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.
Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide
Here’s What To Do In Devon This Autumn
Chow Down At Powderham Food Festival
1–2 October 2022
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. powderhamfoodfestival.com
Unplug at Loveland Farm
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
Cosy Rentals To Hunker Down in This Autumn
Celebrate Apple Day
25 September 2022
Prefer your apples to your oranges? Wondering what to do in Devon in autumn? Then make sure you celebrate apple day at Clovelly. There will be arts and crafts and apple activities for the kids, and don’t forget to BYOA (bring your own apples) to be pressed into juice. clovelly.co.uk
Head to Sandridge Barton, The Home of Sharpham Wine
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 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
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
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
Autumn Holiday Ideas To Book Now
Tuck in at The Hidden Hut
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
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).
MORE AUTUMNAL ACTIVITIES
