

March & April Offer Throughout March & April take advantage of a find out more...
We're offering every room booking in March a fabulous complimentary room find out more...
View all current offers »
1°C
Wind: N at 8 mph
8°C
Clear
10°C
Clear
9°C
Chance of Rain
11°C
Clear
Caravan and Motorhome Show
19th - 21st March 2010 -Westpoint, Exeter
See all the latest designs and types of caravans and motorhomes and talk to your local dealers. You will see masses of accessories together with all that is new in gadgets and gizmos. If new is not for you, come and see loads of pre-loved caravans and motorhomes. Tel 01392 446000 for more details.
Daffodil Day at Hartland Abbey21st March 2010 - Bideford
At Hartland Abbey we are holding our first Daffodil Sunday on 21st March, from 11am - 4pm. We have a wonderful collection of historic daffodils, many planted 150 years ago. In 2010 we have decided to have a change from our Snowdrop Sundays in order for our visitors to see our stunning display of daffodils. In the past year many more have been transplanted from Grenville College, formerly Moreton House, home to the Stucley family until 1950. Our wild flower days have now become established as really good fun days out for everyone including the dogs, of which literally hundreds turned up last year (with their owners!). Visitors will be able to see not only the daffodils, but also lots of camellias, hellebores, early spring bulbs, mimosas and our lovely wild primroses and violets but due to the vagaries of the English weather, who knows what will be out! Parts of the estate, normally closed to the public, because they are stocked, will be open and there is plenty of opportunity for a really good walk to Blackpool Mill, which starred as 'Barton Cottage' in the BBC adaptation of 'Sense and Sensibility'. The Abbey itself will be open between 1 - 4pm at a small extra charge. Warming hot pasties, light lunches and really good home made cream teas will be provided by the wonderful ladies of St. Nectan's Church with all the profits going to this beautiful church. Visitors are advised to bring wellies! Tel 01237 441234 www.hartlandabbey.com
Easterfest at Crealy
27th March - 19th April - Clyst St Mary, Exeter
Spring-fresh fun for all the family at Crealy throughout the Easter holidays!
Discover the NEW Wilderness, feed the deer and outwit Adam the Ogre; ride 2000 years back in time on Maximus the ride. Meet the rabbits and babies in The Animal Nursery - from English Giants to tiny Dwarf Lops. Bunny Bonanza, Animal Showtime and Bunny Hop Races with chocolate rabbits to be wonMeet Crealy's bouncing Easter babies, from fluffy cuddly rabbits to loveable newly hatched ducklings! We will be open daily during school holidays from 27th March and Thursday - Monday during the Devon term time. Also during the school holidays there is the Crealy Adventure Club - pre-booked daycare for children age 6+
Over the Easter Weekend look out for the M'egga Hide 'n' Seek, a whole host of new baby animals and Dora The Explorer! For tickets please call 01395 233200 or visit our online shop.
Wedding Fayre28th March - Woodbury, Exeter
Held at Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club within the main Clubhouse, there will be free admission and a free prize draw! Donations requested in aid of the NSPCC South West Child's Voice Appeal. Bubbly and Canapés available! Exhibitors will include:
Florists, Photography & Videographers, Wedding Cars, Bridal Wear / Menswear, Cakes & Chocolate Fountain, Jewellery, Wedding Stationery, Chair Covers, Hair & Make up, Bodyzone. Tel 01395 234735 for more details.
How the Koala Learnt to Hug
9th April - Exeter Northcott Theatre
The People's Theatre Company present an adaptation from the first collection of shor stories by children's author Steve Lee. A charming tale about the magic of family, told though the story of lots of wild characters including Natasha the Witch and Karen the Koala. Sing-along songs, superb games and of course first class hugging. Age 4 + Tel: 01392 494493
Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink 2010
9th - 11th April 2010 - Northernhay Gardens & Exeter Castle Courtyard
Northernhay Gardens and Exeter Castle Courtyard will play host to the South West's largest food and drink festival, held over the weekend of Friday 9 - Sunday 11 April 2010. In Northernhay Gardens, festivalgoers can sample and purchase a fantastic array of regional products. Tel 01392 440745 for more details.
James and the Giant Peach
15th - 17th April 2010 - Northcott Theatre, Exeter
The Exeter Northcott Young Company's interpretation of Roald Dahl's classic children's story. Be prepared for all sorts of creepy crawlies and a giant peach that takes James across the ocean to New York. Suitable for age 5+ - just let your imagination go wild and enjoy the adventure.
Bluebell Sunday at Hartland Abbey
18th April 2010 - Bideford
In 2010 we are holding two Bluebell Sundays by popular request! The bluebells stretch from the Walled Gardens to the sea. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a new walk along a path recently discovered in the undergrowth; this path had been lost since the First World War. We are reopening this for the first time in 2010, creating a lovely circular walk from the Abbey to the Gazebo and beach. For those who have not visited us before it is also a chance to walk to 'Barton Cottage' which was the home of the Dashwood family in the recent BBC production of 'Sense and Sensibility', filmed here in 2007. The bluebells at Hartland Abbey have always been legendary and have been hugely enjoyed by our regular visitors to the Abbey. This year on Sunday 18th and 25th April we will be opening at the much reduced price of £3.50 for adults with children 15 and under free. We love dogs and hope that you will bring as many as possible! There should be lots of lovely plants out in the gardens then; the early rhododendrons, camellias, later bulbs and early perennials amongst others. There will be plenty of opportunity for walking with 3.5 miles within the Abbey grounds.
