🎃 Hello Devon Pumpkins!

There’s something special about Devon. Even though the seasons change, there are always unique things to do, inside or out.

That’s why it’s such a pleasure to produce Go Devon!

We save you time by providing our selection of the best and most interesting activities and events.

And we send them to you as an email newsletter so you can avoid endless social media scrolling and Google searching to find inspiration.

Let us know if there’s something you think we should cover. Send us a message by hitting reply to this email.

And don’t forget our links to Devon prize competitions below!

Where to go pumpkin picking in Devon this autumn

Autumn’s here and Halloween approaches, which means it’s time to go pumpkin picking!

Devon With Kids website has compiled a handy guide to 15 pumpkin venues and promises to update them as dates are confirmed, mostly during October.

Here’s a selection from around the county. More on their website.

1. Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0LT

2. Terawhiti Farm, South Milton, Kingsbridge TQ7 3JT

3. Surfing Cow, South Battisborough Farm, Holbeton, Plymouth PL8 1JY

4. Devon Pumpkin Picking, Bickington, Newton Abbot TQ12 6LH

5. Jolly Pumpkin, Silverton, Exeter EX5 4DU

6. Orwey Farm, Kentisbeare, Cullompton EX15 2EY

Who knew there are so many places to go pumpkin harvesting!

Get your photo taken with a Dalek at a comic convention near you

Comic and gaming characters come to life at increasingly popular comic “cons” (conventions) and festivals, and there are two in Devon in the next couple of months.

Brush shoulders with Dr Who, meet comic artists at work, and try different types of gaming, including virtual reality and retro games at the Comic Con and Gaming Festivals.

TV and film memorabilia, board games, computer games, comics, Lego, Harry Potter and Japanese Manga items are available to purchase.

Exeter Comic Con and Gaming Festival | Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October | Westpoint Arena, Exeter EX5 1DJ. Tickets. 

Plymouth Comic Con and Gaming Festival | Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November | Plymouth Active, Life Centre, Plymouth PL2 3DG. Tickets. 

Sir Geoffrey Boycott on stage. Howzat!? Controversial probably

He got a knighthood despite objections and Sir Geoff is still going strong at 82, touring the country with the uniquely forthright self-assuredness needed for an opening batsman.

In an evening with Geoffrey Boycott, he shares personal film footage from an incredible career - some which has never been seen before.

He recalls stories featuring cricket personalities including Brian Close, Fred Trueman, Ian Botham, Harry Secombe and his great pal, Brian Clough.

There is also a chance for the audience to ask questions.

You can catch Sir Geoff at three Devon venues during the first week of October.

Tuesday 3rd October, Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter EX1 1BW. £24.

Wednesday 4th October, Quad Theatre, Marjons University, Plymouth PL6 8BH. £27.50

Friday 6th October, Palace Theatre, Paignton TQ3 3HF £26.95

Saved! Plymouth Bonfire Night 2023 back from the brink

It was on, then it was off. Now it’s on again.

The Hoe bonfire and fireworks enjoyed by 27,000 people last year was cancelled due to budget cuts.

Now Plymouth City Council has reversed the decision to boost spirits during the cost of living crisis and give us all some free fun.

It’s a safe way to enjoy November 5th and there will be the usual funfair and food stalls accompanying the celebrations.

But this could be last year, so make the most of it.

Learn about free edible plants and make a meal with your finds

Foraging gets more popular as people strive to connect with nature, make use of free food and save money.

But can you really make a meal from stuff plucked from the fields and woods?

Yes, according to expert at Wild Food UK.

They are running an autumn foraging course in Barnstaple on Saturday 21st October where you can learn how.

You’ll venture out with an expert guide who’ll help you find the edible gems and all importantly avoid the poisonous nasties.

Autumn Foraging Course, Broomhill Estate, Muddiford Road, Barnstaple EX31 4EX

Tickets. Adult £60, children (12-16) £30.

The taste is smooth and sweet at Devon’s only whisky distillery

Here’s something a bit different for a fun afternoon out with friends, or perhaps something to give as a birthday present or treat.

At Devon’s only whisky distillery learn how quality single malt whiskies aren’t just made in Scotland.

Dartmoor’s peaty water gives them a unique smooth and sweet flavour.

Book a tasting experience on a Saturday and enjoy three individually aged whiskies in a guided sampling.

