Gillian Birch 
Dunster by Candlelight is a magical event held the first Friday and Saturday in December. Join the merrymakers with a walk along the streets of this quintessential mediaeval village in Somerset which is lit only be candles and lanterns for this two-day event.
Our article covers tips for parking, watching the lamplighting procession, enjoying carols and browsing the street stalls with Dunster Castle as a backdrop.
Christmas begins for many at the Crediton Christmas Tree Festival which showcases over 70 decorated and illuminated Christmas trees. The whole community gets into the seasonal spirit as local businesses and organizations all contribute a tree.
We cover the when, where and best time to see this wonderful display of trees which fill the 1000 year old parish church in Crediton. It’s a wonderful sight!
Godolphin is one of the National Trust’s hidden gems and it really comes to life in December during the Godolphin Christmas events. There’s a Living Nativity, carol singing, music and craft demonstrations which everyone is welcome to join in.
Make the perfect mince pie, craft a Christmas tree decoration and take a winter walk past mining relics. It’s all part of the Godolphin Christmas experience!
The Yarak Birds of Prey Centre is ranked the #1 attraction in Devon by Trip Advisor. With 52 beautiful birds to admire, watch in flight and handle, it’s no wonder it is popular with families of all ages.
Discover more about what this top attraction has to offer, and put it on your list of great places to visit from your Devon cottage rental or holiday home.
Newquay was once known as a bucket-and-spade destination for family holidays, but in recent years it has certainly “come of age”. Now popular with young adults looking for adventure and fun, we feature the activities available at Vertical Descents.
Read on to discover adrenaline-pumping activities including coasteering, climbing, caving, abseiling, raft building, kayaking, quad biking, surfing and more.
Wingz started out as a personal collection of birds and rescued wildlife. It opened its gates to the public in 2010 and now has over 80 species of rare and endangered birds, and some unusual furry mammals too.
This ideal family attraction makes an educational day out at an affordable price. Feed the animals, make use of the children’s play area and support the café.
Diggerland is a great excuse for Dads to take their kids on a day out that they will probably enjoy just as much themselves. There are many full-size and miniature JCBs and construction machinery to try out, and youngsters can drive a real car.
This attraction near Cullompton also has digger-themed rides, slides and ziplines, providing a full day out for all ages at an affordable all-inclusive price.
If you want something a little more exciting than trick or treat for Halloween, then Arlington Court has just the programme for you! It has several Halloween Tours throughout the month of October and a Haunted Halloween Walk on 31st October 2013.
Arlington Court also offers half-term Halloween crafts and a Haunted Halloween Walk around the grounds after dark. Read on&hellip: if you dare!
Bampton Charter Fair has celebrated its 750th birthday and continues to draw crowds of visitors to this fun event in late October. There’s a “Fur and Feathers” sale, street entertainment, stalls and craft demonstrations as part of this historic event.
Enjoy reading about the colourful history of this legendary fair on Exmoor. It’s certainly a fun event to attend and it is opened with a proclamation!
The National Trust excels at putting on many different events with a Halloween theme during October. Ghost tours by lamplight, murder mystery evenings, carving a pumpkin and making a witch’s broom are just some of the events to look out for.
Read on to discover nine different Halloween events taking place around Cornwall – there’s bound to be one near you for you to join in!
Now in its fifth year, National Dialect Day will be celebrated at the Barnfield Theatre in Exeter in 2013. The event takes place over three days and includes talks, competitions, singing and drama to celebrate the regional differences of dialects.
Get the lowdown about this cultural event and consider making your own contribution by performing a short song, poem or drama in a local dialect.
If you’re looking for something different to do in East Devon, why not go llama trekking? These intelligent but gentle animals love being accompanied on a walk through fields and along the coastal path. Return to the farm for a Devon cream tea.
Learn more about this fun attraction on Devon’s Jurassic Coast and consider feeding, grooming and trekking with llamas at Peak Hill Llamas near Sidmouth.
