Events to look forward to around South Devon this summer

We’re lucky to have one of the best spots for marine life right here in South Devon (and within very easy reach of most of our holiday lets) – with fans that include nature champion Chris Packham, no less. Wembury’s rocky shoreline and numerous rockpools make it the ideal home for limpets, anemones, pipe fish, sea scorpions, spiny star fish and many other amazing sea creatures.

And a date with the Wembury Marine Centre is the perfect way to observe and learn about them. The centre is running a series of activity days at which adults and children alike can explore rockpools and even snorkel around the shore, led by a marine life expert.

Find out more at https://www.wemburymarinecentre.org/whats 

A hop over the county border from Devon to Cornwall to the idyllic Mount Edgecumbe is a good idea at any time. Known as ‘Britain’s historic park by the sea’, this stunning country park offers free access to stunning acres of parkland alongside miles of coastline and impressive formal gardens. But on 1 June, its grounds are set to take on a distinctly tropical vibe when it hosts the Rum & Reggae Festival.

Expect lively reggae and funk sounds, Caribbean food and drinks, product stalls and circus fun. You can get there easily from Plymouth – either by taking a car on the Torpoint Ferry or going as a foot passenger on the charming foot ferry that goes directly to Mount Edgecumbe.

For more information and tickets, visit https://missivyevents.co.uk/event/reggae-festival-mount-edgcumbe-1st-june-2024 

This year, the historic Hoe, beside Plymouth’s spectacular waterfront, will host a series of massive names from the world of music for the inaugural Plymouth Summer Sessions – and there are still tickets left. So, if you happen to be in Devon this June, an open-air concert could be the icing on the cake of your holiday. There are performances from Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, Madness, Sting, Blondie and Gabrielle, plus a range of support acts. You can catch one concert or bag a pass for the full four days of live music action.

More details and ticket information can be found at https://www.smmrsessions.com/locations/plymouth 

Over the summer months, the River Yealm bursts into life as rowers, sailors and swimmers take to the water for a series of races at this historic regatta. As well as being a chance for some serious oar-to-oar competition, there’s some brilliant fun to be had too, both on and off the river. From the fun pub-hopping Beer Race to a spectacular fireworks display, the Yealm Regatta is a lively, colourful community event not to be missed if you’re holidaying in Newton or Noss. Much of the action happens on the weekend of 3–4 August but there are many events running across the summer.

For the full schedule, photos and more, check out https://www.riveryealmregatta.co.uk 

Each summer, the country’s best pyrotechnic masters showcase their talents by the sea – and you can see the stunning displays for free. The skies over the picturesque Plymouth Sound become a riot of colour, movement and noise as six fireworks companies each put on a ten-minute show in a bid to be crowned British champions. There are a few great spots from which to watch the action unfold, including the iconic Plymouth Hoe (where there’s live music and food stalls to enjoy in the run-up to the fireworks) to Jennycliff (on the edge of the city nearest Wembury and the Yealm estuary). Some even like to pull up a boat in the harbour to watch from the water.

Find more details at https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/major-events/british-firework-championships 

And if South Devon sounds like somewhere you’d like to be this summer but you haven’t yet planned your stay, check out our diverse collection of holiday lets. Roll on the summer!