Sidmouth Science Festival

Ten days of hands-on experiments, family activities, talks and exhibitions at venues around town. Don’t miss Super Science Saturday on 11 October – we’ve watched families spend entire days bouncing between activities. The geology sessions work brilliantly for Jurassic Coast explorers, particularly if you’re planning beach fossil hunting later in your stay.

Science in the Pub at Blue Ball Inn in Sidford (16 October) offers sociable evening science, whilst the Norman Lockyer Observatory Family Day on 19 October lets you build and launch rockets, explore historic telescopes and race jet cars. Most events are free thanks to generous sponsorship – donations welcome to keep this festival running.

October Food Festivals & Culinary Adventures

Powderham Food Festival (4-5 October): A feast of South West flavours in spectacular castle setting. Artisan producers, chef demonstrations and tastings make this a brilliant day trip from Oakdown – combine the food festival with exploring the castle grounds. Dogs welcome in outdoor areas. Distance: 25 miles / 40 mins by car.

England’s Seafood FEAST (26 Sept – 12 Oct): Menus, masterclasses and harbour-side experiences celebrating the region’s world-class seafood across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Ideal for coastal foodie day out. Distance: 32 miles / 55 mins by car.

River Cottage Long Table Lunches (Sundays 12 & 26 October): Seasonal, local and utterly delicious – the famous farmhouse feast set on Devon-Dorset border. Pre-book essential. Guests rave about this experience, and we’ve heard nothing but brilliant feedback over the years. Distance: 11 miles / 22 mins by car.

Half-Term & Halloween Adventures

Seaton Tramway – Trick or Treat Tram (from 29 Oct): Gentle spooky ride and interactive story – perfect for little ghouls and goblins. Pre-booking recommended. We’ve learned this sells out quickly during half-term. Dogs welcome on lower decks with water bowls provided. Distance: 7 miles / 15 mins by car.

Pecorama Halloween Evenings (28 Oct – 1 Nov): Witches & wizards trail, after-dark train rides and spooky entertainment at our much-loved model railway gardens. Fancy dress encouraged. This is properly charming – not too scary for younger children. Evening events typically run 5-8pm. Distance: 8 miles / 18 mins by car.

The Donkey Sanctuary (late October half-term): Family trails and seasonal activities around the sanctuary. Entry is free with small charge for trail. The sanctuary sits literally on your doorstep – many guests walk or cycle the short distance. Distance: 2 miles / 5 mins by car.

Bicton Park Halloween Pumpkin Trail (late Oct – early Nov): Gentle pumpkin trail through gardens with prize for young explorers. Lovely low-scare option for little ones. The botanical gardens provide stunning autumn colour displays throughout October. Distance: 7 miles / 15 mins by car.

Brilliant Days Out All Month

Beer Quarry Caves (daily until 1 Nov): Step into 2,000 years of history in vast man-made caverns. It’s cool underground – bring jumper and sturdy shoes. Brilliant wet-weather alternative that fascinates adults as much as children. The stone from these caves built 24 cathedrals including Exeter and St Paul’s. Tours run regularly throughout the day. Distance: 7 miles / 15 mins by car.

Stuart Line Cruises (throughout October): River Exe, Exeter Canal and Jurassic Coast cruises operate year-round. Crisp autumn light makes for stunning coastal views, and October’s softer weather often provides clearer visibility than summer haze allows. Multiple cruise options available. Distance: 12 miles / 25 mins by car from Exmouth.

Wild East Devon – Seaton Wetlands (selected dates): Craft workshops, guided walks and family nature trails across reedbeds, lagoons and bird hides. October brings migrating birds through the wetlands, making this particularly rewarding for nature enthusiasts. Distance: 7 miles / 15 mins by car.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (throughout October): Join expert guides for family-friendly fossil hunts along Jurassic Coast beaches. Booking essential as places fill quickly. Autumn storms often expose fresh fossil finds, making October genuinely productive for discoveries. Distance: 14 miles / 30 mins by car.

Literary & Cultural Celebrations

Exmoor Dark Skies Festival (17 Oct – 2 Nov): Stargazing sessions, astrophotography, planetarium shows and night-walks under some of the UK’s clearest skies. Wrap up warm and pick a cloud-free night – we’ve driven up for this ourselves and it’s genuinely spectacular. The combination of Exmoor’s elevation and minimal light pollution creates viewing conditions you simply don’t get near towns. Distance: 45 miles / 1 hr 15 mins by car.

Bridport Literary Festival (26 Oct – 2 Nov): Week-long celebration of books and ideas in charming market town. Talks, readings and discussions with acclaimed authors make this a highlight of the West Dorset cultural calendar. Bridport’s distinctive rope-making heritage and creative community create brilliant atmosphere for literary events. Distance: 18 miles / 35 mins by car.

Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (mid-October, dates TBC): Family activities, guided fossil walks and exhibitions celebrating the Jurassic Coast’s world-famous geology. Brilliant outing for curious minds of all ages. Lyme Regis offers the perfect combination of fossil heritage, Georgian architecture and working harbour atmosphere. Distance: 12 miles / 25 mins by car.

Oakdown Insider Tips for October

Best light for photos: Early mornings on South West Coast Path between Beer and Branscombe. Dramatic red cliffs and far fewer people. October’s lower sun angle creates particularly stunning conditions between 8-10am.

Warm-up spots: After beachcombing at Sidmouth, head to cafés on the esplanade for hot chocolate and sea views. The seafront provides sheltered seating even on breezy October days.

Pack layers: Caves, clifftops and stargazing get chilly. Bring jumpers and torch. October weather in Devon varies dramatically throughout single days – morning mist, afternoon sunshine and cool evenings are typical patterns.

Dog-friendly October: All beaches welcome dogs without restrictions during October. Seaton Beach, western Lyme Regis, Charmouth Beach and West Bay all allow four-legged family members to explore freely.