With Smytham having a 50-week season for our holiday caravan owners and being open from March to November for our seasonal and touring pitches, there is plenty to see and do in the local area. Here we have suggested one must see event for each month of the year to help you with your holiday planning.
Running until 31st January the Winter Sculpture Exhibition at RHS Garden Rosemoor. View over 100 sculptures which enhance the seasonal beauty of the gardens. On 27th and 28th January from 11am – 3pm the exhibition will be joined by living sculptures to entertain you. Works being displayed are by new and returning artists from the West Country and the rest of the UK with pieces varying from very small to large.
Visit the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth for the opening day of the Cliff Railway. Every winter the railway closes for winter maintenance and re-opens in February. The railway first opened in 1890 to join the two towns together and is the steepest water powered railway in the world. Whilst visiting the town pop to Snowdrop Valley to see the snow drops blanketing the ground. The land is privately owned but opened to the public every February whilst the snowdrops are in bloom.
Pick your own Daffodils at Strawberry Fields Farm Shop, Lifton is a popular attraction that will be opening for the second year. Also on offer, is pick your own lavender, tulips, sunflowers, strawberries, wild flowers, pumpkins and corn depending on the season. During your visit, why not pop into the restaurant and indulge in an afternoon tea served on its very own mini picnic bench.
Wander through the gardens and woodland of Hartland Abbey and take in the beautiful bluebells that reach from the walled garden all the way to the sea. As shown in the TV series, Malory towers, you can visit the house or enjoy lunch or a coffee in the tea rooms. You can even take your four-legged friend with you providing they are well behaved and kept on their lead.
Bideford Bike Show is set to be another spectacular event located on Bideford Quay on Sunday 26th May form 12pm – 5pm. Celebrating its tenth year, past shows have attracted thousands from all over the country and further afield. The show will be raising money for charities including East the Water Community Food Pantry, Northam Care Trust, Apple Tree Farm Service CIC and South West Blood Bikes. On display there will be a vast array of bikes and scooters along with traders and charity stands. Food will be served through out the site and entertainment will be provided in Jubilee Square. A Children’s field will be in Victoria Park. With over 60 stands booked (some relating to and some nothing to do with bikes) there will be something to entertain everybody.
Plans are still being put in place but watch this space for the D-Day Celebration Commons Events. Celebrating 80 years since the D-Day landings, wartime music from local bands amongst other celebrations will be taking place. The event is due to be the closet Saturday to the official celebrations.
On the 6th and 7th July step back in time to the 1940s at South Devon Railway. Dress up in the 1940s fashion, listen to music and look at vehicles from the era. Browse stands selling vintage items and the trains will be running all day. Ride the hertitage steam and diesel trains from Buckfastleigh to Totnes Riverside travelling through beautiful countryside and villages.
The North Devon Show will return for its 58th year on Wednesday 7th August. Open from 8:00am to 6pm, you can view agricultural machinery, livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep and woolley animals, horse and dog competitions, horticultural competition entries and displays by the Young Farmers Club. Listen to music at the Live Music Stage, watch entertainment in the main ring or shop for clothes and crafts. Also, on display will be vintage cars and bikes plus there will be much more to enjoy. Tickets can be bought in advance or on the gate.
Wander down the winding cobbled paths of the fishing village of Clovelly whilst listening to sea shanty’s being sung and live music being performed on 1st September. Treat your self to lobster and crab for lunch along with a refreshing drink from The Red Lion, The New Inn or The Cottage Tea Rooms. Explore quaint shops such as the Seafood Shop and Quay Shop or visit the Kingsley museum. For those of you who don’t fancy the walk back up the hill then there is a Land Rover service which takes you from the harbour to the visitor Centre carpark. Browse the stalls lined up on the harbor Wall and absorb the stunning views.
Halsdon Nature Reserve, cared for by the Devon Wildlife Trust, looks beautiful in autumn with the leaves showing many shades of red, orange and brown. Wander around the Ancient woodland and spot the birds as you go. The wood is located beside the River Torridge where Otters are often seen. Dogs are welcome on leads and there are bird hides which you are welcome to use. There are two car parks and entry is free. Footpaths allow you to explore both the riverside meadows and the woodland.
Join the Great Torrington Cavaliers for a Bonfire and Fireworks at Torrington Rugby Club to celebrate Guy Fawkes night. Held on the Saturday closest to 5th November, there will be a great display to see.
Visit Tavistock for a late-night shopping experience that will take you back in time. Enjoy street entertainment, performances by choirs and festive stalls. Watch the Christmas lights be turned on for the first time during the festive season.
