January
Brave the weather or birdwatch in comfort
Weekly RSPB nature strolls/walks depart year-round from Darts Farm, and Stuart Line birdwatching cruises explore the Exe Estuary where a mass of waterbirds, including avocets, overwinter.
February
Under cover in Exeter
Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum offer weatherproof browsing.
March
Grizzly by name and grizzly by nature
The Seaton Grizzly’s 20-odd miles of mixed and muddy terrain tax even the fittest runners. Non-runners can enjoy a week of gentler events.
April
Food glorious food
The Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink delights foodies.
May
Bluebell time!
Holyford Woods, Blackbury Camp and other nature reserves take on a magical haze of purple-blue. The big and lively Devon County Show near Exeter promotes all things Devonian.
June
Views from the upper deck
The Seaton Tramway rattles regularly up the Axe estuary to Colyton, with views of waterbirds and wildlife. The colourful Axe Vale Festival takes place near Axminster.
July
Back to nature
The Natural Seaton Festival and Pebblebed Heath Week celebrate East Devon’s environment, and NGS Open Gardens are ablaze with summer colours.
August
Devon Folk
Sidmouth town is taken over by its Annual Folk Week, with national and international performers.
September
From mummers to manuscripts
The traditional Colyford Goose Fayre has mummers and other medieval merriment, while the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival offers top-class speakers and events.
October
The glass that cheers
Killerton Cider & Apple Festival shows off Killerton’s 200-year tradition of cider making.
November
Treasures and tradition
Flaming tar barrels in Ottery St Mary on Guy Fawkes’ Day.
December
Seasonal treats
Christmas markets (and sometimes ice-skating) in Exeter. Other towns have ‘late shopping’ evenings, with carols, mince pies and mulled wine on offer.