Things to do in South Devon this autumn

If you think that a cool breeze and the evenings drawing in means it’s time to hibernate, think again! There’s plenty of things to do in South Devon this autumn. Pull on a few layers and plan your days out with our guide to what’s on and the best places to visit from September to November 2021.

Powderham Food Festival

Set in the grounds of Powderham Castle this award-winning food festival is back to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2021. 

Book your tickets in advance to experience delicacies from some of the region’s best food and drink producers, as well as demonstrations, fun children’s activities and foodie competitions. 

Powderham Food Festival takes place from 2 to 3 October, 2021.

Find the full event programme and buy tickets on the Powderham Food Festival website.

Dartmouth Food Festival 

This free festival in Dartmouth is packed with food and drink to suit all taste buds. There’s three days to enjoy including cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, talks with food writers, and cookery workshops for adults and children.

A whole day of the festival is dedicated to children, with events and activities to get kids excited about cooking.

Dartmouth Food Festival takes place from 22 to 24 October, 2021.

Take a look at the full programme on the Food Festival website.

Illuminate Festival in Plymouth 

Illuminate Festival of light returns to Royal William Yard in Plymouth this November. This uplifting event features projection mapping, playful light art installations, joyous performances and a myriad of opportunities to engage, participate and make.

Illuminate has been created by local and international artists, tech designers and students to appeal to visitors of all ages. It is free to attend and takes place from 25 to 28 November, 2021.

Find out more on the Visit Plymouth website.

Enjoy a quieter beach day

The autumn months are the ideal time to enjoy a South Devon beach day with less competition for the perfect spot on the sand and car parking spaces. 

Here’s where to find some of the loveliest beaches in the South Hams and South Devon beaches that are dog-friendly all year round.

Ride a steam railway

What better way to experience Devon’s stunning countryside and coast than by watching it pass by during a ride on a vintage steam railway?

Here’s where you’ll find steam trains in Devon.

Visit Devon’s historic places

Mellow autumn colours and swirling mists add plenty of atmosphere to South Devon’s historic attractions.

Here’s where to find the region’s castles and National Trust properties which are open throughout the autumn season.

What to do on a rainy day

Should the weather take a turn for the worst, there’s lots of things to do in South Devon. Visit Kent’s Cavern in Torquay to discover millennia of natural history or take a trip to the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth to meet some of the creatures that live off our shores.

Here’s some more ideas for things to do on wet days in South Devon.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Devon?

Check out our luxury holiday cottages in South Devon. We have romantic hideaways, dog-friendly accommodation and cottages for large family gatherings. Take a look for yourself and find the perfect Devon cottage holiday.