Explore East Devon for less this Spring

This Spring East Devon will burst into life with festivals and cultural offerings, making it the perfect time to explore this vibrant region. From music and arts to food and history, here’s your ultimate guide for things to do in East Devon with plenty of not-to-be-missed Spring offers thrown in too.

Festivals and events

Sidmouth Sea Fest is a celebration of the town's rich coastal heritage. This year, the festival is being held at Connaught Gardens, providing a stunning backdrop for festivities that include local food stalls, arts and crafts, live music, and cultural displays. The free family festival is on Saturday May 17 from 10am until 5pm.

For those who want to continue festivities into the evening, there’s a Sea Fest Party from 6pm until 11pm with live music from artists including electronic music collective Dr Meaker, and the folk duo Razzomo. Tickets for the party are available from Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub.

Of course, any guide worth its salt has to include the renowned Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival. This Spring, the festival is packing a punch with an impressive line up of internationally acclaimed artists performing at Blackmore Gardens in the heart of Sidmouth from Friday May 23 until Monday May 26. Performers include Soul II Soul, Gabrielle, Curtis Stigers, and Eric Bibb. Visit the Sidmouth Jazz website to buy tickets.  

Art, culture and history

If you’re looking for cultural things to do in Spring in Devon, then take a look at The Beehive’s offering. This award-winning community venue serves as a hub for arts and culture in Honiton. There are a host of East Devon activities on offer this Spring including an Art and Craft Café, comedy and showings of latest film releases. Visit The Beehive website to find out What’s On and to book tickets.

History buffs (and those seeking culture on a rainy day) will be delighted to know there are more than ten museums in East Devon, each offering a unique insight into the region. Allhallows Museum showcases Honiton’s lace-making history from the 16th century to the 20th century, as well as important archaeological finds. Seaton Museum has a collection of artefacts and photos depicting the lives of local people from prehistoric times up to the present day.

Art enthusiasts should head for the Thelma Hulbert Gallery. The gallery exhibits contemporary arts and crafts, as well as hosting talks, events, and workshops. The gallery is currently exhibiting work by the filmmaker and artist Ashish Ghadiali, called Sensing the Planet. Enjoy money off in the gallery’s shop by getting a code from the East Devon culture map.

For those cultural explorers after a more immersive experience, head to Cadhay House near Ottery St Mary, which offers a glimpse into England’s architectural heritage. Guests can take a guided tour of the Tudor manor house and its beautifully preserved interiors, and wander through the exquisite gardens, featuring medieval fishponds.

Cadhay is open to the public every Friday from May 2 until September 26 from 2pm until 5pm and on some Bank Holiday weekends. Get 2 for 1 garden visits this Spring by visiting the East Devon culture map where you’ll find a list of offers for things to do in Spring in Devon. For more information about opening days and times visit the Cadhay website.

Head further East into Devon and you’ll reach Axminster Guildhall, a community hub hosting everything from local markets to music gigs and film showings. This Spring they are offering ten percent off all bookings. Listen to former war correspondent, Kate Adie, talk about life on the front line or enjoy some sounds from the 90s with an Oasis tribute band. To view their full Spring offering, visit the Axminster Guildhall website.

The Manor Pavilion Theatre in Sidmouth also has a host of entertainment on offer this Spring from the popular musical Oklahoma to live bands including The Fleetwood Mac Songbook, and a range of plays from murder mysteries to Hannay Stands Fast (the sequel to The 39 Steps).

Culinary delights and hospitality

Foodies won’t want to miss the opportunity to grab a bite to eat from Gate to Plate or Eats Boutique food festivals. Gate to Plate food festivals bring the best West Country food and drink producers together in town centres. Join Exmouth Gate to Plate on Sunday April 27 or Axminster Gate to Plate on Bank Holiday Monday May 26.

Eats Boutique pop-up evening street food market travels around East Devon offering an alternative way to dine on a Friday evening. Sample menus from around the world and enjoy 2 for 1 on a pint of Branoc or cider at the resident bar, The Salty Arms. Eats Boutique is in Beer on the first Friday of the month from May and in Axminster on the second Friday of the month.

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Lily Farm Vineyard, where they can tour the vineyard and sample a selection of fine English wines produced on-site. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about viticulture in Devon's unique climate. They are currently offering a voucher for a Vineyard tour for two plus a bottle of Sparkling Wine for £50 (this is 15 per cent off the usual price).

For fine dining foodies, a visit to Lympstone Manor is top of the list of things to do in East Devon. A luxury country house hotel overlooking the Exe Estuary, Lympstone Manor offers exquisite dining experiences crafted by renowned chefs. They also produce their own wine and offer vineyard tours.

Outdoor adventures

For visitors looking for outdoor East Devon activities, start by exploring the South West Coast Path, which winds its way through England’s only natural World Heritage Site. Starting in East Devon at Exmouth (the gateway to the Jurassic Coast), the path leads you through 185 million years of history. Perfect for hikers and nature lovers, the path winds its way along the cliffs offering breath-taking sea views and excellent vantage points for bird and wildlife spotting.

If you’re after a more family friendly outdoor experience, then head for Heron Farm near Honiton. This picturesque farm shop and award-winning café is the perfect family friendly destination with an outdoor play area, orchards, and a kitchen garden. There’s also vineyard tours and wine tastings for over 18s.

Whether you’re a local rediscovering your surroundings or a visitor exploring for the first time, East Devon truly has something for everyone. For all the exclusive discount codes visit East Devon culture map where you’ll also find information on more cultural places to explore.