Why do we love a festival? Inspired first by the likes of Woodstock and Glastonbury, festivals have become a wondrous way for us to bring family and friends together as we celebrate our common loves of good music, food and the arts. They also happen to take place in some of the country’s most scenic locations!

And here in our neck of the woods we too have a stocked calendar to look forward to from pirate and cheese festivals to crafts, music, cider and seafood; cool happenings taking place nearly every month of the year, and honestly, we can’t wait.

So on to our top picks for a fabulous festival in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset – see you there!

Porthleven Food Festival

When: April 21st -23rd

Ever since Jude Kereama represented the South West on Great British Menu, we’ve been big fans. Held in his hometown, the Porthleven Food Festival is an annual, award-winning, free-to-attend, three-day foodie extravaganza and one not to be missed if you’re in Cornwall in April.

Presented in partnership with Jude, the event will showcase culinary masterclasses with some of the country’s other leading chefs including Antony Worrall Thompson, Adam Handling, Emily Scott and Mick Smith.

Ann’s Pasties will host the wonderful Family Field, and visitors can look forward to a Farmer’s Market, Net loft Feast Nights, Meet The Maker Fair and live music among other wonderful goings ons.

Browse self-catering cottages near Porthleven here >>

Brixham Pirate Festival

When: 29th April – 1st May

This swashbuckling soiree which was created by the local community in 2007 to liven up one of the quietest bank holidays of the year, has been delighting locals and visitors ever since and is definitely one not to be missed!

Since those humble beginnings, the festival has grown into one of the biggest pirate gatherings in the world, with thousands of people descending from all over the world for a long weekend of fancy-dress fun and seaside shenanigans set against the authentic backdrop of the historic port.

Browse our Brixham self-catering cottages here >>

Wavelength Spring Classic

Woolacombe Bay, North Devon

When: 1st – 4th June

An all-time favourite spot for summer vibes, Woolacombe Bay is the perfect place to put on a surf festival majeure and that’s exactly what the Spring Surf Classic is! A celebration of the local community this epic family-friendly event will offer live music from some big music names like Arrested Development, Gardna and Cassia, as well as an endless list of fun activities for younger festival-goers.

Expect to see the pros take on the Atlantic swells, or take part in cold water swim sessions, trail runs, nature walks, yoga, kids workshops, Firepit feasts, re-wilding workshops and more. There’ll also be amazing food available from a host of local eateries and producers.

Browse our North Devon self-catering cottages here >>

Somerset Food Trail Festival

When: 14th – 30th July

17…yes seventeen! That’s how many days this fantastic foodie festival spans, and it promises to immerse visitors in the best of local in a thoroughly unique way. You see, unlike other festivals There is not one ‘Somerset Food Trail’. You choose the route yourself based on what catches your eye or whets your appetite.

Simply download the guide of participating venues in the various areas. Venues open for set times during the seventeen-day event, and opening times vary according to venue, so check out the venue listing and their website before heading out.

With so much on offer this really is an experience that you can tailor to suit, whether it be for family or friends. From farm visits, beer and cheese tasting and vineyard tours to sausage and cider festivals, fermenting and pickling demonstration, foraging workshops and introductory sessions on aquaponics, there’s something for everyone.

Search for a Somerset self-catering cottage here >>

Sidmouth Folk Festival

When: 4th – 11th August

Whether you’re already a fan, or a complete newbie to British folk music, this is a festival you won’t want to miss so pop it in your calendar. With a focus on diversity and community spirit that sets it apart from other festivals, Sidmouth Folk Festival, though steeped in tradition, is also forward-thinking so you can expect a fantastic mix of music and the arts, from shanty to alternative rock.

Of course there is an incredible line up of artists and musicians all weeklong, as well as food and maker stalls in the Craft and Music village. The festival heaves with visitors from all over the world so make sure you buy your tickets sooner rather than later.

Browse our Sidmouth holiday cottages here >>

Appledore Book Festival

When: 15th to 23rd September

One of our favourite North Devon coastal destinations, Appledore’s charming atmosphere and stunning scenery make it an idyllic place for a seaside holiday, and we particularly love its ice-cream coloured cottages, picturesque quay and wide estuary views that seem to go on forever.

But this lovely little place has yet another ace up its sleeve, and it’s one that draws quite a crowd. Every September since 2006, Appledore has hosted a charity Book Festival which has become one of the biggest cultural festivals in Devon, attracting world-class authors, speakers and performers. Run almost exclusively by a team of volunteers, who do everything from stewarding the events to adorning the village with bunting, this Festival is a unique experience and one not to be missed.

Last year’s festival saw a host of novelists, writers and journalists like Jeffrey Archer, Sarah Turner, Will Hodgkinson and Mark Billingham, as well as celebrities like Chris Tarrant and Anton Du Beke to name but a few.

View our gorgeous Appledore cottage here >>

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