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 East Devon Britain UK by Tony Howell Heart of Devon Images
© Tony Howell, Heart of Devon Images

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!

Devon County Show East Devon UK by Geoff Pagotto Heart of Devon Images
© Geoff Pagotto, Heart of Devon Images

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 Folk Week Devon UK by Heart of Devon Images
© Heart of Devon Images

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.