Gillian Birch 
Helston Railway is run by the Preservation Society who are organising the Helston Railway 1940s Weekend in 2013 over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Agricultural displays, World War II vehicles and farm machinery will be part of the themed event.
Read more about the restored engines which now carry visitors on short rides on the restored railway track and learn about this nostalgic weekend at Trevarno.
Torbay’s first recorded sailing competition took place in 1813, making 2013 the 200th anniversary. Torbay Week is sure to mark that historic landmark as part of its sixth year, with special races organised by the four local sailing clubs.
Read all about this prestigious sailing event, and the long history of regattas in Torbay with our informative article which covers Torbay Week in detail.
Take your seats on Dawlish Beach and enjoy a grandstand view of some fantastic displays by the RAF at the Dawlish Airshow. Formation skydiving, helicopters, the Red Arrows and Air-Sea Rescue demonstrations will have you holding your breath for sure!
Our article gives tips on where to park and what to expect at the exciting Dawlish Airshow, which takes place right over the bay!
The historic 17th century Trereife House and Gardens makes a wonderful setting for the 21st century exhibits which make up the Cornwall Design Fair. The event attracts over 4000 visitors with displays, workshops and a curated exhibition.
Discover more about the exhibits which include stained glass, ceramics, jewellery, fashion and furniture, and plan to spend a day at this historic estate.
Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay are buzzing with thousands of surfers and music lovers during the Boardmasters Surf, Skate and Music Festival. Watch some of the best sportsmen competing in the ASP World Tour Surfing, skating and BMX competitions.
We give you the lowdown on the three-day music festival which is part of this surfing event, and find out what’s free and what’s ticketed if you plan to attend.
Enjoy 500 veteran and vintage cars on display at the Mount Edgcumbe American and Classic Car Show. Set in a beautiful location overlooking the Tamar River, there is a craft show, car boot sale and children’s entertainment on this splendid day out.
Our article covers all the fun you can expect when you attend this family event, and learn more about the 16th century house & gardens at Mount Edgcumbe estate.
Charlestown Regatta Week combines raising funds for local projects with musical concerts, sailing races, Morris dancing and even a Triathlon. This historic port is a UNESCO listed site and is frequently used for filming, so it is well worth visiting.
Read all about Charlestown Regatta Week, visit the Shipwreck Heritage Centre and maybe take a voyage on a historic Tall Ship in this delightful harbour village!
Bicton Flower Festival offers a stunning collection of flowers shown in formal arrangements to great effect. The many flower arrangements are displayed in St Mary’s Church at Bicton, within the grounds of Bicton Park Botanical Gardens.
Read on to learn about the history of the Bicton Estate, the church and the landscaped gardens before planning a visit to the splendid Bicton Flower Festival.
Organised by Swamp Circus, a professional group of professional acrobats and dancers, Cornwall Circus Camp Big Top comes to Penryn. Attend one day or more, and learn how to unicycle, juggle, walk the high wire or try your hand at the swinging trapeze.
Our article runs through a typical day at Circus School where attendees of all ages learn a wide range of skills with professional performers and tutors.
Started in 2001 as a celebration at the conclusion of local improvements, Gunnislake Festival is now an annual four-day event of music, drama, art and family fun. Watch the parade, browse the local history exhibition or take a guided walk.
Learn more about Gunnislake’s mining history before visiting this scenic village in the Tamar Valley. The strong community makes this a fun festival for all.
The stunning scenery of the South West Coast Path is the setting for the historical movie Summer in February launched on 14 June 2013. Set in the artists’ colony of Lamorna in Cornwall, the pre-World War I story focuses on love and liberty.
Retrace the film locations with walks around St Michael’s Mount, Lamorna, Prussia Cove and Porthcurno Beach which inspired this true romantic drama.
Located on the Devon-Cornwall border near Lifton, the Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is a fabulous working museum. Fully restored, this indoor funfair attraction is ideal for kids to ride while parents recall their younger days at the funfair.
