Local Knowledge – February 2026
Donkey Sanctuary trails, telescope tours at the Norman Lockyer Observatory, the Sidbury pantomime plus a wander round historic Bridport. Quiet-season East Devon at its best.
Donkey Sanctuary trails, telescope tours at the Norman Lockyer Observatory, the Sidbury pantomime plus a wander round historic Bridport. Quiet-season East Devon at its best.
Our season opens, the Farmers Market returns to Kennaway House, Sidmouth RFC walk for charity then West Bay’s Broadchurch trail waits along the coast.
Easter trails at the Donkey Sanctuary, guided walks through Sidmouth’s Eastern Town, Evita at the Manor Pavilion then a serious coastal hike from Beer to Lyme Regis.
Donkey Week, Sidmouth Sea Fest then the International Jazz & Blues Festival all land in May, with Dorset’s Buzzing Dumbledore Trail worth the drive.
Father’s Day at Seaton Tramway, the beaches at their best before the schools break up, the Donkey Sanctuary on foot plus an anniversary of our own.
SidyFest, the Lyme Regis Sausage & Cider Festival, Lyme Morris Day of Dance, Bridport Folk Festival then Camp Bestival. The busiest month in our whole calendar.
The Sidmouth Folk Festival opens the month, the Regatta & Air Show closes it, with Bridport’s Melplash Agricultural Show sitting neatly in between.
A week of free guided walks across East Devon, the Sidmouth Illuminated Carnival then the Dorset County Show marking the end of harvest.
The Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival, Taste East Devon, the Classic Car Show then Sidbury’s harvest fair. Four festivals inside one fortnight, all within half an hour of the park.
A week and a half of the Sidmouth Science Festival, the Budleigh Salterton Carnival then dark autumn skies for stargazing over the Dorset Downs.
Ten days of the Sidmouth Science Festival, food festivals at Powderham and River Cottage, Halloween trails then Exmoor’s dark skies. Bronze hedgerows plus far quieter coastal paths.
Sidbury’s bonfire and fireworks, the tar barrels at Ottery St Mary then a much gentler street market over in Bridport. Fire first, calm afterwards.
Fireworks over Lyme Regis harbour, the flaming tar barrels at Ottery St Mary then the Christmas markets opening at Exeter Cathedral. Autumn’s grand finale near Oakdown.