Shannon
29 July 2019
Throughout the year, the calendar in Devon is packed with a variety of unique events, and these are a few of the food-themed extravaganzas that we most recommend. If you would class yourself as somewhat of a foodie, then these festivals are must-visits if you happen to be on holiday at the right time. If not, you’ll just have to book a short break to coincide with your favourites so as not to miss out!
Devon food festivals in May
What to expect: An array of events through May-September celebrate the finest local street food vendors at various locations in Exeter. Expect cuisines from all corners of the globe and get ready to indulge your taste buds.
Where: The Quay, Piazza Terracina & Southernhay Gardens
When: Various Thursdays & Fridays from May – September
Tickets: Free entry
Stay: Exeter cottages
What to expect: Live music, food from across the South West, workshops, activities and live cooking demos can all be found at this festival in and around the two large pavilions. Co-founded by Michael Caines, this event has been running for more than 16 years and never fails to please the crowd.
Where: Northernhay Gardens & Exeter Castle
When: May 2020 – dates TBC
Tickets: From £8.10 (under 15s go free)
Stay: Exeter cottages
What to expect: A celebration created to showcase Salcombe’s fishing and tourism draws, as well as the delicious local produce. Watch live cookery demonstrations, enjoy a crab picking masterclass, have a go at making a crab pot and enjoy the live music too!
Where: Island Street, Salcombe
When: 3rd May 2020
Tickets: Free entry
Stay: Salcombe cottages
Devon food festivals in June
What to expect: The largest food and drink festival in the South West showcasing some of the finest local produce from baked goods and local meats to fine cider. You’ll also be able to watch the fabulous live demonstrations from top chefs from around the UK.
Where: Plymouth City Centre
When: 20th-31st May 2020
Tickets: Free entry
Stay: Plymouth cottages
What to expect: See the passion of the local community in this annual event where you can sample a range of delicious foods, get the kids involved in plenty of activities and get your food-shop fix with all the finest products.
Where: Prospect Place, Ottery St Mary
When: June 2020 – dates TBC
Tickets: Free entry
Stay: Sidmouth cottages
Devon food festivals in August
What to expect: A weekend of fun on the River Cottage Farm with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, fantastic food and an impressive festival-style line up with demonstrations, yoga, farm tours, cooking masterclasses and so much more.
Where: River Cottage HQ, Axminster
When: 24-25th August 2019 – 2020 dates TBC
Tickets: £25.00 for adults (under 16s go free)
Stay: South Devon cottages
What to expect: A tasty array of street food vendors from the South West offering up sweet treats and savoury dishes all weekend. Attend on the Sunday to also see Ilfracombe’s most popular event of the year, Birdman, while you eat!
Where: Ilfracombe seafront
When: 2nd-4th August 2019 – 2020 dates TBC
Tickets: Free entry
Stay: Ilfracombe cottages
What to expect: A selection of more than 100 different gins from across the globe available to sample and buy, cocktail demonstrations, live music and an array of talks and presentations from gin industry experts. Plus, ticket prices include an array of gin-themed goodies!
Where: Exeter Corn Exchange
When: 9th-10th August 2019 – 2020 dates TBC
Tickets: From £13.50 (adults only)
Stay: Exeter cottages
Devon food festivals in September
Image credit: OnePlymouth
What to expect: Plenty of activities, dishes, craft stands, and entertainment centred around the fantastic local sustainably sourced seafood in Britain’s Ocean City.
Where: The Barbican & Sutton Harbour
When: 14th-15th September 2019 / 12th-13th September 2020
Tickets: Free entry
Stay: Plymouth cottages
What to expect: A fantastic event in honour of the famous sustainably caught lobsters and crabs of Clovelly. Be prepared to see plenty of people in seafood-themed fancy dress, folk music, cookery demonstrations, craft activities and plenty of tasty seafood treats as the village come together to celebrate!
Where: Clovelly
When: 1st September 2019 – 2020 dates TBC
Tickets: Free entry to event, but Clovelly admission charges still apply
Stay: Clovelly cottages
What to expect: This charity festival is run entirely by volunteers and provides a fantastic weekend of live music, locally produced food and drink, as well as an array of activities for all the family!
Where: Isaacs Field, Fermoy’s Garden Centre
When: 20th-22nd September 2019 – 2020 dates TBC
Tickets: From £6.00
Stay: Teignmouth cottages
Devon food festivals in October
What to expect: Miniature food and drink ‘villages’, live music, a demonstration tent and kids’ zone: this event is great for all the family and is well worth a day trip to this fantastic venue to indulge the senses.
Where: Powderham Castle
When: 5th-6th October 2019 – 2020 dates TBC
Tickets: Adults from £6.00, Children from £2.50 (under 5s go free)
Stay: Exeter cottages
What to expect: Two weeks of seafood bliss from street food vendors and restaurants, all featuring locally caught produce. Try your hand at coastal foraging, enjoy tasting menus, or take part in a cookery workshop: there’s plenty to see, do and learn at FEAST.
Where: Various locations around Torbay
When: 20th September – 6th October
Tickets: Free entry
Stay: Torquay cottages
What to expect: More than 100 local food and drink stalls, crafts and unique gifts for foodies. Whether you’re looking for the finest, meatiest dishes or tempting veggie/vegan alternatives the FOODFest always has plenty to cater for every taste.
Where: Barnstaple Pannier Market
When: 20th October 2019 – 2020 dates TBC
Tickets: Free entry
Stay: Barnstaple cottages
What to expect: A family festival with so much to entertain, from drink seminars and tasting sessions to celebrity chefs, tea parties and so much more! This event is also dog friendly, with special treats just for them.
Where: Embankment, Boat Float, Royal Avenue Gardens, South Embankment & Market Square
When: 18th-20th October 2019 – 2020 dates TBC
Tickets: Free entry
Stay: Dartmouth cottages
Devon food festivals in November
What to expect: One of the best Christmas markets in the South West, with Bavarian-style bars, plenty of local businesses offering unique gifts for the festive season and of course, plenty of food stalls to warm your cockles.
Where: Exeter Cathedral
When: 16th November – 19th December – 2020 dates TBC
Tickets: Free entry
Stay: Exeter cottages
What to expect: An education about chocolate from bean to bar with demonstrations by the UK’s passionate and talented chocolatiers, all providing ethically produced goods. A number of talks, demonstrations and workshops are also available, including chocolate lollipop decorating for kids!
Where: Exeter Castle
When: 2nd-3rd November 2019 – 2020 dates TBC
Tickets: From £2.00
Stay: Exeter cottages
Whichever event you decide to visit, find a cottage in Devon to make your stay a memorable one. Whether you’re travelling as a family, with a dog or just as two, we’ll have something to suit!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.