bevy, and don’t let the moonlight leave you feeling an ass.  

FAMILY: Dear Zoo at Dartmoor Zoo, Sparkeswell, until Mon 5 Sept

Celebrating 40 years since the publication of Rod Campbell’s classic storybook, Dartmoor Zoo is partnering with Macmillan Children’s Books to host Dear Zoo, a sweet animal-focussed trail where you can interact with a giant storybook, listen to the story being told, of course say hello to some of the animals from the story in real life. Free with normal admission.

CRUISE: Countess Wear Evening Cruise, Exmouth, Fri 12 Aug

Only available at certain times of year, setting off from Exmouth Marina, this leisurely cruise sails the length of the River Exe up to the Countess Wear. £8-11

EXHIBITION: Amy Wiggin, Artist in Residence, Southcombe Barn, Dartmoor, Fri 12 – Tues 30 Aug

If you’ve been meaning to go have a non-committal nose at this new wellbeing and events hub, now’s your chance. Amy Wiggin, winner of the Southcombe International Women’s Day Residency Award, who counts Vogue among her past clients, be showing her female-inspired fine art prints and lithographs. Check out Amy’s Instagram page for a taster.

DRAG: Absolutely Dragulous, Axminster Guildhall, Axminster, Fri 12 Aug

Ok, admit it. You want to go absolutely just because of the fabulous name? Absolutely. (See what I did there?) Drag yourself down to see Drag Duo Marilyn Fockhard and Amanda Fockhard, if the reviews are anything to go by you’ll be glad you did.

LIVE MUSIC: Yard Sessions, Royal William Yard, Plymouth, Fri 12 and Fri 26 Aug, 5.30 – 8pm

What better way to end the week than heading to RWY and the incredible maritime backdrop for their Friday night music sessions with talented artists selected from the region’s thriving music scene.

MUSIC: West Country Music Festival, Muddifords Court Estate, Willand, Cullompton, Sat 13 Aug

Yee-haw! A one-day festival filled with country music, promising the best and top-selling original country artists from the UK, many of whom have featured on BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris Country. All-weather undercover seated and standing tickets.

AFTERNOON TEA: Afternoon Tea – Experiences at the Palace, Palace Theatre Paignton, Sat 13 Aug

Stage Left, Palace Theatre’s newest event suite is hosting local musical performers to entertain you as you enjoy their afternoon tea, served from 2-3:30pm. £15 a head with the optional extra of a glass of fizz. Delightful.

WORKSHOP: Make your own Wedding Rings, Moon & Moor, Okehampton, Mon 15 Aug

Can’t think of many things more romantic than making your own wedding rings together, can you? Run for Muddy Award nominated art gallery, Moon & Moor, there are loads of course here, for non-betrothed too, from pottery to leather and jewellery making.

ARTS: Totnes Festival, various venues, Mon 15 – Weds 24 Aug

Ten days of events to take you from parades to The Globe on Tour’s Julius Caesar in The Totnes and Bridgetown Festival of Arts and Culture. Expect visual Arts, circus theatre, dance, film, storytelling, music and more. Go get your culture fix.

FOOD: Tapas Night, Furzeleigh Mill, Buckfastleigh, Thurs 18 Aug

Viva! Make the most of balmy summer evenings with Tapas Night at Furzeleigh Mill, Buckfastleigh where their authentic Spanish plates include sizzling gambas, albondigas and sweet churros. Phone to book on 01364 643476. £40pp

POP-UP: Devon Cove Tasting Room, Fore Street, Kingsbridge

If you’re in Kingsbridge this summer, don’t miss Cove Vodka’s pop-up tasting room on Fore Street, where you can pop in for tasters, bottles of their award winning spirits and cocktail recipes, and learn how to make cocktails on Wed 17  -Thur 18 August.

OUTDOOR THEATRE: Julius Caesar, Totnes Festival, Tues 23 Aug 

Not to be missed! Watch The Globe on Tour’s new production of Shakespeares’ Julius Caesar, coming to Totnes as part of their nationwide tour. 

FIREWORKS: Plymouth Firework Championships, Weds 17 – Thurs 18 Aug

Enjoy a sparkling evening of firework displays at the Plymouth Hoe. Both evening will feature three professional displays each lasting 10 minutes. As the displays are fired from The Mountbatten breakwater so either the Citadel or the Hoe are fabulous places to view the fireworks. Or how about this? Ocean View is offering a special five course menu and glass of champagne for £55 per person or £65 for a window seat to watch the spectacle.

FESTIVAL: Beautiful Days, Escot Park, nr Exeter Fri 19 – 21 Aug – SOLD OUT

Beautiful Days have pulled in a great line-up for ’22, featuring Flogging Molly, The Specials, Levellers, The Dandy Warhols, Maximo Park, Seasick Steve, Beth Orton, Seth Lakeman and Billy Bragg and loads of others you’ve probably-definitely heard of. Weekend camping tickets only, no day tickets caravanning and glamping, £176.75 – £12.

