The Best Places to Stay During South Devon 2024 Events

Guest Blog Post - Sykes Cottages

The 2024 events calendar in South Devon is jam-packed with activity, from family-friendly festivals, waterside concerts with major headline acts and much loved annual regattas. At Coast & Country Cottages we boast a wide portfolio of properties, all of which are ideally situated to make the most of the events happening throughout the year. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a central townhouse positioned in the centre of the action, or a luxurious coastal retreat for the ultimate post-event chillout, we have it covered!  

Use the quick links below, or read on to discover the most anticipated events happening in South Devon throughout the year alongside a carefully curated collection of properties. 

- Devon County Show
- Dart Music Festival 
- English Riviera Airshow
- Plymouth Summer Sessions
- Tunes on The Sands
- Salcombe Regatta
- Dartmouth Regatta
- Dartmouth Food Festival 

The best places to stay during South Devon events 2024...

Devon County Show

Dates: 16th - 18th May 2024

With animals, tractors, food, music, dogs shows, funfairs, crafts, gardens and even shopping, the Devon County Show truly embodies the magic of country life in Devon. With farming at the heart of the show, stockmen and women will be competing in the show ring, while suppliers will be out, offering the best of Devon’s produce. A jam-packed day for all the family, here you’ll find an array of hands-on activities for children, including milking, baking and even planting seeds! 

Places to stay near the Devon County Show:
There is no shortage of accommodation that is perfectly placed to enjoy all that the Devon County Show has to offer. Find your ideal South Devon holiday cottage for a place to put your feet up after a very Devonshire day. 

St Julien, Dawlish

A traditional seaside town boasting beautiful sandy beaches on its doorstep, Dawlish is ideally situated for those that want to visit the Devon County Show whilst also enjoying a relaxing break. The property of St Julien is a stylish and elegant one bedroom apartment that is flooded with natural light and takes in sweeping sea views, making it an ideal bolthole for both couples and individuals.  
 

Dart Music Festival

Dates: 17th - 19th May 2024
The annual three-day Dart Music Festival held in Dartmouth is one of the most popular events of the year in this bustling harbour town, and this comes as no surprise. With over 100 performances spanning a breadth of musical genres, the festival is an eclectic mix of rock, blues, opera, folk and jazz, truly standing by its motto of ‘Music for All’. Performances are held at a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, including churches, the bandstand in the park, outside the castle, hotels, pubs and restaurants - the list is endless! 

Places to stay near Dart Music Festival:

Our portfolio of holiday cottages in Dartmouth and the surrounding area is extensive, with something to suit all requirements.  

Fairhaven, Dartmouth

Fairhaven in Dartmouth is an immaculately presented and well-equipped second floor apartment, situated in an historic landmark building in the very heart of town. You will find yourself a stone’s throw from the Royal Avenue Gardens, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, restaurants and the riverfront. This really is the ultimate bolthole if you are looking for a base from which to enjoy all the Dart Music Festival has to offer. 

English Riviera Airshow

Dates: 1st - 2nd June 2024

The English Riviera Airshow has been dazzling spectators annually since 2016. This is the first event in the UK’s Airshow calendar, and takes place over a two day period. Expect to enjoy spectacular flying displays and an exciting programme of events on the ground. Free to attend, the airshow is funded by several partners including Torbay Council, English Riviera BID Company and many other corporate sponsors. 

Accommodation near English Riviera Airshow:

Explore these Torquay holiday cottages that are situated in and around Paignton for a home away from home whilst visiting the English Riviera Airshow. 

Shipwrights, Galmpton

Located on the outskirts of the quintessential Devonshire village of Galmpton, Shipwrights is a one-bedroom waterside holiday apartment. Its access to nearby attractions, prime position on the riverside and close proximityto Dartmoor National Park make it an ideal bolthole for couples looking to enjoy the surrounding area while visiting the English Riviera Airshow.

Plymouth Summer Sessions

Dates: 13th - 16th June 2024

Situated in an incredible waterfront setting, the Hoe is set to come alive with music this summer as it gears up to welcome 15,000 fans to the first ever ‘Plymouth Summer Sessions’. This popular waterside location already hosts a variety of year-round events, including the famous British Firework Championships, and as such is well versed in putting on a great show. Acts this year include Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, Madness and Sting. 

Accommodation near the Plymouth Summer Sessions:

Explore our holiday cottages in Plymouth and the surrounding area, which are conveniently suited to enjoy the Plymouth Summer Sessions. 

Oak Cottage, Hooe

Oak Cottage is a charming detached cottage located in Hooe, Devon. Sleeping up to five guests, the cottage enjoys three bedrooms and a beautiful courtyard garden that is situated right on the water's edge. Located just a short drive from the Hoe in Plymouth, you can either drive to the Summer Sessions, or alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, take the Mount Batten Ferry.  

