Saturday 1st May – Monday 31st May 10.30am-4.30pm Photographs of Dartmoor, The Church House, Widecombe-in-the-Moor. For the second year, an exhibition by Ros Williams. Further information from 01364 621321 or email the National Trust for further information.
Saturday 1st May Produce market on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Victory hall in Lewdown (between Moretonhampstead and Exeter) 10am to 1pm Stalls include Locally Baked Bread, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Poultry, Fish, Fruit & Vegetables, Herbs & Spices, Fresh Eggs, Tasty Local Cheese, Hand Made Fudges, Home made Preserves, Antiques and bric a brac.
Saturday 1st May 8.30am-1pm Produce Market takes place in the centre of the Bovey Tracey every other Saturday. Meat, fairtrade goods, cheeses, preserves and plants. Marion on 01626 834109 for more information.
Saturday 1st May to Monday 3rd May 11am-4pm Buzzing Bee Trail at Castle Drogo, National Trust. Follow the bees around the garden and grounds to learn all about the wonderful world of the bee. £1.50 per child including prize. Normal admission prices apply.
Sunday 2nd May 12 noon-3.30pm Woodland Explorer Fun Day at Lydford Gorge, near Okehampton. Lots of seasonal games and activities for all the family in the orchard and woodland. Suitable for children aged 5+. Normal admission charges apply. For information telephone 01822 820320/820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further details.
Sunday 2nd May 1.30pm-5.30pm Heathercombe, Manaton, Devon.Visitors also welcome by appointment.30 acres of varied garden set in tranquil wooded valley 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor. Woodland walks beside streams, ponds and lake; hundreds of specimen trees; wild daffodils; woodland garden and fernery; extensive bluebells complementing fine collection of rhododendrons; wild flower meadow in orchard of West Country fruit trees; 2 attractive cottage gardens with interesting herbaceous plantings and newly-established bog/stream garden. Seats and sandy paths.
Sunday 2nd May - Monday 3rd May 2.30 pm - 5.30 pm Andrew's Corner Belstone,3m E of Okehampton, EX20 1RD. Signed to Belstone. In village signed Skaigh. Parking restricted but cars may be left on nearby common. Home-made teas. Contact Robin & Edwina Hill Tel 01837 840332 or Email. Visitors also welcome by appointment. Admission £3, chd free. Well-established, wildlife-friendly, well-labelled plantsman's garden in stunning high moorland setting. Variety of garden habitats incl woodland areas, bog garden, pond; wide range of unusual trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants for yr-round effect incl alpines, rhododendrons, bulbs and maples; spectacular autumn colour. Organic kitchen garden, greenhouse and chickens. Wheelchair access difficult when wet.
Monday 3rd May Lustleigh May Day celebrations. A superb day of family fun. See pictures at the top of this page. The event kicks off with a procession out of the village with the May Queen and musicians, to the church for a blessing from the rector and then into one of the village fields for maypole dancing and merriment. Refreshments, duck racing, face painting. Glorious Dartmoor entertainment. Don't miss it, it's utterly English.
Wednesday 5th May 9am-1pm Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 5th May Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information.
Thursday 6th May 9am-1pm Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Friday 7th May Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1 - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park.

Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local veg etc. More info on the Flea Market website.
Saturday 8th May 10 am - 12 noon, Hittisleigh Market held in Hittisleigh village hall, every 2nd Saturday. There will be available produce, meat, cheese, plants, cakes, preserves etc. Contact Shirley for further information 01647 24453.
Saturday 8th May Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square 9 til 1 Stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves, enjoy the seasonal fruits this month. Tavistock Farmers Market website.
