Discover the Taste of Autumn

with Three Days of Food Heaven in Dartmouth,

21st - 23rd October

Get a taste of the excitement whether you’re a culinary expert or just a fresh food enthusiast by combining your love of locally produced delicacies with your well deserved autumn break. The heart of the Festival is Dartmouth's historic Market Square which plays host to a rolling series of children's events, cookery demonstrations, markets, wine tasting's and much, much more. There are also running events in the South Embankment marquees (demo kitchen and stalls), The Flavel and, new for 2010, Avenue Gardens.

The famous art galleries are holding an open evening on festival Friday, and many of Dartmouth restaurants are creating special festival menus. To avoid disappointment, we'd advise you to book restaurants well in advance (particularly The Seahorse, The Anzac Street Bistro and The Royal Castle Hotel) and reserve your tickets for the evening events as they tend to sell out well in advance. Have a fantastic time! more

 

“Forage for Your Breakfast” (limited Places)

Wild food forager Thom Hunt and star of the Channel 4 TV series, the Three Hungry Boys, is the latest celebrity “foodie” to join forces with the Dartmouth Food Festival.  Thom is part of the team who are set to launch the new River Cottage Canteen and Deli which is due to open at the Royal William Yard in Plymouth in November.

On Saturday 22 October, Thom will lead a team of wild food enthusiasts to explore the local coastline and hedgerows around Dartmouth to source the raw ingredients for a delicious   “wild" breakfast. The forage finds will then be turned into an outstanding and imaginative breakfast at the festival Garton King Aga demonstration kitchen. 

If you'd like to be one of the lucky few please drop David Jones an email including your phone number. Details will go public soon so act quickly. The cost will be £25 per person with proceeds going to help fund the Food Festival.

Mitch and Friends at the Flavel, (Tickets for this are selling fast)

Thursday 20th October.  Mitch Tonks will be cooking along with Fergus Henderson (pictured at Food Festival 2009), Jane Baxter and Holly Jones. Each chef will prepare a course and  wine to accompany it, then guests will have this course to eat with a taster glass of the chosen wine. Four courses and four wines for just £45 per head. We are able to do this for such a very reasonable price due to sponsorship from several local businesses including, Mitch of the Seahorse & Rockfish, the Dart Marina, V-Zug Steam Ovens and RGC Inspirations.

The whole evening will be coordinated by our Festival  Executive Chef, Serin Aubrey of Anzac Street Bistro and our wine supremo, Sam Miller.  Contact Val Bird, Food Festival Secretary email to book a whole table for 10 or to join a table if you're a smaller group or couple.

Saturday Morning Kitchen Live at the Festival .

This year we are delighted to welcome TV presenters Matt Tebbutt and Susy Atkins to the Festival.  Among other things they will host an event in the Flavel on Saturday 22nd October from 11am until 1pm.

Susy and Matt will interview local producers and taste their products, host cooking demonstrations with Michelin starred chef Chris Horridge and others. Susy will be recommending drinks to accompany the various dishes.   Tickets for this are just £5 Contact Val Bird, Food Festival Secretary email

Hot Stuff in South Devon!

Steve Waters reports: We are very pleased to announce the official opening of our new cafe and farm shop on our Chilli farm:  "The view from the new cafe is wonderful. The shop shelves are filled with chilli preserves, sauces and chocolates made on-site with chillies grown on the farm. The shop also stocks a range of chilli-based products from other chilli specialists (UK-based and abroad).

Customers visiting the farm can enjoy tasters of all the South Devon Chilli Farm range of products and wander through the chilli display area featuring over 100 varieties of chilli plants. The farm is free to visit and is open all year.   The new cafe has an array of chilli-themed dishes as well as traditional Devon café options such as cakes, Cream Teas, pasties and jacket potatoes.

For chilli fans, the menu includes Mexican dishes such as Burritos, Quesadillas and an ever-changing list of spicy specials. South Devon Chilli farm can be found near Kingsbridge, on the B3196 just north of Loddiswell. There is ample parking with a large disabled parking area immediately outside the shop. For more information 

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Autumn Festival at Avon Mill - 8th & 9th October.