You’ll also hear about the history of the business, the passion of the owners, and see the beautiful antique copper still imported from France.

Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, Devon, England, TQ13 9EG Tickets £20.

🌟 Win Devon Prizes

Feeling lucky? We’ve found loads of prize competitions for you.

Closing dates are in brackets.

You could win:

NEW! 🛏 A 4-night stay in a South Devon hideaway, worth £1,000 (25 Sep)

NEW! 🥓 A tasty full English breakfast for 4 people worth £60. (20 Oct)

🏠️ This beautiful Devon house worth £2m. (30 Sep)

🛏 A free dinner, bed and breakfast in this top Torquay hotel. (30 Sep)

🍛 A tasty meal for 2 at this new organic restaurant. (30 Sep)

🖊A £500 holiday voucher by completing a survey (30 Sep)

🌊 A stay at this new Plymouth hotel + stand-up paddleboarding (3 Oct)

🏖 A fabulous short break in Torquay (31 Oct)

⭐️ A “Golden” ticket to Devon attractions worth £1,500 (1 Dec)

Terms and conditions apply. See websites.

Good luck!

Got a competition? Let us know.

Listings

🌊 North Devon

SEPTEMBER

Sat 9th to Sun 24th

ARTS & CRAFTS | 🎨 Devon Open Studios 2023 | Visit over 340 Devon artists and learn about their creations | Details of the artists taking part here.

Thu 21st

SCIENCE TALK | 🪲 Unnatural Selection. Invertebrates and evolution with Stephen Eddy and Katrina von Grouw | Quince Honey Farm, South Molton EX36 3RD | Tickets £5, student £4.

Sat 23rd to Sun 24th

STEAM FAIR | 🚂 The Lynton and Barnstable Railway Autumn Gala | Operational steam engine train and classic cars | Woody Bay Station, Parracombe EX31 4RA.

Sun 24th

CRAFT | 🎨 Woodblock print design with North Devon printmaker Josie Grant | Studio KIND, Unit 3 Velator Way, Braunton EX33 2FB | Tickets £60.

Mon 25th

DANCE | 💃 Magic Dance Tour | An evening with Strictly Come Dancing stars Ian Waite and Vincent Simone | Queens Theatre, Barnstaple EX31 1SY | Tickets from £30.

Fri 29th

MUSIC | 🎙️ The Ultimate Queen Tribute Band celebrates the 50th anniversary of Queen’s debut album | Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple EX31 1SY | Tickets from £23.50.

Fri 29th to Sat 30th

FESTIVAL | ⛺️ Woodpecker Weekender | An eco-friendly festival with live music and workshops on sustainable living | The Woodpecker Bar and Kitchen, Ilfracombe EX34 8NU | Day tickets £33.22, weekend tickets £60.29.

OCTOBER

Sat 7th to Mon 30th

OUTDOOR FUN | 🌳 How many scarecrows can you spot whilst on Arlington Court’s scarecrow trail? | Arlington Court, Arlington EX31 4LP | Free event.

Fri 13th

CLASSICAL MUSIC | 🎶 Proust’s Salon: Le Concert Retrouve | Plus high tea and opportunity to explore beautiful gardens | Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh, Barnstaple EX32 0RQ | Tickets £95.

Fri 13th to Sun 29th

ASTRONOMY | ⭐️ Exmoor Dark Skies Festival | A two week celebration of the night sky, with dusk wildlife safaris, planetarium and astrophysics lectures | Multiple events on Exmoor | Details and prices here.

Sun 15th

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES | 🧗 Mission Unbreakable commando challenge | Do you have what it takes to complete a 10km obstacle course? | North Molton Sports Ground EX36 3HG | Registration £45.

Wed 18th

BALLET | 🩰 Adaptation of the classic Wizard of Oz story | Queens Theatre, Barnstaple EX31 1SY | Tickets from £22.

Sat 21st

SCIENCE | 🌳 Apple Day | Sciencedipity hosts interactive experiments to learn about Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity | Suitable for children age 4-7 | Barnstable Library, Tuly Street, Barnstaple EX31 1EL | £5 per ticket.

Sat 21st to Tuesday 31st 

HALLOWEEN | 🎃 Be a student at the School for Witches and Wizards | Learn to cast spells, brew potions and take halloween rides | The Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford EX39 5RY | Tickets £16.95 for children 3 years and up.

