Things to Do in North Devon in July 2019

17th June 2019

Things to Do in North Devon in July 2019

We're officially in the throes of summer now, and we’re sure you all know what that means - that it’s going to be another jam-packed month here in North Devon!

Whether you live locally, or you’re planning a July summer break, we’ve gathered the details of all the very best events in the area just for you. So before you make any fixed plans, have a read, pencil some dates into your diary, and let’s all hope the sun makes an appearance for this fantastic range of activities.

w/c 1st July

Kicking the month off is Rockpool Ramble - a chance to join the National Trust Beach Rangers to explore the rockpools of Combesgate Beach. If you can’t make the first, don’t worry - there will be plenty of sessions throughout July and August for just £3 per person.

In fact, there are a number of events that’ll be running throughout the month; the Red Barn in Woolacombe usually has weekly live music on Saturdays, while every Sunday afternoon in July and August there will be live performances on the Bandstand at Runnymede Gardens in Ilfracombe. There will be a select few Summer Evenings at Rosemoor Gardens, perfect for strolling the grounds and listening to a spot of live music from local singing sensation Roseanna Ball.

The Barnstaple Male Choir will also be performing at Rosemoor at 7pm on the 6th of July, which will be a lovely evening, of choral music for those who are interested. Alternatively, Chich Fest takes place over the 5th and 6th at the Chichester Arms in Mortehoe; this beer and cider festival will include a BBQ, live music and local ales ready for the tasting!

w/c 8th July

Photo credit: @lyntonBandB

The 10th of July sees National Don’t Step on a Bee Day, so naturally Quince Honey Farm will be the place to be. A bumblebee conservation trust will be on-site to talk about how to help bumblebees, meanwhile there will also be daily talks, offers in the shop, and the usual fun that’s to be expected at the attraction.

If you fancy getting out on your bike for charity, Children’s Hospice South West will be hosting their annual Ride for Precious Lives event over this weekend. Going through Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, the Devon route will take place on day 2 with the route leading from Bideford to Taunton.

That’s not the only charitable event going on though, as Ilfracombe Dogs Trust will be holding their annual Fun Day. Activities will include a dog show, family games, craft and trade stalls and much more, along with refreshments. It’s a busy weekend in Ilfracombe, as All Things Morris is also on over the weekend, with themed activities taking place throughout the town, such as Morris dancing around the seafront and harbour.

Over in Lynmouth is the Lynmouth Raft Race, featuring dozens of rafts which may or may not be seaworthy attempting to make it to the buoy and back. With spectator interaction abound, it should be a fun day for all involved whether on land or sea.

w/c 15th July

Explore the North Devon coast in a classically rural way, with tractor and trailer rides to Bull Point or Morte Point. Accompanied by a local guide, learn plenty about the history and legends of the area, as well as wildlife, and take in some spectacular views along the way.

Ilfracombe harbour will be busy once again, with Lundy Yacht Race taking place on Saturday the 20th July. Now in its 13th year, the event will see a 50 mile race begin at 8am with a vast number of yachts competing.

In the meantime, the little ones have a perfect occupation over at Barnstaple Library, with another Saturday Science Club. This week’s session is all about Silly Senses and will provide some great, hands-on, educational fun.

w/c 22nd July

It’s a big week for North Devon theatre, kicking off at Marwood Hill Gardens with an open-air production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’ on July 24th. A few days later, ‘Mister Magnolia’ will also be shown at Marwood Hill Gardens, again in the open air. This Quentin Blake story is perfect for younger audiences, families and children.

‘The Legend of King Arthur’ is another open air production, taking place over at the beautiful Arlington Court. Families are welcome to come along with a picnic to watch while enjoying the performance by Boxtree Productions.

Alternatively, the kids will love a visit to the Big Sheep for their Bubble Weekend. Fun for both children and adults, the team will be teaching bubble blowing basics, tips and tricks, alongside all the usual fun offered from the park with their soft play, sheep racing and roller coaster.

The week will end on a high at Bideford Quay with the Cardboard Boat Regatta and Water Festival, hosted by Bideford Rotary Club. Expect quayside crowds to watch a range of different clubs and boats race the water - and those cardboard boats inevitably sink. On the shore, enjoy rides, stalls, food, music and dancing.

w/c 29th July

The end of July is off to a great start with Woolsery Agricultural Show. A fun-filled day packed full of activities ranging from crafts to horse and pony competitions, as well as a dairy marquee with yoghurt and ice cream making and more. Along with trade stalls supplying local goods, there’s something for everyone

The theatre fun continues, with Captain Coconut returning to Rosemoor with another special show for the children. ‘Captain Coconut and His Amazing Bubble Show’ will delight all younger audiences, with the added bonus of face painting.

‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ is another spectacular outdoor theatre performance. Performed on the lawn at Hartland Abbey, it’ll be enjoyed by both children and adults and accompanied by an afternoon full of fun. With games and drama workshops before the performance, as well as a delicious BBQ and bar, why not make a whole day of it by coming early and exploring the gardens?

There’s so much to look forward to, we can hardly wait - and it’s not even the end of June yet! With plenty on for the rest of this month, it’s certainly going to be an exciting summer. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for your latest North Devon updates, and let us know what your summer plans are. We’d love to hear about them!