Avon Mill Garden Centre are holding their annual festival to celebrate the bounty of autumn. There will be food & drink tasting, apple presses, tractors, steam engines, story telling and children's vintage rides, crafts, flowers, pumpkins. The days run from 9.30am - 5pm. Just come along and enjoy. more

Goosey Fair, Tavistock Wednesday.

12th October The Fair dates back to the early 12th century. No one is sure where the name 'Goose' came from but was probably picked up and used because of Farmers bringing their Geese to market on that date. The annual event brings in traders from all over the country and Tavistock becomes very hectic on that day, the main Plymouth road is closed so that traders can setup their stalls. more

Henry Blofield at the Flavel. Shaken not Stirred.

Sunday 16th October at 3.00pm There is so much more to Henry Blofeld than the cozy old Test Match Special commentary box. No one has lived life more to the full. No one's views are more prickly and earth-shatteringly funny. The pompous, the politically correct, the prancing popinjays on every platform of life, are kicked unceremoniously into touch. 'Elf an Safety are shaken until the pips squeak. Tea and cakes will be available to buy after what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining talk!  Tickets: £15 more

Woodlands Halloween Spooktacular.

Woodlands family theme park. Family Fright Week 22 - 30 October. Phantom Pirates Mirror Maze - Trick or Treat - Flying Spooks Tractor Ride - Free Pumpkins & Carving Championships - Weird Workshops - Crazy Competitions - Ghoulish Ghost Train. Halloween Spectacular, plus all the fun of Woodlands Family Theme Park, Rides, Slides, Toboggan run! more

South Hams Arts Trail.

The S.H.A. Forum is an active band of artists from across the region and here is an exciting opportunity to visit 55 of the South Hams' most inspiring art studios, workshops, galleries and exhibition halls. The membership is so diverse that while some work in purpose-built studios, others still manage to produce their works of art at the kitchen table!  

Click here to see the full Arts Trail Brochure

Dartmouth Steam Railway; Days out with Thomas.

Saturday October 22nd 2011 - Tuesday October 25th 2011

Meet Sir Topham Hall, Thomas and his friends. Contact Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat. Tel: 01803 555872 more

Powderham Castle Spooky Tours Monday.

25th - Sunday 31 October 2010  Hear fascinating tales of the Castle and its past residents as you are led by a friendly ghostly guide through the impressive Castle rooms. Are you brave enough to cross the haunted landing?  Will you see the Grey Lady?  Spooky tours take place at 12.00, 1.30 and 3.00 and normal tours take place at 11.15, 12.45, 2.15 and 3.45. (including Saturday)  As well as a tour inside the Castle visitors can follow the 'Pumpkin Trail' to win a prize, ride on the tractor trailer and take part in an entertaining activity session with a special 'spooky' guest or two. more

Click here for more about What's on in the South Devon area

 

"Celebrate Christmas or New Year with friends and family in a snug Self-Catering Holiday Cottage"

South Devon is a great place to spend Christmas or New Year - whether you want to rent a cosy cottage for two or a large cottage for up to twelve you will find wonderful accommodation in the Village at Hillfields. If you want to spend a romantic week away for Christmas or New Year in South Devon with your loved one then you have come to the right place. If you want to spend the holidays with friends or family you will find the perfect accommodation at Hillfields.

Book early to ensure the cottage you want. This is especially important if you're looking for a large cottage or a group located together, please contact for details. Larger groups might be interested in opting for adjoining cottages in the Village.  Call Caroline on 01803 712322

"Big Holiday Cottage - Big Really is Beautiful! !"

If you're looking for a great place for your fun family holiday, getaway with friends, reunion, celebration or house party, we have some of the finest big holiday cottages at Hillfield Village in the South West, we'll help you find the perfect self catering accommodation. 

Call Caroline on 01803 712322