Early evening sunsets, mellow temperatures, morning mists, feasts to forage, and that golden glow of nature’s foliage – autumn can be a magical season.
Why not plan an autumnal getaway along the South West 660 to indulge in your favourite activity? Whether that’s filling your belly with mouth-watering delights, your ears and imagination with literary fodder, or your lungs with fresh air as you explore the South West Coast Path.
Autumn Walking Festival – 23rd September to 30th September
Devon – Route 4
How about exploring the English Riviera on foot, but with the knowledge of an experienced guide? This unique festival offers participants a guided exploration of the areas 22 miles of glorious coastal scenery, in an area that is a UNESCO Global Geopark and just one of 8 geoparks in the entire UK and 140 worldwide. Join a passionate and experienced guide on a variety of walks, from easy to ‘fairly strenuous’ and you could be swimming or walking in Agatha Christie’s footsteps, absorbing a magical musical sunset tour, or if you’re brave enough why not learn about ghosts, ghouls & goosebumps.
Tickets: A variety of adult only, and family friendly events, with varying prices circa £10 – £20
England’s Seafood FEAST – 29th September to 15th October
Devon – Route 4
This fish-tastic fortnight is back for another year, with a squashed-like-sardines schedule of unique event with local eateries, producers, chefs and fisherman showing off the incredible fish and seafood that the English Riveria has to offer. Dive into a variety of events including ‘Sea Swim and Seafood at Cantina’, Meet the Maker with Simon Hulstone of The Elephant and Frazer Pugh of The Hand Dived Scallop Company or the magnificent food crawls in Torquay or Brixham known as the 7 Chefs from England’s Seafood Coast.
Tickets: A variety of events at participating venues with different price points, advance booking required.
Powderham Food Festival – 7th and 8th October
Devon – Route 4
This festival has been held in the grounds of the gorgeous Powderham Castle for over a decade and is great for all the family including your furry friends. Can you take the heat? Why not enter the chilli eating challenge. Want to learn from the best, then head to the demo marquee for culinary creations. There’ll be plenty of activities to occupy all ages too.
Tickets: Free, however a £1.50 online booking charge is payable per order. Parking is free for members, or £8 for non-members.
Falmouth Oyster Festival – 12th to 15th October
Cornwall – Route 7
In its 25th year, this four-day festival celebrates the mighty mollusc, the native Fai Oyster,, and marks the beginning of dredging season which runs from October to March. With Falmouth harbour as its background, you can experience culinary delights from local producers, chef demos and even an oyster and champagne bar, backed up with the sounds of live music in the sea air. Get your adrenaline pumping by cheering on the boats in the working boat race, or perhaps enter the shucking competition
Tickets: Daytime entry is free, tickets are required for the evening music and entertainment.
Bridport Literary Festival – 5th to 11th November
Dorset – Route 2
For all the literary fans out there, the 19th Bridport Literary Festival is for you in this delightful historical market town. With events across various venues, there’s a great selection on offer. Foodies can get their teeth into a pasta demo and talk from ‘The Pasta Man’ and Instagram sensation Mateo Zielonka with his book Pasta Masterclass. Children (and their adults) can feed their minds with readings from children’s authors and illustrators, whilst those who have dreams of getting their pen to paper can learn from Nikki May during her creative writing workshop.
Tickets: Ranging from free up to £12.
