August Bank Holiday is just around the corner, and Ilfracombe’s pulling out all the stops for one last summer hurrah. We’ve put together a list of brilliant events and attractions to keep you busy all weekend long!
Ilfracombe Carnival (25th August)
Kick things off with a bang at the Ilfracombe Carnival! From 5pm, the seafront will be buzzing with music and stalls to get you in the mood. At 6pm, watch in awe as the Carnival Procession rolls through town – it’s a proper spectacle of floats and walking groups that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear. The whole family love it; best of all, it’s all for good causes. You’ll see many local groups and businesses showing off their creative sides with some truly bonkers floats. Remember to bring some loose change to show your love – every penny goes to local charities!
More Info: https://www.visitilfracombe.co.uk/item/ilfracombe-carnival/
Combes Golf Park Grand Opening (Saturday 24th August)
Saturday promises to be a fantastic day, marking a significant step towards fully reopening and serving as a heartfelt celebration of the Devon Air Ambulance. It’s set to be an amazing event, with the goal of bringing the community together to enjoy a fun-filled day while raising much-needed funds for a vital cause. The day will feature 50% off all activities, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. Free shuttles will run from Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, and Braunton, making it easy to get there. With a mouth-watering selection of food including a hog roast, BBQ, and pizza available all day, there’s something for every appetite. A charity auction will offer the chance to win some fantastic prizes, while the Toptracer competition will see participants vying for a set of Callaway clubs. The festivities will kick off in style with live DJs playing from 1pm until 1am, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day. The highlight will be the ribbon cutting by the Mayor at 3pm, a moment that symbolizes the community’s resilience and spirit.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Combes-Golf-Park/61558486675870/
Rowlands Funfair (Throughout August)
For some proper seaside fun, pop over to Rowlands Funfair on the Seafront. They’ve got rides and games galore, and they’ve been keeping folks entertained all summer. The Bank Holiday weekend is your last chance to enjoy the thrills before the season ends, so don’t miss out! There’s something for everyone – heart-stopping rides for the daredevils and gentler ones for the little’uns. Have a go at the classic fairground games, treat yourself to some candy floss, and relive those childhood summer memories. As night falls, the fair lights up like a Christmas tree – it’s pure seaside magic!
More Info: https://www.visitilfracombe.co.uk/item/rowlands-funfair/
West Down Village Fete (25th August)
Fancy a taste of proper Devon village life? Get yourself down to West Down Village for their yearly fete at the Community Park. They’ve got good grub, games for the whole family, a dog show, and even a fun run. It’s a lovely day out that’ll make you feel like one of the locals in no time. Stuff your face with homemade cakes and sarnies, try your luck at the coconut shy or hook-a-duck, and cheer on the pooches in the village dog show. If you’re feeling energetic, join in the fun run – or just watch from the sidelines with a cream tea! It’s a great chance to see a small Devon community at its best.
More Info: http://www.westdown.org.uk/upcoming-events/
The Big Sheep Summer Music Festival (23rd-24th August)
Calling all music lovers! The Big Sheep’s putting on a summer music festival that’s set to be a right old knees-up. Chris Moyles is headlining, and they’ve got top-notch tribute acts for ABBA and Queen – you’ll be dancing ’til your feet hurt! And it’s not just about the music – there’s theme park rides and a food village too, so you can make a proper day (or two!) of it. Sing your heart out to your favourite tunes, check out some new local talent, and soak up the festival vibes. Between sets, hop on a few rides or stuff your face at the food stalls. It’s got everything you need for a cracking Bank Holiday weekend.
More Info: https://www.thebigsheep.co.uk/august-bank-holiday-summer-music-festival/
Monkey Tribe Kids Club at North Devon Resort (Throughout the holidays)
Got some little monkeys to keep busy? The Monkey Tribe Kids Club’s running all holiday, with everything from indoor sports to graffiti workshops. Oh, and did we mention the daily pool parties? It’s a surefire way to keep the kids happy while you put your feet up. They’ve got stuff for all ages, so every kid will find something they love. From arty-crafty bits and bobs to sporty games, cool workshops and splashy pool fun, your kids will be having such a good time they won’t want to leave! It’s great for making new holiday mates and creating memories they’ll be nattering about for ages.