Saturday 8th May and Sunday 9th May 2pm - 6pm Bovey Country Gardens, Bovey Tracey, Devon. 4 very different gardens between the picturesque town of Bovey Tracey and Dartmoor. By the river on edge of town, Parke View is a 1-acre garden with meandering stone walls leading to separate areas well stocked with many unusual shrubs and spring bulbs. On the moorland rd towards Manaton is Three Corners, a classic style country garden laid out in 1930s style with croquet lawn, grass tennis court, vegetable garden and vine-clad pergola. Close by is Down Park, a colourful mature garden with a great variety of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and unusual shrubs. A mile beyond at cattle grid is Holne Brake, an artist's moorland garden with woodland walks and spectacular views of Lustleigh Cleave. A blaze of colour in spring. Recent clearing of rhododendron ponticum has opened ground for planting of specimen trees.
Saturday 8th May and Sunday 9th May 10am-5pm Sedgewell Coach House Gardens, Olchard, Devon. Heather Jansch, world-famous sculptor, brings innovative use of recycled materials to gardening. 14 acres incl stunning driftwood sculpture, fabulous views from thrilling woodland bluebell trail down to timeless stream-bordered water meadow walk, pools, herbaceous border, medicinal herb garden. Plentiful seating, come and picnic. Refreshments lLight refreshments and teas. Admission £3, chd free.
Sunday 9th May 10.45am Sponsored walk in aid of CLIC Sargent. Starts from Brimley Road, Bovey Tracey to Blackpool School, Liverton and return. Refreshments for walkers on return. Anyone wishing to take part, please contact Janet and Bill Walling, telephone number 01626 834126.
Sunday 9th May 12 noon-3pm Family Woodland Sculpture Day at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Create fabulous wooden animal sculptures using wood and basic hand tools. Suitable for children aged 7+. £2 per sculpture. Normal admission charges apply. For information tel: 01822 820320/820441or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further info.
Tuesday 11th May Manaton Market second Tuesday of the month, where you can buy lots of local goods including cakes, puddings and pies, honey, fresh eggs, cheese, meat from local farms, pork, lamb, bacon, even locally made fudge. Get yourselves along to the Parish Hall to find all these goodies. From 10.30 to 12.30. Contact Mrs. Christina Everett on 01647 221302 for further details.
Wednesday 12th May 9am-1pm Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 12th May Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information.
Thursday 13th May 9am-1pm Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre
Thursday 13th May 1-3pm Granite Quarries & Bronze Age Archaeology, Urgles Cross. A circular walk taking in the 19th century granite quarries of Dewerstone and the Bronze Age archaeology on Wigford Down. Adult £4, child £2. Meet at Urgles Cross, Grid Ref SX 535 649. Booking essential (Monday to Friday only) on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further information.
Friday 14th May Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1 - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park. Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local veg etc. More info on the Flea Market website.
Friday 14th May 6-9pm Drogo in a Different Light. Enjoy a delicious supper in our new café before having a special spring evening tour of Castle Drogo. A unique chance to see the House as a guest at a Drewe family party would have in the 1930’s. Round off this fantastic experience with a glass of bubbly while watching the sun set on the Castle roof (weather permitting) £20 per person. Booking essential on (01647) 434144.
Saturday 15th May 9 'til 1p.m Okehampton farmers market has over 20 stalls in the centre of town on the third Saturday of each month. When the weather is right, there is a fresh fish stall, and every week you can buy locally produced meat, free range chicken, venison, bread and cider along with vegetables, herbs and yogurt. Contact Ruth Kelsey 01837 811762 for any more info. Okehampton Market website should you wish to see more information.
Saturday 15th May Devon Wildlife Trust Spring walks Bovey Valley Clay Pits. Visit details from Malcolm Billige, telephone 01626 833620.
Saturday 15th May 8.30am-1pm Produce Market takes place in the centre of the Bovey Tracey every other Saturday. Meat, fairtrade goods, cheeses, preserves and plants. Marion on 01626 834109 for more information.
Saturday 15th May 1-3pm Living in Plymbridge Woods, nr Plymouth. A guided walk looking at life in the valley from the late 19th to mid 20th century, using photographs and personal recollections. Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential (Monday to Friday only) on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further information.
