October foodie heaven...

The West Country is renowned for its abundant, tasty produce and is home to many celebrated chefs.

Next month is bursting with mouth-watering foodie events, so what better time for an autumn break?


We've selected a few to whet your appetite...

Mitch Tonks

Exmoor Food Festival 30th September to 9th October  



Boscastle Festival 1st to 2nd October

Celebration of Food 1st to 31st October

  

Falmouth Oyster Festival 13th to 16th October

Dartmouth Food Festival 21st to 23rd October

We've some fabulous holiday cottages still available during October where you can enjoy your tasty treats or perhaps experiment with your own culinary creations?

Super September events…

Lovers of the West Country won’t be surprised to hear that this September is jam-packed with events across the region. We’ve focused on just a few with cottages to match…

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.

West Country food on the menu for Somerset holiday cottage guests…

Families staying in a Somerset holiday cottage can sample delicious West Country produce at a food festival next month. The Exmoor Food Festival will be held in various venues throughout the region between 2nd and 10th October.

Visitors to the festival can see the vast array of food and drink Exmoor has to offer while enjoying a packed programme of events that includes farmers' markets, themed evenings and cookery courses.

Those with a sweet tooth will love the Homemade Cake Bonanza at Lyndale Tea Rooms, while holidaymakers can learn the secret of making delicious chocolate at The Chocolate House in Dunster. Budding cowboys are invited to a hoe-down in Lynton as Kensington Tea Room is transformed for a western-themed event on 5th October.

The festival will coincide with the North Devon and Exmoor Autumn Walking Festival and organisers have arranged a number of food themed walks to help guests burn off those extra calories.

View Somerset holiday cottages from Helpful Holidays here.