Historical Events

South Devon is steeped in history, from maritime and medieval towns and villages, to country houses, steam trains and even a rare surviving monastery you won’t be short of historical things to see and places to visit on a trip or holiday to South Devon.

Throughout the year there are many historical events held at these great attractions, providing a special chance to explore the region’s history and discover facts and interesting details about the past while enjoying a great day out.

But it’s not just the ancient attractions and listed buildings that hold events in Devon, you can find talks on the regions past, classic motor shows and exhibitions in some of the regions more modern venues or in town and village centres. 

No matter if you’re interested in the county’s prehistoric past along the Jurassic Coast or dinosaur theme attractions, what to discover ancient history in Tudor forts and medieval castles or see what impact the industrial revolution had on South Devon, there’s no end of special historical events which can help you dive even deeper in to what makes the area so special.  

Dotted across the region you’ll find a number of National Trust and English Heritage properties. Theses much loved sites host a fantastic range of events not just round the school holidays but throughout the rest of the year. 

But don’t worry, not every event held in stately homes or at ancient sites is about the past. You can find a whole range of events from Easter egg hunts, guided garden walks, cookery classes, beer festivals and bank holidays being celebrated in the county’s wonderful historical attractions.  

To help you plan and see what historical events in South Devon are on offer throughout the year, check out the below calendar of shows, exhibitions and hands on events.