GARDENS: RHS Flower Show, RHS Rosemoor, Torrington, Fri 19 Aug

An absolute corker of a garden show with specialist nurseries and fabulous exhibitors, so many options to find answers to all of your gardening niggles. Plus, Devonshire flower clubs have created floral displays, this year’s theme being the great garden adventure and don’t miss the ever-fragrant floral designer Jonathan Moseley as he helps you to make your own perfect floral displays.

REGATTA: Dartmouth Royal Regatta, Dartmouth, Weds 20 – Weds 27 Aug

Sailing, sports, live music, street food, fireworks, grab the champers and the posh hat and launch yourself off to Dartmouth. Feeling brave? Sign up for the Fire Walk here.

FAMILY: North Molton Country Fair, Fri 22 Aug

About as traditional as It gets, dog shows, tractor shows  with bouncy castles galore should be a Jolly day for all the family.

THEATRE: Perfect Nonsense, Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, Tues 23 – Sat 27 Aug

A chance to see two performances from Paul Taylor Mills Summer Play Festival – the king of thrillers, Francis Durbridge’s The Gentle Hook and hilarious comic romp based on P G Wodehouse’s Jeeves stories, Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense. From £14.

WORKSHOP: Organic Cocktails, Albatross, Totnes, 6-8pm, Weds 24 Aug

Learn how to make four organic cocktails, using only organic spirits, homemade cordials and infusions and, bear with me, common kitchen waste. You’re welcome to invite a friend join you at 8pm for the tasting. £42pp

FILM: Girls Can’t Surf, Exeter Phoenix, Weds 24 Aug

‘Oh yes they can!’ And here’s an uplifting positive film to prove it, about a bunch of 1980s women pro-surfers who take on the chauvinism and the bikini contest-dominated surfing culture of the time. AKA “an empowering history of badass women.”

Gone Wild Festival, Powderham Castle, Kenton, Fri 26 – Sun 28 Aug

Bear Grylls is back for a second year of family-focussed survival skills, inspiring talks, workshops and live music, AND, this year day tickets are available. Heading the line-up are The Darkness, Reef, The Script and Sophie Ellis Bextor. Tickets from £50.

DRINK: Rails and Ales, South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh, Fri 26 Aug

Obviously  one should never drink and drive but apparently it doesn’t count if you travel by steam and over the Bank Holiday weekend there will be a positive feast of steam and diesel trains timed to coincide with a beer and cider festival at Staverton station. Cheers!

STREET FOOD: Miss Ivy Events, Tavistock, various, Fri 26 – Sun 28 Aug

Looks like Tavi is the place to be for foodies this weekend, with three free days of stalls, starting with Love Local Friday Market, followed by a street food festival on Saturday and bowing out on Sunday with live music, a dog show, Pimms Bar and kids’ fun on The Meadows on Sunday.

AIRSHOW: Sidmouth Air Show, Sidmouth, Fri 26 Aug

The curvaceous glory of Lyme Bay is perfectly suited as a natural amphitheatre for the acrobatic aerial displays.Always worth it for the Red Arrows alone. 

LIVE MUSIC: TopFest, Lord Nelson, Topsham Fri 26 – Sun 28 Aug

Three days of music, featuring some brilliant local musicians and a gourmet BBQ from BBQ Buddha with hay bails, outside stage, outside bar, cocktails and a great atmos.

FESTIVAL: Exeter Street Arts Festival, various, Sat 27 Aug

The city comes to creative life with live music and DJs, street theatre, kids shows and interactive fun, with an after party featuring Electric Jalaba, Gaslight Troubadours and Ruby May Spencer Band+DJ.

TOUR: Guided Wine Tour, Tamar Valley, Sat 27 Aug

Learn about the terroir while drinking deep of some lovely local sparkling wine while hearing how the Williams family have transformed this patch of land into a vineyard.

MUSIC: Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Vivary Park, Taunton, Sat 27 Aug

Get thee to Somerset to to see Rag N Bone Man in Vivary Park, Taunton. 

FAMILY THEATRE: Brainiac Live – Remixed, Exeter Northcott, Sat 28 – Sun 29 Aug

Totally bonkers science for all, promising their wildest show yet with fresh beats and volatile mad experiments.

EXHIBITION: You Can Never Have Enough Hats, Shoes and Gloves, The Box, Tavistock Place, Plymouth, Sun 29 Aug

A fascinating talk, highlighting and explaining some of the more quirky fashion items curated by The Box. Weird and wonderful accessories, glorious.

POP-UP FEAST: Soil & Soul, Brickhouse Vineyard, Mamhead, Sun 29 Aug

The brilliant vineyard’s first ever lunchtime feast, with an 8-dish tasting menu all vegetarian/vegan and prepared with goodies picked from their own kitchen garden. £27pp

CRAFT: Sunday Openings, Make SouthWest, Bovey Tracey

If you fancy a meditative browse (and possibly a splurge), Make SW (previously Guild of Devon Craftsmen) are open on Sundays in August and have some great current exhibitions, including work by maker members in their Summer Show 2022 and A Taste of Japan, a selection of work by contemporary Japanese potters.

