Seven sizzling events coming to South Devon this autumn
South Devon is home to a host of autumn events this October, ranging from breath-taking acts performed by Moscow State Circus, to a fabulous three-day food festival in Dartmouth. Whatever your whim, Visit South Devon’s seven sizzling events for the autumn should have something to keep everyone entertained.
1. “The Mythic Garden” Sculpture Exhibition, up to 31 October
“The Mythical Garden” Sculpture Exhibition is an annual event set within the Stone Lane Gardens, renowned for its beautiful collection of Birch and Alder trees, located on the North Eastern edge of Dartmoor.
The exhibition features an array of individual sculptures amongst the groves of trees, pools and streams, creating a magical day out for the family, where you’ll discover stunning sculptures nestled in and around the gardens.
Alongside the sculptures are a variety of art exhibitions in the barn gallery and a pop-up café. The event is open Monday to Sunday, 10:00am to 18:00pm, up until 31 October. Deep link: https://bit.ly/2Q3vpjG
Where to stay: Mill End Country Hotel, a luxurious country retreat, situated on the banks of the River Teign. Enjoy the stunning views of Dartmoor and the South Devon countryside. A night in a standard king-size bedroom for two starts from £115. https://millendhotel.com/
2. Two Moors Festival, 12 October to 21 October
A nationally renowned, annual classical music festival covering Exmoor, Dartmoor and surrounding areas, the Two Moors Festival is in its 18th year.
There will be a number of illustrious artist appearances including: Stephan Kovacevich, Yevgeny Sudbin and Dame Felicity Lott. Dame Lott will be giving recitals and hosting a master class.
The festival sees local art centres, village halls, churches and indoor markets come to life with inspirational exhibitions, workshops and masterclasses. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £2.50 for children. Deep link: https://bit.ly/2zsyZ1l
Where to stay: The Dartmoor Lodge Hotel is situated on the edge of South Dartmoor, an ideal base if you fancy exploring the moorland. Double bedrooms start from £98, per night with breakfast included. http://www.dartmoorlodge.co.uk/
3. Dartmouth Food Festival, 19 October to 21 October
A haven for foodies, Dartmouth Food Festival sees over 20,000 people explore the delicious array of food and drink stalls on display over three days of festivities. More than 100 South West producers attend the event to showcase their produce, year in, year out.
Festival advocate Mitch Tonks, an award-winning restaurateur and chef, will be leading the first-class feast of entertainment. Special guest appearances will be made by renowned chefs including runner up of MasterChef: The Professionals 2016, Elly Wentworth, as well as J.P Bidart and Freddy Bird.
Visitors can also look forward to appearances from well-known broadcasters such as Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt, BBC Radio 4’s Julie Waddell and award-winning TV Presenter Kate Haskell. There will also be a host of other events such as workshops, live food debates and demonstrations. Deep link: https://bit.ly/2DxpRfL
Where to stay: Strete Barton House is a 16th Century Manor House, set within extensive grounds in the village of Strete, near Dartmouth. Strete Barton House is proud to be an award-winning AA 5 star rated luxury guest house. Bookings are available from £105 per night for a double room. http://www.stretebarton.co.uk
4. Moscow State Circus, 5 October – 21 October
Possibly the world’s most famous circus, Moscow State is heading to Plymouth this autumn. An unmissable spectacle, this incredible show promises to have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Acts include unicycling, foot juggling, trapeze, high wire and the exciting and enthralling Gostinitisa bellboys skipping act, which comes with a twist.
The show lasts two hours and performances take place in Central Park, Plymouth. Tickets start from £12 for adults and £8 for children. Deep link: https://bit.ly/2DriOVK
Where to stay: Borington Hall Hotel and Spa is perfect for a relaxing night away. This 5* hotel features an unmissable fine dining restaurant, luxury spa and wellness facilities. Calming weekend breaks for two starts from £200 per night. www.boringdonhall.co.uk/
5. Diesel Gala at South Devon Railway, 2 – 4 November
An impressive fleet of British Railways’ 1960s ‘first generation’ diesels will be featuring in the annual Diesel Gala weekend this November, taking place along The South Devon Railway between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.
An intensive service will be operating throughout the weekend, offering a great opportunity for diesel fans to experience the sixty-year-old engines in action.
This year’s special visitor locomotive will be BR diesel hydraulic Type 1 (Class 14) D9526, which will be visiting from its home on the West Somerset Railway.
Rover tickets are available for one, two or three days of unlimited travel. Adult tickets start from £21 and children’s from £14. Deep link: https://bit.ly/2P6Vcr2
Where to stay: Situated on Paignton’s Esplanade, The Palace Hotel sits directly opposite Paignton seafront and green, just a short drive from Totnes. A double room for one night can be booked from £120. http://www.palacepaignton.com
6. ‘Plate Up’ exhibition, featuring Michelin-starred executive chef Michael Wignall – until 14 November.
Michelin-starred executive chef Michael Wignall will be co-curating a new exhibition in Bovey Tracey, where he will share an insight into his own distinct way of using contemporary craft in the serving and display of food.
‘Plate Up’ is structured into five elements: fire, earth, metal, water and food – creating a unique collision of contemporary food and craft.
Well-known for his creative approach to dining and his appearance on MasterChef: The Professionals, in 2013, Michael will be appearing in Jubilee Gallery, The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, Monday to Sunday until 14 November, 10am until 5.30pm. Entry is free, booking is not required. Deep link: https://bit.ly/2Q5vKlU
Where to stay: Located within Dartmoor National Park, just 4 miles from the A38, the Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa is a family run, quintessential English country house hotel. Book a room for two from £125. www.ilsington.co.uk/Home
7. Beer R&B Music Festival, 12 October – 14 October
Now in its 21st year, the Beer R&B Music Festival will be returning to Beer for three days of Rhythm and Blues this October.
The music festival will see an abundance of events including performances from Caddick and Parks, Del Bromham’s Blues Devils, The Cardillac Kings and many more.
The first event, starring Richard Taylor and the Blackjacks, will start at 9am on the Friday. The final event, featuring The Monster Jam, takes place on Sunday at 2.30pm. All events will take place in the Mariners Hall, except the Sunday lunchtime gig, which will be held at The Anchor. Tickets are available from £16. Deep link: https://bit.ly/2OzteXY
Where to stay: The Eyre Court is family run hotel and pub, located in the heart of Seaton’s community. Situated just 250 metres from the beach, this hotel offers the perfect package for a night away by the sea. Book a room for two from £70 per night, breakfast included. http://www.eyrecourthotel.co.uk/
For more information on upcoming events, go to www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk