Here’s What To Do In Devon This Autumn

Beautiful Devon, with it’s sandy beaches and crystal seas, might seem most appealing in the summer months (millions of tourists flocking to the beaches would agree). But there’s plenty of options if you’re wondering what to do in Devon in autumn – and you’ve come to the right place to find out. From food festivals to pumpkin picking, here’s the C&TH guide to autumnal Devon.

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Here’s What To Do In Devon This Autumn

Chow Down At Powderham Food Festival

7–8 October 2023, 10am–5pm at Powderham Castle (Powderham Estate, Exeter EX6 8JQ)

Celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, the award-winning Powderham Food Festival takes place in Powderham Castle and showcases delicacies from the region’s best food and drink producers. There’s also competitions and children’s activities – delicious fun for all ages. Better still, tickets are entirely free. powderhamfoodfestival.com

Unplug at Loveland Farm

Hartland, Bideford EX39 6AT

Fancy a Devon staycation this autumn? Perched in North Devon’s Hartland Peninsula, Loveland Farm plays host to six geodesic domes – lovely in the summer, and cosy as the weather turns autumnal. It’s billed as a space for creatives to unplug from frenzied modern living and is sustainable from the outset: think solar panels, biomass systems for energy, plus all the pods require no electricity nor water. loveland.farm

Head To Lovely Clovelly

Clovelly, Bideford EX39 5TE

Prefer your apples to your oranges? Wondering what to do in Devon in autumn? Sadly, you’ve missed Clovelly’s exciting Apple Day extravaganza, but there are still plenty of apples to eat, drink and admire in Clovelly’s Court Gardens (and, failing that, other fruits, vegetables and plants. You have to pay to enter this unique village, but there’s fun for all of the family once inside. clovelly.co.uk

Head to Sandridge Barton, The Home of Sharpham Wine

Lower Well Farm, Waddeton Road, Stoke Gabriel, Totnes TQ9 6RL

For more adult things to do in Devon: Sandridge Barton (previously Sharpham Wine & Cheese) has relocated to its new, 400 acre home in Stoke Gabriel, on the east bank of the river. They meticulously select cool climate grape varieties for the vineyard, which guests can learn about on guided (or self-guided) tours and wine tastings, or sip at the on-site restaurant, which offers a relaxed atmosphere – both inside and on its south facing sun terraces – and uses only the best local and seasonal produce. sandridgebarton.com

(c) Steven Haywood

Dig deep at Incredible Edible at Totnes

Totnes

If you’re needing a bit of community connection and reconnection with the soil, gardening initiative Incredible Edible at Totnes may be for you. You don’t need any knowledge, as it welcomes anyone from any background. Growing everything from fruit and herbs to edible flowers and vegetables in public and unused spaces, it’s for everyone in Totnes to share. transitiontowntotnes.org

Embark On An Autumnal Walk in Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park

Wild moorlands and vast valleys: Dartmoor is breathtaking year-round, but gains a gorgeous orange glow in the autumn months. Pull on your autumn boots and crunch some leaves. dartmoor.gov.uk

Tuck in at The Hidden Hut

Portscatho, Truro TR2 5EW

Tuck into freshly cooked produce from the sea en plein air at The Hidden Hut, possibly now Portscatho beach’s worst kept secret (Boris and Biden tried it out at the G7 last year). The hut’s unmissable summer ‘bring your own plate’ events gain a lot of traction, but it’s just as lovely to tuck into a fresh picnic in the colder months. hiddenhut.co.uk

Go Pumpkin Picking

What’s autumn without some Halloween antics? Pumpkin picking is a wholesome way to celebrate the holiday, and Devon has plenty of pumpkin patches available. 2022 details are yet to be confirmed, but Terawhiti Farm, Pips Pick Your Own and Shute Fruit & Produce are annually reliable.

Explore Buckland Abbey

Yelverton PL20 6EZ

With extensive gardens and a lovely orchard, there’s plenty to explore at the lovely Buckland Abbey – and that’s without scratching the surface of its 800 year history. Woodland walks are always at their best in autumn, too. nationaltrust.org.uk

Featured Image: Dartmoor National Park, Devon (via Getty).