Things to Do in North Devon in June 2019

28th May 2019

Things to Do in North Devon in June 2019

Summer is finally here!

We’re hoping for good weather, warm days and plenty of afternoons spent on the beach. But that’s not all there is to look forward to - once again we’re looking ahead to a packed out month here in North Devon. Keep reading for your guide on all the exciting events and activities taking place this June.

w/c 27th May

Everyone loves a good bargain - so kick off the month by catching the tail-end of Dartington Crystal’s huge half term sale before it ends on the 2nd of June. There will be plenty of offers, like glasses for just £1 and vases from £10, as well as a wide range of gin, whiskey and rum collections. Combine it with a trip to the visitor centre and factory tour for an informative day for the whole family.

Or, if the weather is nice and you want to get outside, take a trip to Chumleigh for an open garden tour around 20 beautiful gardens within the town. Tickets are just £6, with all proceeds going to the North Devon Hospice, and included is a map to guide your tour. Plant sales and refreshments will also be available from the Town Hall.

The Big Lunch is also taking place across the UK in June, and Ilfracombe’s event takes place on Sunday the 2nd in the form of an exciting street party. Fore Street will be closed to traffic and packed out with entertainment, promising hours of food, friendship and fun.

w/c 3rd June

Don’t forget that Devon Day takes place on the 4th of June and is the ultimate way to celebrate your love for all things Devonshire. We’re expecting deals for locals, as well as other celebrations throughout the county - so keep your eyes peeled. Otherwise, it’s a great opportunity to explore local beaches or Areas of Natural Beauty and enjoy our community!

Over the summer into September, award-winning romantic poet Merlynda Robinson will be reading her inspiring poetry at the Bucks Mills Gallery at St Anne’s Cottage, in Bucks Mills every Saturday morning. Tickets are just £3, including complimentary teas, coffees and soft drinks, it’ll be a series of lovely mornings for fans of poetry. Seats must be reserved in advance.

If golf is more your hobby of choice then you’re in luck - because the Ilfracombe Golf Club are hosting an open week with a myriad of competitions to get involved in! It’s a great chance to get outdoors near beautiful Ilfracombe, as well as show your competitive side a little.

w/c 10th June

Now this is going to be one busy week. Kicking off in Clovelly is Charles Kingsley’s Bicentenary. Having actually lived in the village as a child, the Victorian author returned many times throughout his life and Clovelly served as an inspiration for many of his works. His life will be celebrated this week with a host of activities, workshops and exhibitions - as well as themed live music, a range of dedicated plant displays with ‘Water Babies’ colour schemes, and decorative yarn bombing as a form of celebratory street art.

For those intrepid young scientists, Barnstaple Library will be hosting another Saturday Science Club. Microbe Mania will teach plenty about microbes, microscopes and offer hands-on activities.

The weekend will also see many commemorative events for the anniversary of the D-Day landings. Saunton D-Day is the South West’s largest living history event and will take place over the 15th and 16th of June, including a series of educational talks, family-friendly events as well as a recreation of the Normandy battle using over 100 World War 2 reenactors.

The Braunton branch of the Royal British Legion have arranged a 1940s style dinner dance. Dress to impress and enjoy a night of live entertainment and dancing, with all proceeds going to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Over in Westward Ho!, the North Devon Hospice National Sandcastle Competition will be finally returning for 2019! A really fun event with proceeds going to a very worthy cause, live entertainment will be ongoing during the day whilst castle construction takes place.

Then it’s back to a more historic theme over in Ilfracombe, with the Grand Victorian and Steampunk Festival. Reenacting the Victorian age in costume, song and spectacle, there will be a range of different activities, competitions, stalls and celebrations, including live music, tea duelling and fireworks. Bonus points for whoever turns up in Victorian or steampunk dress.

Let’s not forget that Father’s Day is coming up on June 16th. There will doubtlessly be a whole host of activities around North Devon for dad, but two that sound pretty great to us are a free day out for dad at the Big Sheep - including double time on Battlefield Live with 20 minutes free - or free travel on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, where they will also get to drive a diesel!

w/c 17th June

GoldCoast Oceanfest will be lighting up Croyde Bay once again this weekend, with a huge variety of exciting live acts ranging from Craig David to Tom Odell. Of course, that’s not all - there will be beach sports, wellness and yoga and dance tents, so there’s something for absolutely everyone to get involved in and enjoy!

If theatre is more your cup of tea, a lovely evening at Hartland Abbey is sure to be had with an outdoor live performance of Jane Eyre by Hotbuckle Productions. Bring chairs or rugs to relax into and enjoy the experience, whilst also indulging in a delicious barbecue by Amy Ltyhgoe-Jones.

w/c 24th June

Speaking of theatre, the Fringe TheatreFest is returning to Barnstaple this week. From professional companies to schools, youth theatres and local communities, there’s a huge variety of different theatre on offer, specialising in a range of different genres - so there’s something for everyone!

The Ilfracombe Gig Regatta will also be taking place on the 29th of June for another fun year. With competitors from all over the South West, there will also be a wide variety of other activities - games, face painting, raffles and tombola, as well as refreshments and a tasty barbecue.

Studio potters and ceramic artists from all over the South West and even further afield will be gathering in Barnstaple on the 30th of June, as Clay: A Festival of Ceramics celebrates yet another year. If you’re enthusiastic about art, it’s a great chance to buy new products as well as talk to some expert talents who will be showcasing their skills.

Meanwhile, if you’re feeling charitable - and like getting a spot of exercise! - the Race for Life 10k and 5k both take place in Sticklepath, Barnstaple, over the same day, raising money for Cancer Research.

Lastly, kids will love Woolly the Sheep’s Birthday Bash over at the Big Sheep. This lovable mascot is having a huge party, ready to walk around the park throughout the day to meet and take photos with children, before demonstrating the moves of his very own song ‘Woolly the Sheep’ in the show arena. That’s not to mention a children’s disco packed full of dancing and fun games for the kids - alongside the Big Sheep’s usual array of family friendly attractions. Book online to save 20% on tickets.

Whew, there really is something for everyone this month! Have any of the activities listed here caught your eye, or have we missed an event that you can’t wait for? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to let us know!