Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals-and-family">FESTIVALS AND FAMILY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Pirates-Plummet1.jpg" alt="Pirates Plummet" class="wp-image-87533" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Pirates-Plummet1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Pirates-Plummet1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Pirates-Plummet1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Pirates-Plummet1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Crealy </figcaption></figure>



<p>School&#8217;s out (almost) and Devon is pulling out all the stops. <a href="https://www.crealy.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crealy</a> has doubled down on thrills this summer with not one but two headline rides. </p>



<p>Pirate&#8217;s Plummet – the South West&#8217;s tallest drop tower – is already sending brave riders skywards before a stomach-flipping freefall. Then, on 31 July, ROTOR arrives. It&#8217;s the region&#8217;s first-ever inverted ride, promising dangling feet, twists and plenty of screams.</p>



<p>Elsewhere, there&#8217;s more good news for families as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.teignbridgeleisure.co.uk/swimming-and-swim-school/teignmouth-lido-swimming-pool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teignmouth Lido</a>&nbsp;has been given a welcome reprieve and is officially open for the summer season. Long may the outdoor swims continue.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="656" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/nt1fafa-summer-of-play-at-fountains-abbey.jpg.jpeg" alt="Summer of Play National Trust " class="wp-image-87534" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/nt1fafa-summer-of-play-at-fountains-abbey.jpg.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/nt1fafa-summer-of-play-at-fountains-abbey.jpg-800x350.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/nt1fafa-summer-of-play-at-fountains-abbey.jpg-1000x437.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/nt1fafa-summer-of-play-at-fountains-abbey.jpg-768x336.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: National Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p>Fancy catching Pokémon instead? The <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/family-friendly/summer-of-play?type=event&amp;campid=SocialAdvertising_Central_Seasonal_SummerOfPlay-202627_YouTube-Animation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Trust, Summer of Play</a> is back at Killerton, Coleton Fishacre, Greenway and Knightshayes, mixing nature trails and outdoor adventures with a Pokémon twist. And if your summer diary still has a gap, check out the brand-new <a href="https://www.naturalseatonfestival.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural Seaton Festival: Jurassic Discovery</a>, celebrating the Jurassic Coast with wildlife walks, creative workshops, talks and family-friendly adventures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awards-amp-applause">AWARDS &amp; APPLAUSE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/©-David-Levene-Art-Fund-2026.jpg" alt="The Box Mammoth " class="wp-image-87535" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/©-David-Levene-Art-Fund-2026.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/©-David-Levene-Art-Fund-2026-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/©-David-Levene-Art-Fund-2026-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/©-David-Levene-Art-Fund-2026-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: David Levene</figcaption></figure>



<p>Here&#8217;s one to make Devon proud.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theboxplymouth.com/search?find=easter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Box</a>&nbsp;in Plymouth has scooped the coveted&nbsp;Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026 title, along with a whopping £120,000 prize. Judges described it as a &#8216;true jewel in the crown of the South West&#8217; after a record-breaking year. If it&#8217;s been a while since you wandered through its galleries, this is your reminder.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bookshelf">BOOKSHELF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1167" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/9781738510627.jpg" alt="Seagull Scruff book cover" class="wp-image-87537" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/9781738510627.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/9781738510627-800x622.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/9781738510627-1000x778.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/9781738510627-768x598.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy adding something new to the bedside table? Devon children&#8217;s author <a href="https://www.instagram.com/erin_allgrove/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Erin Allgrove</a> returns with <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-adventures-of-seagull-scruff/erin-allgrove/9781738510627" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Adventures of Seagull Scruff</a>, another charming seaside story that&#8217;s sure to delight little bookworms.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1136" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/image2.jpg" alt="Slay book cover " class="wp-image-87538" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/image2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/image2-800x606.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/image2-1000x757.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/image2-768x582.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>And for grown-ups, Devon mythologist&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jas_elmer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jasmine Elmer</a>&nbsp;is making waves with&nbsp;<em><a href="https://geni.us/SlayBook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slay</a></em>, an eye-opening look at the forgotten female dragon slayers of ancient mythology. Blending history, folklore and feminist storytelling, it&#8217;s already earned praise from historian Dan Snow, who calls Jasmine &#8216;one of our most exciting new classicists&#8217;.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retail-therapy">RETAIL THERAPY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1432" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Natural-Source1.jpg" alt="Natural Source, Arcade, Royal William Yard" class="wp-image-87543" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Natural-Source1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Natural-Source1-800x764.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Natural-Source1-1000x955.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Natural-Source1-768x733.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Arcade, Royal William Yard</figcaption></figure>