Read about my brilliant visit to this fabulous living museum and see how many of these rides and sideshows you can remember!
A cruise along the River Dart from Dartmouth to the lovely town of Totnes is the very best way to appreciate Devon’s scenery and wildlife. See old cottages, admire Agatha Christie’s home, Greenway, and pass Sharpham Vineyard on your journey.
You can return to Dartmouth by bus, or stay onboard for the return trip, making this a peaceful way to see Devon at its best!
Lafrowda Festival in St Just in Penwith takes its name from the ancient Cornish land on which the town is located. Workshops, live bands, a comedy night and more will entertain you prior to the beautiful Lantern Procession on Lafrowda Day.
Discover more about the community of St Just and what you can enjoy if you plan to visit the “First and Last Town in England” with this fact-filled article.
The historic capital city of Devon hosts the Exeter Craft Festival each year in early July on Cathedral Green. Beneath the flapping canvas booths are a range of crafts from artworks and jewellery to garden pots and tasty preserves.
Read on to find something to tempt you to attend this festival of local artisans. With tasty food stalls and live entertainment there’s something for everyone!
Built around the mass ascent of dozens of hot air balloons, the Tiverton Balloon and Music Festival includes plenty of events for those with their feet firmly on the ground too. Comedy shows, live bands, and a Night Glow show take place each evening.
Read all about the Taste of the West Food and Drink Pavilion, craft stalls and aerial display teams which offer family entertainment over the whole weekend.
The Liskeard Show is one of the largest one day agricultural shows in the southwest and its main focus is on family entertainment. See large animals being judged, enjoy clowns and marvel at the stunt teams at this annual event.
If you haven’t attended the Liskeard Show before, read all about it and plan to take the family to this fun day of tractors, livestock, fun and Cornish food!
Each summer the townsfolk of Marazion take to the streets to join in the lively Marazion Carnival parade. After parading through the streets it ends at Folly Field where free entertainment and stalls make this a fun-filled afternoon for families.
Follow the Carnival Parade, discover what’s happening and learn more about the town of Marazion as you read through this interesting local article.
Parachute jumping, MoD police dog displays and the White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team are all lined up to take part in the annual RNAS Culdrose Air Day. Sit aboard a Royal Navy helicopter and talk to some of the heroes at this exciting event.
Once you’ve read what’s scheduled for this Royal Navy Air Day, you’re sure to want to head down to Helston and see the exciting action for yourself.
The Torbay Carnival is a nine-day event packed with free entertainment for families, visitors and local residents alike. Fireworks, competitions and a Fun Fair are just the start of the activities which celebrate summer in style.
Live bands, dance troupes, theatre and a procession are all part of the Torbay Carnival. Join the FM party or cheer on the Waiters Race on the Beach. Be there!
Founded over 120 years ago, the Woolsery Agricultural Show started out as a local competition for colts. It is now a great day out for families and farmers alike with show jumping, livestock competitions, trade stands and family entertainment.
Discover below what the Woolsery Agricultural Show has to offer and consider visiting this local event which is held near Clovelly at the end of July each year.
Dartmouth manages to fill a whole week with crab-themed events during the annual South Devon Crab Festival. Join the crab hunt around town, take a boat trip, see how many plastic crabs you can throw into the crab pot and enjoy a fresh crab lunch.
If your mouth is watering already, read on to discover what discover what this fun event entailss before heading down to South Devon in late July to join in!f
Next time you drive along the A39 between Barnstaple and Clovelly, make sure you have time to turn off and explore one of North Devon’s most interesting ports – Bideford. There’s plenty to see and do from boat trips to award-winning ice-cream.
This article captures the essence of this historic town and its famous residents, but it’s no substitute for a visit!
Cornwall has the warm damp climate that most gardens thrive on and consequently the whole county is awash with public and private gardens. One particular favourite of mine is the Kimberley Park Garden in Falmouth.
Take a virtual stroll through this free public park with this article, and plan to visit if you are staying in the Falmouth area.