Barefoot walking is apparently good for your feet, according to one leading podiatrist who recently opened the first ever National Trust Barefoot Trail at Godolphin. Feel the sensation of wood, grit, sand and fir cones on this fun family activity.
Discover the Barefoot Trail, Hidden History Trail and the Family Treasure Trail at Godolphin, just some of the many diverse things to do in Cornwall.
Truro Cathedral may look like any other imposing mediaeval cathedral, but it was actually only started in 1880 and finished in the mid-20th century! It has plenty more surprises in store for those who take a tour with one of the informative guides.
Read on to discover why Brisbane Cathedral in Australia is a replica of Truro Cathedral, and how Truro Cathedral was built around a 14th century parish church.
The Berry Pomeroy Castle has been a local attraction for visitors to Totnes, Paignton and Torquay since the 18th century. The castle ruins were thought to date back to Norman times but English Heritage has now established it as a 15th century ruin.
It has a notorious history as “the most haunted castle in Devon“. Read on to discover more, or take an audio tour of the castle and grounds – if you dare!
Those staying on Exmoor should definitely put the West Somerset Railway on their list of things to do. This Heritage Steam Railway is the longest preserved railway in the UK and offers various day trips to add a destination to the steam experience.
Read more about the Dunster Castle Express and the Hestercombe Express which includes transfers to either Dunster Castle or Hestercombe Gardens for the day.
Some people visit Flambards for its historic exhibitions and gardens while others head straight for the thrilling rides and roller coasters. Fireworks displays, indoor activities, science and recreated models are packed into this Cornish attraction.
By choosing when to visit, you can pay for exactly what you want to do at this popular attraction, so read on to see if you fancy a day at Flambards in Helston.
A staggering 76% of people visiting Cornwall say that walking is one of their favourite things to do. The Southeast Cornwall Walking Festival is right up their street, so to speak, with a range of guided walks making the most of this scenic area.
Read on to discover the various guided walks on offer as part of the Walking Festival before deciding which walks you want to join in.
Spitfires, World War II jeeps, vintage cars and 1940s music are sure to make the Lupton House 1940s Weekend near Brixham go with a swing. Themed stalls, demonstrations and historic re-enactments will make this an informative day out with a difference!
Read all about the role Lupton House had to play in World War II and click the link to get your tickets to the Victory Dance in this informative article.
Moor2Sea Cycle Sportive is a challenging cycle ride around some of Dartmoor and South Devon’s most challenging peaks. With three different routes and age groups, there’s a chance for everyone to get a medal including a King of the Mountains pin.
Even non-cyclists will enjoy spectating this challenging cycle ride in aid of two local charities through some of South Devon’s most scenic beauty spots.
They say that “An Englishman’s home is his castle” and for the last 600 years this has certainly been the case for the Luttrell family who lived at Dunster Castle on Exmoor. This impressive castle offers tours of the house and walks in the estate grounds.
Learn about the village of Dunster, events at Dunster Castle and some ghostly goings-on in this informative article before being tempted to visit by steam train!
Next time you drive along the A38 past Bovey Tracey, call in at the House of Marbles and enjoy this wonderful free attraction. See glass-blowers at work, trigger a marble run and see a wonderful collection of antique glass marbles in the Old Pottery.
Discover that “losing your marbles” can be a fun experience at this popular Devon attraction, which will amuse and fascinate children and adults alike.
The newly opened Visitor Centre at Lizard Lighthouse makes a great day out for families. Climb the lighthouse, learn about Morse code and semaphore, sound the foghorn and hear true stories from former lighthouse keepers prior to automation.
If you are staying at a holiday cottage near Helston, this is one attraction you won’t want to miss. Read on to learn more about this 260-year-old lighthouse.
The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth has many huge aquariums, an interactive dive show and a 4D film theatre which I can definitely recommend. Admission includes informative talks, feed times and activities suitable for all ages.
Read on to get an idea of what this showcase marine attraction has to offer including seahorses, jellyfish and sharks in the largest aquarium in the UK.