Sun 22nd

CRAFT FAIR | 🎨 Clovelly Apple Day | Apple ciders, see an apple press in action and join in apple-themed craft and activities | Visitor Centre, Clovelly, Bideford EX39 5TA.

Tue 24th

MUSIC | 🎙️ ABBAMANIA | Europe’s best ABBA tribute band comes to Barnstaple | Dance, sing and celebrate the bands iconic tunes | Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple EX31 1SY | Tickets from £31.50.

🐬 South Devon

SEPTEMBER

Sat 9th to Sun 24th

ARTS & CRAFTS | 🎨 Devon Open Studios 2023 | Visit over 340 Devon artists and learn more about their creations | Details of the artists taking part here.

Wed 20th to Sun 24th

BOOK FESTIVAL | 📖 Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival | A 5 day event celebrating all things books with guest speakers and children’s entertainment | Details and prices here.

Sat 23rd to Sat 30th

HIKING | 🥾 English Riviera Walking Festival | Take part in guided hikes around the region including along the scenic South West Coastal Path | Details and prices here.

Sun 24th

RIVER RUN | 🐟 Salmon Run 50 mile ultra marathon, relay and 5K run along the River Exe | Ultra £30, Relay (4-8 people) £15, 5K £5. Booking. 

MUSIC | 🎙️ 80s and 90s hitmaker Deacon Blue live | Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth PL1 3LF | Tickets from £44.62.

Tue 26th

DANCE | 🕺 An Evening with Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke | Watch iconic dance routines and hear backstage stories | Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2 5EZ | Tickets from £33.24.

Wed 27th to Sat 30th

THEATRE | 🎭 Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night by candlelight | Exeter Cathedral, Exeter EX1 1HS | Tickets from £10.

Sat 30th

FESTIVAL | 🐟 Goodrington Seafest | Live theatre, music, mermaids and water sports | Goodrington, Paignton TQ4 6BU | Free to attend, pre book water sport tasters here.

MURDER MYSTERY | ❓Immerse yourself in a 1920s themed murder mystery, with three course meal and drinks | The Old Pottery, Pottery Road, Newton Abbot TQ13 9DS | Tickets £50.

OCTOBER

Sun 1st

MUSIC & DINING | 🎷 Sunday roast with a twist! | A 3-course meal with live jazz music | The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock PL19 8BB | Adults £34, children £28 | Call or book a table online.

Sat 7th

DANCING | 🕺 The Legendary Hennock Barn Dance | A night of dancing, ceilidh music and enjoyment for all the family | Beechleigh Farm, Furzeleigh Lane, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9LU | Adult tickets £10, Youth (12-17) £4, U11s Free.

Sat 7th to Sun 8th

FOOD FESTIVAL | 🌯 Powderham Food Festival presents Devon’s finest food and drink sellers | Entertainment, chilli competitions and live workshops | Powderham Estate, Exeter EX6 8JQ | Free, car park £8.

Sat 7th to Sun 15th

HALLOWEEN | 🎃 Pumpkin picking | Pick out your own pumpkin to carve | Terawhiti Farm, South Milton, Kingsbridge TQ7 3JT | Pumpkins from 50p.

Sun 8th

CYCLE CHALLENGE | 🚴 Tour of the Moor around Dartmoor for all abilities in aid of St Luke’s Hospice | Harrowbeer Airfield, Yelverton PL20 6BU | Register.

Wed 11th

FAIR | 🎢 The annual Tavistock Goosey Fair is back! | Enjoy fairground rides, street food and craft stalls | Tavistock Town Centre PL19 0AU.

Sun 15th

HIKING CHALLENGE | 🥾 Warrior Women Walk | A 10km walk around the beautiful Burrator reservoir and surrounding area in aid of the charity Trevi | Dogs permitted on leads | Registration £20, U10s £10.

Fri 27th

CRAFT | 🌸 Create a beautiful and spooktacular Halloween wreath to decorate your front door for trick or treaters with Emma’s Flowers | The Woolwell Centre, Plymouth PL6 7TR | Tickets £45.

Hey, can we ask a favour?

We’ll keep finding the exciting, surprising, interesting and cool things to do.

You tell your friends about us. Deal?

With love, cream and jam (in that order).

😎 Andy, Esme, Lara and the Go Devon! team

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