Tunes on the Sands

Dates: 12th - 13th July 2024

Set on the beautiful beach of Blackpool Sands with a jaw dropping backdrop of scenic forests and hills, Tuneson the Sands is arguably the biggest music festival in South Devon and features major headline acts. A jam-packed three-day event, be sure to soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning vista of Start Bay alongside the music festival. 

Accommodation near Tunes on the Sands:
Discover a selection of stunning holiday cottages in Torcross, near Stoke Fleming and the surrounding area. 

The Gulls, Stoke Fleming

The Gulls is an impressive detached property situated within the sought after Overseas Estate, and proudly takes prime position as one of the most breath-taking cliff top properties in Devon. Taking in an uninterrupted backdrop of coastal views, The Gulls is a unique spot for groups of families and friends looking to enjoy the weekend-long festival of Tunes on the Sands. The property comes with the added luxury of an outdoor heated infinity-style plunge pool that offers a ‘spa’ experience with swim and massage jets, amongst a stunning backdrop of breathtaking views. 

Salcombe Town Regatta

Date: 3rd – 10th August 2024
Returning to Salcombe from 3rd - 10th August 2024, Salcombe Town Regatta is arguably the town’s biggest event in the calendar. Rooted in the celebration of Salcombe’s sailing history, this is set to be a week of water-based fun for the whole family. Planned activities including rowing and raft races, the famous harbour swim and, of course, sailing! There’s also plenty to do on dry land, from a dog show to fun running, and plenty of children’s activities. This week-long event is free to attend, though individual activities will have a small cost, raising money for charity and the local community. To find out more about what’s on offer, you can purchase your programme for just £3.

Accommodation near Salcombe Regatta: 
These Salcombe holiday cottages are perfectly situated to enjoy all that Salcombe Town Regatta has to offer. 

The Sands, Salcombe

Situated just a stone’s throw from the golden shores of North Sands beach, The Sands is a luxurious and contemporary coastal retreat that is nestled in an elevated position, with uninterrupted views over the Salcombe Estuary and beyond. Sleeping up to ten guests, this is the perfect property for a special family holiday, or groups of couples. The wrap-around sun terrace, with panoramic coastal views, is perfect for those wanting to hunker down after a busy day spent enjoying Salcombe Regatta.

Dartmouth Regatta

Dates: 24th August - 1st September 2024

Arguably one of the biggest in Dartmouth’s busy programme of events, the Dartmouth Regatta continues to draw an incredible crowd and atmosphere, year upon year. Extremely popular, and for good reason, the three-day programme is action packed, including a variety of sailing, sport, live music, street food, fireworks and much more. 

Places to stay during Dartmouth Regatta:
Book one of these Dartmouth holiday cottages for somewhere to stay during Dartmouth Regatta. 

Quayside, Dart Marina

A luxury ground floor apartment, Quayside is situated within the prestigious Dart Marina development. Providing stunning accommodation for up to four people, the property takes in incredible views both up the River Dart and across to the village of Kingswear. The riverside terrace is the ultimate spot for escaping the hustle and bustle of the regatta, and a great place to enjoy a morning coffee or traditional Devonshire cream tea.

Dartmouth Food Festival

Dates: 25th - 27th October 2024

Now in its 20th year, Dartmouth Food Festival is a first class feast of entertainment that features cooking workshops, seminars, tastings, competitions, demonstrations and over 100 hand-picked South West based exhibitors. The festival is a landmark event in the town’s calendar, and is much loved amongst both local residents and those that visit the area. The icing on the cake is that this event is free to attend! 

Accommodation near Dartmouth Food Festival: 
Book a stay at one of these Dartmouth holiday homes and enjoy the Dartmouth Food Festival. 

7 Dart Marina, Dartmouth

A luxury first floor apartment, 7 Dart Marina is ideally situated to enjoy all that Dartmouth Food Festival has to offer. Centrally located in the town, the property is situated on the waterside and as such, takes in sweeping views up the River Dart and across to Kingswear - be sure to enjoy the vista with a morning coffee or evening tipple from the internal balcony. 

Holiday cottages across South Devon, all year round

With stunning beaches, dramatic countryside and plenty of Devonshire charm, who needs an excuse to visit South Devon?

Our collection of self-catering holiday homes are perfect for exploring South Devon your own way, whether that means breathtaking coastal walks, Michelin-Star wining and dining, or just relaxing in the sun with a book in hand. Our wide range of stays includes large holiday properties, cosy romantic boltholes, dog-friendly cottages and much more, so you’re sure to find the perfect break for you.

Click here to book your South Devon Holiday Cottage today!