The Tea Rooms will be serving hot pasties, light lunches and home made cream teas. All the proceeds go to St Nectan's Church, Stoke towards the upkeep of this wonderful church, which is really worth a visit. It is within walking distance of the Abbey or a short distance by car. Do come! For further information please ring 01237 441234
Darts Music Festival
7th - 9th May - Dartmouth
This is the 12th year for the Festival, now a well-established event. From its inception, the ethos has been to provide music to suit all taste, with un-ticketed events wherever feasible to ensure the music is accessible to the majority of visitors. Despite this year's top line-up, this policy is continuing this year. Of course some events have to be ticketed but the Festival, which receives no grants and is run professionally by a voluntary Committee, relies mainly for its funding on donations made to the official collectors who circulate during performances. All contributions as well as programme and merchandise sales go directly to the supporting the cost of the Festival.
During the 3 day Festival over 80 events will be taking place in a variety of venues across this ancient town, including jazz, choral, acoustic guitar, blues, opera, big bands, organ recitals, orchestral and a string quartet. Festival Hotline: 01803 833943; Full programme with details of all artists and events £2.50 inc. p&p, available early April: 01803 833943, 01803 834224, or visit www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk
The Devon Bear Fair
16th May - Exmouth Pavilion
Over 45 stands of hundreds of teddies, new and old, designer and antique. Free valuations and restoration advice, bear making demonstrations, bear kits, patterns, materials and accessories, teddy bear hospital, Animals Asia Charity Stand and many more! Teddy Prize Draw plus Champagne Competition for Own Bear Creation of any size (take your own!) Tel 01503 240462.
The Devon County Show
20th May to 22 May - Westpoint Arena, Exeter
The Devon County Show is the largest event in the county calendar and is the perfect place to enjoy a virtual tour of rural life. Thanks to our top quality local ingredients - magnificent livestock, bountiful food and drink, a glorious flower and garden marquee and great side dishes of family entertainment - we have the perfect recipe for a great day out! Attractions Include: Grand Livestock Parade, Classic Show Jumping, Livestock Showing Classes, Shetlands and Shires, Scurry Driving, Axe Racing, Best Of British Food and Drink, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Cookery With Top Chefs, Dog Show, Donkeys, Farmhouse Cider, Farm Vehicles and Machinery, Flower and Garden Show, Sheep Shearing, Vintage Tractors and lots more for all the family! 01392 353753.
Devon Wine Week
22nd - 29th May 2010 - Various Vineyards
After a very successful Devon Wine Week last year, there will be even more to enjoy during the week this year, including new vineyards to visit. There are 14 vineyards taking part in the fifth Devon Wine Week, and it is the biggest regional celebration of English Wine Week. Those taking part this time are: Yearlstone, Sharpham, Pebblebed, Manstree, Kenton, Old Walls, Lily Farm, Eastcott, National Trust Knightshayes, Cannington www.devonwineweek.co.uk
Ilfracombe Victorian Week
12th -20th June 2010 - Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe's bygone days are celebrated in this annual event. Visitors & locals alike dress up in magnificent Victorian costumes and parade at an array of venues throughout the week. The whole week culminates in a promenade concert followed by spectacular firework display. www.ilfracombevictoriancelebration.org.uk
Teignmouth Folk Festival
18th - 20th June - Teignmouth
Plans are well underway for this year's festival, which we hope, will have something to interest everyone. The 2010 Folk Festival's line up is currently being confirmed, check back later this year for more information on who will be performing.
See website www.teignmouthfolk.co.uk for information on workshops, session venues and for details on prices and booking procedure or email annemgill@tiscali.co.uk for more information. If you would like to receive a booking form send an SAE to Teignmouth Folk Festival, Maleth, 11 Cleveland Road, Torquay, TQ2 5BD 01803 290427 or annemgill@tiscali.co.uk
During the festival weekend tickets can be purchased from the festival office at the Carlton Theatre.
Lundy Gig Row
10th - 11th July - Clovelly
West Country pilot gigs were designed to carry pilots out to ships. The first one alongside won the pilotage job, so speed was critical. The row from Clovelly to Lundy and back is a true test of endurance over 32 miles of sea - it can take up to four hours, depending upon the weather and tides. So come along and support the brave crews! Tel: 01237 431781 or website www.clovelly.co.uk
South Devon Festival
24th July - Newton Abbot Racecourse
Inaugural festival being headlined by Will Young! Also appearing are Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds, The Wurzels and a whole host of local bands. Food from locally sourced suppliers will be available as well as beer tents, a chill out zone offering locally made crafts and alternative therapies and activities for kids. www.manor-events.co.uk
Honiton Charter Day
24th July 2010 - Honiton
A day of festivities celebrating our market charter. Charity stalls are invited to join our already established market along the High Street and down Northcotte Lane. Events such as Town Crier competition, music and dancing, food stalls and in the evening open concert by Honiton's Town Band. www.visithoniton.com