More Info: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/monkeypuzzleihp/861032
Summer of Play at Arlington Court (Until 1st September)
Arlington Court’s mixing up history and playtime with their ‘Summer of Play’. They’ve got hay mazes, touchy-feely play areas, and loads of creative stuff to do. Who says learning can’t be a laugh? Have a nosey around the posh house and its cool collections, then head outside for some hands-on fun. Get lost in the twisty hay maze, play about in the special sensory areas, and let your creative juices flow with the craft activities. It’s a brilliant mix of old stuff and new fun that’ll keep both kids and grown-ups entertained all day long.
Watermouth Castle and Family Theme Park
Step into a world of magic at Watermouth Castle! New for 2024, they’ve got Devon’s biggest adventure play village, complete with make-believe towers, castles, and these weird and wonderful water pillows. The Pixie roleplay village and hands-on Mining village will keep your little lords and ladies busy for hours. Learn about the castle’s cool history, brave the spooky dungeons, and let your imagination run wild in the massive play areas. It’s educational, but don’t tell the kids – they’ll be having too much fun to notice they’re learning!
More Info: https://www.watermouthcastle.com/
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Blast off for an out-of-this-world day out at The Milky Way Adventure Park. They’ve got hair-raising roller coasters, jaw-dropping shows, and fantastic play areas – it’s a stellar day out that’ll leave the whole family starry-eyed! Take a spin on the Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster, test your nerves on the high ropes, or enjoy the gentler rides if you’re not a thrill-seeker. They’ve even got some cool space stuff to look at and play with, so you might learn a thing or two about our galaxy. With loads to do inside and out, it’s a great shout whatever the weather.
More Info: https://www.themilkyway.co.uk/
The BIG Sheep Family Attraction
Where else can you watch sheep racing, catch a live show, and go on awesome rides all in one day? The BIG Sheep’s got it all, and it’s perfect for everyone from tots to grandparents. It’s baa-rilliant fun (sorry, we couldn’t resist!). Cheer on your favourite woolly runner at the hilarious sheep races, watch the clever sheepdogs show off their skills, and get up close with all sorts of farm animals. But it’s not just about the four-legged friends – there’s heart-pumping rides, indoor play areas, and seasonal events too. It’s a day out that’s anything but ordinary!
More Info: https://www.thebigsheep.co.uk/
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
All aboard for a trip back in time on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway! This lovely old steam train will chug you through some of North Devon’s prettiest countryside, A one mile return trip from Woody Bay Station to Killington Lane and back, two miles in total taking approximately 20 mins. Find out about the railway’s fascinating history, explore the beautifully done-up stations, and maybe treat yourself to a cream tea in the café. Whether you’re mad about trains or just after a different way to see North Devon’s beauty, this journey’s sure to be a highlight of your holiday.
More Info: https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Get ready for some roar-some fun at Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park! They’ve got life-sized robot dinosaurs, exotic animals, and more to do- it’s prehistoric playtime at its best. Don’t forget to hop on the Dino Express train for a Jurassic journey! Come face-to-face with a T-Rex, learn about saving endangered animals, and let the kids go wild in one of the biggest indoor play areas in North Devon. It’s a brilliant mix of wildlife and dinosaur adventures, making it a fun and educational day out for everyone. From dinosaur roars to monkey chatter, there’s something new to discover around every corner.
More Info: https://cmwdp.co.uk/
Each of these fantastic places has special events for the Bank Holiday weekend, so make sure you check out their websites for all the details. You want to make sur of the fun, do you? Whether you’re after carnival thrills, seaside fun, or family adventures, Ilfracombe and the surrounding area have got you sorted.
Don’t forget your sun cream, your sense of adventure, and maybe some stretchy trousers (all that delicious Devon grub won’t eat itself, after all). Here’s to making the most of the last big weekend of summer in our lovely Ilfracombe and North Devon. Have a blast!
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