Festivals and events are a way of life in the West Country and Devon is no different, from small and intimate gatherings to large scale events. When visiting Devon on a caravan holiday you may want to look for events and things to do off of the caravan park, with festivals usually happening all year round you are likely to find at least one to visit on your trip.

From food festivals to literary festivals there is something for everyone to enjoy, but when and where are they all happening?

Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink

If your caravan holiday is near Exeter in Devon then you are in the prime location to attend the award-winning Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink.  Usually in April and based in the lovely setting of Exeter Castle and Northern Gardens, thousands of people gather for a long weekend full of the finest food, drink and entertainment from the local area.

Contemporary Craft Festival

For artsy people, in June time The Contemporary Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey is on, this not for profit company founded the festival in 2003 when three craft businesses from the area joined forces with the aim to bring a large craft fair to the area.  Nearly 20 years on, the event now attracts over 8,000 people and showcases some of the most impressive British craft around.

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival & Appledore Book Festival

During September months, there are two book festivals that take place in Devon, the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival and the Appledore Book Festival. These make a great day out if you’re visiting Devon on a caravan holiday with up to 5 days of activities  including readings from famous writers to workshops, it is a great day out for all book lovers.

Plymouth Seafood Festival

If you want to explore some of the local seafood produce whilst on your caravan holiday in Devon then the Plymouth Seafood Festival is for you. Based at The Barbican and Sutton Harbour this free festival is a celebration of fresh and sustainably caught seafood. A brilliant opportunity to find out about the local catch and delicious recipe demonstrations, there are also lots of fun children’s activities over the two days.

Tar Barrel Rolling

Less of a festival and more of a traditional November Devonshire experience, the tradition which is thought to have originated back to the 17th century attracts thousands of townsfolk and visitors alike. It is thought to cleanse the streets from evil spirits involving tar soaked barrels weighing in excess of 30kg being set alight. The flaming barrels are then transported through the streets and excited crowds. There is then also a large bonfire ignited on the banks of the River Otto and a fun fair making it an exciting night to remember.

When on a caravan holiday in Devon you may wish to explore some of the local culture and events, these events are a great way to immerse yourself in the local community and traditions.