What’s On in North Devon in October 2019

30th September 2019

What’s On in North Devon in October 2019

It’s been a great September. Although we said goodbye to the summer, we were lucky enough to have sprinkles of sunshine here and there - and hopefully we’ll see some more!

In any case though, we’re looking forward to more autumnal fun this month in North Devon. It’s always a fantastic time of year around here, as the leaves start to fall and the cosy, colder evenings come around - and though it’s out of season, there’s still plenty to do. As always, we’ve compiled the best events and activities going on in the region, suited to all ages, all interests, and all types of people. Take a look, and get those October plans sorted!

w/c 30th September

Credit: Shannon Landers Photography for Circus Funtasia 

The month kicks off on an absolute high, with Circus Funtasia returning to Victoria Park in Bideford between the 2nd and 6th of October. Expect risky moves, spectacular displays and impressive acts from a variety of different, very talented performers.

A midweek treat and tribute to one of the world’s biggest girl bands will be Wannabe - The Spice Girls Show, taking place on October 3rd at the Queen’s Theatre. A musical stage show promising renditions of your favourite classic hits, and some fantastic choreography means this isn’t one to be missed. Not your kind of music? Pop down to The Red Barn in Woolacombe on the 4th and catch Soulcraft - an exciting six piece soul-funk band.

If getting back to nature is more your thing, there’s plenty for you this week too. Quince Honey Farm welcome Samantha Pickering on the 3rd of october from North Devon Bat Care for an evening Bat Talk - pop down and learn all about these little critters! 

Finally, end the first week of October on a wonderful note with Arlington Court’s autumn walk. Accompanied by one of their rangers, you’ll find out about the work being done on the site, as well as taking in great views as the autumn colours come into play. 

w/c 7th October

Credit: RHS Gardens Rosemoor

It’s a great week for grandparents - Quince Honey Farm are offering FREE entry between the 8th and 12th October! Grandparents Go Free allows free entry to the whole attraction for gran and granddad, so you’ll only have to buy tickets for the little ones. Educational and full of fun, it’s a great place and opportunity to spend time together. 

Autumn Woodfest kicks off at Rosemoor at the end of the week, and this absolutely will not be one to miss. Packed full of fun, autumnal activities for the whole family, the weekend promises a variety of activities from wood crafts to yoga, as well as talks, artisans working on traditional crafts with their own stalls, alongside entertainment for the children - and of course, some delicious food! 

w/c 14th October

Credit: Exmoor National Park

Exmoor Dark Skies Festival kicks off on the 14th October, promising a whole week full of incredible and unique events and activities celebrating Exmoor’s stunning and unpolluted skies. Ranging from guided night walks to dusk or full moon safaris, mobile planetariums to stargazing, the Festival covers locations all the way across Exmoor and invites people of all ages and all levels of stargazing experience.

Celebrate the harvest at Arlington Court on the 19th, where there will be a magnificent display of seasonal crops from the kitchen garden along with recipe suggestions. Family activities are also to be expected, such as apple tasting, pressings and honey. 

Live music lovers will be treated to another great night on the same date, with Soul Intention performing at The Pier House in Westward Ho! - tickets will be available on the door, and you can expect a fantastic mix of soul and Motown tunes.

Finally, it’ll be time for one of the biggest dates in our autumn calendar - the North Devon Foodfest! Taking place in Barnstaple Pannier Market for its 12th year on October 20th, the event will showcase the finest food and drink our region has to offer, with five of the most talented head chefs of the area live on stage to demonstrate their talents, offer their cooking tips, and answer questions. Plus, new for 2019, local business Bar 62 will take to the stage for a Ready Steady Cocktails show!

w/c 21st October

Credit: The Milky Way

October half term means we’ll hopefully welcome a whole host of new faces to North Devon! As usual, there’s going to be plenty to do for the kids - particularly with Halloween taking place the following week.

The Milky Way, Watermouth Castle and The Big Sheep, three of North Devon’s most well-known and beloved adventure parks, will be open all half term week for Halloween fun leading up to the big day. As well as their usual attractions, both will be offering specifically spooky activities and entertainment for the kids. 

Mid-way through the week, Clovelly’s annual Apple Day celebration will take place on October 23rd. It’s looking to be a great day celebrating local produce, and offering unique entertainment for the whole family, from apple bobbing, stamping and corn dolly making, to live music, story telling, crafts and a farmer’s market. That’s not forgetting the Harvest Hunt, Garden Tour and chef demonstrations that’ll make this event even more exciting!

Literature fans should also pop down to Clovelly on Apple Day, as between 11am and 3pm, author Sally Armstrong will be in the Visitor Centre signing copies of her book, ‘The Passions of Charles Kingsley’. 

Finally, musical or theatre enthusiasts should find a free evening and head to the Queen’s Theatre between October 23rd and 27th, for a fantastic live musical performance of Madagascar! 

w/c 28th October

Credit: Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park 

The big occasion for this week will of course be Halloween, and there will be plenty taking place throughout the week to celebrate. Keep your eyes peeled for our next blog, which will be specifically outlining all of the spooktacular entertainment North Devon has to offer!

It’s the last chance to visit Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park this week, as they’ll be closing for the season on the 3rd of November. Get those last few trips in whilst you can, as February half term is a long time away.

Whew - it’s looking like a busy one already. If you’re attending any of these events, let us know - or if we’ve missed something special, drop us a message on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. We always love to hear from you, and hope you have a fantastic October!