DAY TRIP: Steam Day, Colharbour Mill, Cullompton, Mon 30 Aug

Always a fascinating place to visit but especially on Steam Day when you can see the steam complex fired up and kids can get stuck into craft activities, including creating their own waterwheel. The Grist Mill Café Bar will also be open for a bite.

BEACH: Guided Rockpool Safari, Wembury Beach, Mon 30 Aug

Take the kids for a paddle through Wembury’s rockpools to spot starfish and crabs with help from experts at the Devon Wildlife Trust. £5pp

ART EXHIBITION: In Harmony: Royal Society of Sculptors, Broomhill Estate, Muddiford, until 30 Sept

An inaugural exhibiton in partnership with the Royal Society of Sculptors and showcasing some of the UK’s leading sculptors.

JUST MISSED

The Sidmouth Folk Festival, 29 Jul – 5 Aug

The 68^th Sidmouth Folk Festival returns to its beach-side location with 700 diverse events and a week of major concerts, upbeat roots parties, intimate sessions, ceilidhs, folk dancing, storytelling events, fun family entertainment, youth-centred sessions, hands-on workshops and spectacular dance displays. Ooh, and excellent street food.

COMEDY: Blackadder, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teignmouth, Tues 2 – Sat 6 Aug

Frankly, the actor that plays Blackadder in this group of very gifted amateur players is so flipping fantastic that I strongly recommend that wherever you are in Devon you take one night this week to drive down to Teignmouth to catch the show. It’s an absolute scream. 

MUSIC: Festival on the Hills, Smeatharpe, Thurs 4 Aug

Cor, what a chilled out way to enjoy some music and have some summer fun in the beautiful Blackdown Hills. A very local, community vibe, excellent as a ‘starter’ festival perhaps? Suitable for all ages. Local bands and tribute acts alongside Mad Dog McCrea who are working super hard this summer.

FAIR: Buckfast Abbey Summer Fair, Buckfastleigh, Thurs 4 – Sat 6 August

A traditional summer fair, with three days of music, food and entertainment. Set in the Abbey’s beautiful gardens, this family friendly event is free to enter (onsite parking for £5). For those who like exploring, be sure to follow the treasure hunt for a tour of the Abbey grounds. 

COMEDY: Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple, Fri 5 Aug

Love the kind of comedy when you are on the edge of your seat at all times wondering if they are going to stray over the acceptable boundaries of the politically correct? If you do, Jimmy’s your man. Last few available.

PARTY: 25th Birthday Party, China Blue, Totnes, Sat 6 Aug

A nice touch here from the perennial pottery favourite, China Blue, as they invite us to join them for a celebratory bash. Live music from the delightful named Mafia Babies and Pizza from‘Il Cornicone, drinks too, obviously, and no, you won’t have to paint your own plate.

RACE: RainBo Fun Run, Victoria Park, Bideford, Sat 6 Aug

Run or walk the course while being showered with all the colours of the rainbow, a white T-shirt is advised – all the better to see the extent of your own personal Rainbow by the end of the course, and don’t worry about your fancy summer specs , sunglasses are provided by the event organiser.

FOOD: Jamaica Independence Day Yardi Party, HonkyTonk Wine Library, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, Sat 6 Aug

With many Jamaicans involved in this fabulous place it sounds an authentic way to celebrate Jamaica’s big day, promising everything Jamaican, from curry goat, to jerk chicken with homemade rum punch and reggae rhythms – everything irie. £25pp.

FESTIVAL: Love Summer, Newnham Park Estate, Plympton, Fri 5 – Sun 7 Aug

This three-day festival has glamping options and loads of family friendly acts and entertainments – a training exercise for Glasto next year perhaps? And for the kids (and big kids), they’ve Aardman Model making workshops.

WINE TOUR: Sunset Winemakers Tour, Alder Vineyard, Okehampton, Sat 6 August

Sunset and a glass of wine? Don’t mind if we do…Take the evening off with this delightful tour of a Dartmoor vineyard. Along with a tasting of the vineyard’s signature wines, you’ll be well-fed with nibbles on arrival, a substantial sharing board and a choice of sweet treats. For those who boycott meat and cheese, there’s a delicious plant-based platter with a selection of crudités, focaccia, falafel and homemade hummus. £37.50 pp

WORKSHOP: Book Binding Course, The Walronds, Cullompton, Devon, Sat 6 Aug

Attention bookworms! Learn the art of book binding in the historic grounds of Walronds House. Using traditional techniques you’ll create your own clothbound hardback book to take home and display in pride of place. You’ll also receive a certificate in basic book binding (very official!) Refreshments are provided along with a light lunch. £40pp.

FAMILY: Lifeboat Weekend in aid of RNLI, Clovelly, nr Bideford, Sat – Sun 7 Aug

Family-friendly event raising money for a worthy cause. Cheer on the participants in Saturday’s sponsored swim, or visit on Sunday for a lively day of games, music and local nosh. You can also visit the Lifeboat House to watch rescue demonstrations from the crew. 

Want more, more, more? For family days out, check out 15 family-friendly things to do, and 25 Fab things to do with kids this summer, plus our pick of Outdoor Theatre and Outdoor Cinema around Devon.