Head for Plymouth city harbour from 10th to 18th September to see the F1 of yachting – the 34th America’s Cup. Take a look at this video to whet your appetite for what should be an extremely exciting and prestigious event:
There’s lots more to see in Plymouth - from the biggest fish tank in Europe at the National Marine Aquarium to the Barbican Leisure Park where you’ll be surrounded by history and many places to eat, drink and be entertained! Place to stay: You might get a good view from Eureka.
TV-funnyman-turned-mandolin-player Adrian Edmondson and his punk-folk band The Bad Shepherds are a highlight at this year’s St. Ives September Festival, from 10th to 24th September. They were nominated for ‘Best Live Act’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2010 and you can see why here:
The festival is a great celebration of music and the arts and takes place around St Ives. As well as The Bad Shepherds, there may still be tickets left for Chris Barber, Barbara Dickinson, the Brodsky Quartet and many others. There’s also lots of free music on throughout the town. If news and current affairs is more your thing, you can attend a recording of BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions hosted by Jonathan Dimbleby on 9th September in the Guildhall. Place to stay: Escape the crowds at Trecam.
You don’t have to be a steam engine fanatic to enjoy the West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala from 29th September to 2nd October. Puff along to Bishops Lydeard for some great sights including ‘Norton Manor’, ‘Prairie’ and a Heritage Freight Train. You’re welcome to have a look around the Works and see the Minehead Turntable in operation. You can catch up with all the latest news on the West Somerset Railway’s Facebook page. Place to stay: There’s a station near Chapel Cottage.
What’s the best type of walking festival? One that runs at the same time as a food festival of course! Those thoughtful folks from Exmoor are holding Exmoor Walking Festival from 30th September to 3rd October, and the Exmoor Food Festival from 30th September to 9th October. You can see the full walking festival programme of events here – a highlight is ‘The Inns and Outs of Trentishoe’ on 30th September, a varied walk which starts inland and climbs quickly to follow Heddon's Cleave with wonderful views across the valley and out to sea. The walk then follows the South West Coast Path
before turning back inland down a steep valley to return beside the Blackmoor Water. The food festival has a handy Google Map to help you triangulate your walks with the very best foodie experiences on offer. Place to stay: Plot your route from Jubilee House.
If you’re planning an autumn break, browse our holiday cottages available during September and October. You can check our ‘Explore the Area’ map on each property details page for more event ideas near your favourite cottage, or subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to receive our pick of both major and quirky events for the month ahead.