<p>Plymouth shoppers are being thoroughly spoiled.&nbsp;<a href="https://royalwilliamyard.com/things-to-do/natural-source" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural Source</a>&nbsp;is the latest independent to open at&nbsp;Arcade&nbsp;in Royal William Yard, which is now fully occupied less than a year after launching. Over on the Barbican,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/wardrobe_stories_devon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wardrobe Stories</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;has opened its doors inside the House That Jack Built, offering beautifully curated pre-loved and never-worn fashion for the whole family. Sustainable shopping? Don&#8217;t mind if we do.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-day-tripping">DAY TRIPPING </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/river-shack.jpg" alt="The River Shack, Stoke Gabriel" class="wp-image-87545" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/river-shack.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/river-shack-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/river-shack-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/river-shack-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: The River Shack</figcaption></figure>



<p>A boat trip to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therivershackdevon.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The River Shack</a>? It might be niche, but trust us, it&#8217;s worth it. Thanks to a brand-new pontoon at Mill Point,&nbsp;Stoke Gabriel&nbsp;is now accessible at all states of the tide, making those leisurely riverside lunches even easier to justify.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-amp-drink">FOOD &amp; DRINK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1095" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/DSC00547-1.jpg" alt="Bunsik food" class="wp-image-87562" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/DSC00547-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/DSC00547-1-800x584.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/DSC00547-1-1000x730.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/DSC00547-1-768x561.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Bunsik</figcaption></figure>



<p>Come hungry &#8211; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/baybowls.tq/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bay Bowls</a> has opened in Torquay, serving up colourful smoothie bowls and healthy lunches, while Korean street food favourite <a href="https://www.bunsik.co.uk/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bunsik</a> has brought its famous corndogs and crispy fried chicken to Plymouth for the very first time.</p>



<p>Further north, <a href="https://www.rolysfudge.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roly&#8217;s Fudge</a> has moved its historic Barnstaple pantry to a new home on Holland Walk, with the beloved business remaining firmly in local hands. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1356" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Rolys-Fudge.jpg" alt="Rolys Fudge" class="wp-image-87542" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Rolys-Fudge.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Rolys-Fudge-800x723.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Rolys-Fudge-1000x904.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/Rolys-Fudge-768x694.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s also reason to raise a glass in Tedburn St Mary, where <a href="https://www.redliontedburn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Red Lion</a> has reopened after being rescued from closure by a local couple who first met there years ago (cue all the happy tears). And burger lovers, don&#8217;t miss <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shaka_exmouth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SHAKA</a>, the new independent smash burger spot that&#8217;s landed in Exmouth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wellness">WELLNESS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1557" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/holt-sauna.jpg" alt="Holt Sauna" class="wp-image-87560" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/holt-sauna.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/holt-sauna-771x800.jpg 771w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/holt-sauna-963x1000.jpg 963w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/holt-sauna-768x797.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/07/holt-sauna-1480x1536.jpg 1480w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Holt Sauna</figcaption></figure>



<p>Beach sauna fans, this one&#8217;s for you.&nbsp;<a href="https://holtsauna.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holt Sauna</a>&nbsp;has fired up at Broadsands, bringing wood-fired heat, sea views and the perfect excuse for a hot-cold wellness fix on the English Riviera.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sad-goodbyes">SAD GOODBYES </h2>



<p>It&#8217;s never easy saying goodbye. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZnwZkLDeSP/?img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SuundSauna</a> has already closed its doors, while lifestyle store <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DaKx_ypl6Qp/?img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">With A Little Love</a> will be saying farewell at the end of July. There&#8217;s still time to grab one last sourdough pizza from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DaLYmtBFexp/?img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pizzalogica</a>, which will be serving its loyal fans until 31 August. If you&#8217;ve been meaning to go, we&#8217;d book that table sooner rather than later.</p>


Superflashy: New rides, new bites and big wins in Devon

You may also like