12 Reasons To Visit Devon In Autumn

As autumn starts to cover Devon with its blanket of oranges and reds, it’s worth remembering that this southern English county isn’t only beautiful during the height of summer. With beaches to stroll across and pubs to cosy up in, is there really anywhere better to spend some time as the days get shorter? Here are just 12 reasons why Devon is worth visiting in autumn.

Woodland walks

There are countless woodland walks in Devon and from Plymbridge to Loddiswell you have plenty of options for wandering under falling leaves and through some spectacular autumn colours.
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Bigger surf

With hurricane season rife in the Atlantic it only seems natural that big waves make their way to the Devonshire shores. Autumn means warm water too, so there’s no need to dig your winter wetsuit out of the loft just yet!

The tourists leave Devon at the end of August and don’t came back again until the beginning of the following summe, leaving Devon empty and tranquil all over again. Exploring with nobody else on the beaches, coast paths and moors is a dream and can often make you feel as though you have the whole county to yourself.
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Dartmoor

Dartmoor is ablaze during the autumn months as the bracken and gorse turns from green to a brazen orange. Couple that with gorgeous autumn light and you end up with shifting patterns of gold which change as the clouds drift across the sky.

Bonfire night

Bonfire night is no ordinary bonfire night in Devon. In Ottery Saint Mary men and women run with flaming barrels of tar on their backs through the streets. This adrenaline fuelled night is fun and filled with mulled wine, what more could you want?
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Pub culture

Pubs really come to life in Devon when the nights start drawing in and everyone comes together around a few pints inside, rather than on the beach. Most pubs have big roaring fires, sea views and menus filled with hearty meals. The perfect place to gather with friends and family.

Food festivals

If you like food, go to Devon in autumn and work your way around the county by going to all the food festivals. There’s Brixham Fishstock, Taste of the Teign, Abbfest Beer and Food Festival, Exe Mussel Festival and Plymouth Seafood Festival all in September and October brings Oktoberfest and Dartmouth Food Festival. Buy yourself a pair of jeans a size bigger and head on down.
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Other festivals

If you’re not into food (but c’mon, who isn’t?) then there are a ton of other festivities to draw you to Devon in autumn. For walking, you can join the South Devon, North Devon or Exmoor Walking Festival, and music fans will enjoy the Two Moors Festival which brings together a series of classical music concerts across both Dartmoor and Exmoor. Book lovers will need to make their way to the Appledore Book Festival, or maybe even explore the Agatha Christie Festival which which takes place in locations all over the English Riviera.

Dog friendly beaches

Beaches in summer are not dog friendly, but beaches in autumn are dog friendly, meaning that you can go for a stroll with your pooch without having to worry. The water at this time of year is still warm too, so you can even go for a swim together.
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Sub-tropical climate

As a general rule the weather in Devon in autumn is usually better than any other time of year. The rain falls less, the clouds part more and the sun usually has his hat on. The temperatures may be lower but at least it’s not raining, right?

Walking Season

It’s no fun stomping up tors or steep cliffs when the temperatures are hitting the high 20s, but in autumn the breeze is fresh and temperatures slightly lower meaning that hiking is much more comfortable. Plus there are less people around to ruin your view, which is a huge bonus!
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Cider season

And of course, autumn is when apples are perfect for cider making. There are many National Trust gardens and farms which encourage people to come and help pick apples and get them ready for cider making. In some places you can even help with the whole process, so go on and get involved!

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