Events, Shows & Sports

The Devon County Show is 20-22 May 2027

Devon’s BIG Day Out is a hugely popular event held every year at Westpoint near Exeter.

There are shows, contests, funfairs, food and drink galore. Lots of shopping too. Just try not to buy a huge tractor on the credit card (they can be very persuasive). The show is a very important showcase for farming and Devon in general. This three day event receives a higher profile each year.   Book your ticket

Atkinson’s Action Horses were at the 2026 show

Air Shows in the Summer

The Red Arrows and Battle of Britain flight come to the  English Riviera Air Show on 29-31 May 2027 along with the mighty Typhoon Fighter. Other local regattas have a huge variety of maritime and air events plus carnivals and beach parties. 

You might also see combat helicopters, fireworks, wing-walkers, parachute displays, sailing races and naval demonstrations. The event is free to attend

Exeter Racecourse

Haldon is one of the oldest horse racing courses in the land, often features top horses and is renowned as the highest and second longest in the UK. Future champions started their illustrious careers here and established stars often return.

The Haldon Gold Cup is the biggest race, first presented by Brigadier Rayner of Ashcombe

Newton Abbot Racecourse

Another steeple-chase course conveniently set on the nearest side of Newton Abbot operates from March through to mid-October. A great day out with a less formal atmosphere and not quite as windy!

Exeter Racecourse at Haldon is a short 10-15 minute drive from  Ashcombe Cottages. Newton Abbot Racecourse is also about 15 minutes away

The Exeter Chiefs 

The Devon premier rugby team play at Sandy Park. Founded in 1871 the club got to the premiership in 2010 to become one of the leading teams. The Chiefs won the championship title in 2016/17 and 2019/20 as well as appearances in five other finals. 

The easy-to-reach Sandy Park is a good day out for any rugby fan with a great atmosphere and entertainment. The stadium is currently able to hold 15,600 spectators, to soon be extended to a 20,000 capacity

The Brixham Pirate Festival 1-3 May 2027 (provisional)

A swashbuckling mix of piratical fun and entertainment! There will be LOTS of pirates, military and period re-enactors here with guns and cannons to make plenty of noise! We will make sure there is plenty of music too.

Dawlish Carnival Week 15-21 August 2026

Carnival comes to Dawlish!  With a week of family fun, music and entertainment including races, It’s a Knockout, raft, duck and pram races and much more, there is something for all members of the family.

Torbay Royal Regatta 21-24 August 2026

Sailing races over a week long event of separate regattas combining Babbacombe, Brixham, Paignton and Royal Torbay Regattas into one huge sailing event covering many classes of dinghies and yachts. The RNLI fancy dress pursuit race is a highlight

The Dartmouth Royal Regatta from 26-19 August 2026

A week of entertainment featuring Pub & Club Rowing, Sailing and a massive fireworks display along with live music, shows and shopping.  read more

The Shaldon Regatta 29-31 August 2026

Ideal for family participation, and bursting with 130 fun events to watch and participate in. There are rowing and motor boat races, sailing races, children’s sandcastle competitions, rounders and beach races. Enter the five-a-side football contest and the rubber duck race. The event finishes with beach cricket, sailing and swimming events leading to the finale: a Pillow Fight for over 16’s.

Other traditional and great events are the  Paignton Festival (29 July 2026) and  Teignmouth Carnival (2-9 August 2026) are also good fun.