Sunday 16th May 1.30pm-5.30pm Heathercombe, Manaton, Devon. 30 acres of varied garden set in tranquil wooded valley 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor. Woodland walks beside streams, ponds and lake; hundreds of specimen trees; wild daffodils; woodland garden and fernery; extensive bluebells complementing fine collection of rhododendrons; wild flower meadow in orchard of West Country fruit trees; 2 attractive cottage gardens with interesting herbaceous plantings and newly-established bog/stream garden. Seats and sandy paths.
Sunday 16th May 2pm-6pm The Stannary, Mary Tavey, Tavistock, Devon. Informal 2-acre country garden with magnificent views of Dartmoor, situated behind C16 & Victorian house, once tin miner's shop. 900ft above sea level, gardening here is a challenge. Originally a field, the planting is naturalistic and abundant, with areas for wildlife incl ponds and meadow. Vintage car and caravan. Visitors also welcome by appointment min 10, single coach possible. Refreshment cream teas. Admission £3.50, child free.
Sunday 16th May 2pm-5pm Southcombe Gardens, Dartmoor, Widecombe-in-the Moor, Devon. Village famous for its Fair, Uncle Tom Cobley and its C14 church - the 'Cathedral of the Moor'. Featured in RHS 'The Garden'. Southcombe Barn: 3-acre woodland garden with exotic and native trees between long lawn and rocky stream. Clearings blaze with wild flowers and survivor garden flowers. Meadow in recently-cleared area. Southcombe House: 5 acres, SE-facing garden, arboretum and wild flower meadow with bulbs in spring and four orchid species (early purple, southern marsh, common spotted and greater butterfly). On steep slope at 900ft above sea level with fine views to nearby tors. Refreshments home-made teas. Combined admission £4, child free.
Tuesday 18th May 11am-4pm Celtic Illumination Workshop at Castle Drogo with Judith Richardson-Dawes A Celtic Feast of Praise! How did Brother Eadfrith set about creating the Lindisfarne Gospels? Find out more in this magnificent Celtic Illumination Workshop and then create and Illuminate a Celtic capital letter of your own name in fine gold. For all abilities. Includes coffee and lunch as well as tuition.£30 per person including light lunch, £25 without. Booking essential on (01647) 434144.
Wednesday 19th May 9am-1pm Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 19th May Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information.
Thursday 20th May 9am-1pm Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 20th, 21st & 22nd May Devon County Show held at Westpoint, children go free on Saturday. Starting nice on early on Thursday morning at 7.30 am with the Ridden Hunter classes in the showring. Lots to see parade of hounds, display of vintage tractors, Jonathan Marshall Falconery on horseback, HM band of the Royal Marines, Sheep judging, Pig judging, grand Live stock parade, Dartmoor ponies class, Diary breeds champions, even a Spring Sausage competition in the Pig judging marquee. Show jumping, miniature Shetland ponies, Donkies, Alpaca's, Westcountry food and drink. A flower and garden show, dog show and Axe racing! Steam Engines and Vintage machinery, Clay Pigeon shooting, Terrier racing, Devon Dogs Agility, Tug of War on Saturday, Heavy Horse demonstrations, Sheep shearing demonstrations, Clog dancing, fun fair, Pigeons, Poultry and Rabbits, Westcountry crafts. In fact massives of things to do for the whole family.
Friday 21st May Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1 - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park. Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local veg etc. More info on the Flea Market website.
Saturday 22nd May 11am-4.30pm Vintage Motorcycle Rally, Finch Foundry, nr Okehampton. A free display of some of the best vintage motorcycles in the area. Normal admission charges apply. Further information on 01837 840046 or email the National Trust at Finch Foundry for further details.
Saturday 22nd May Tavistock Farmers Market in Bedford Square 9 til 1 Stall holders are all Farmers, growers or producers themselves, enjoy the seasonal fruits this month. Tavistock Farmers Market website.
Saturday 22nd May Village Market usually the 4th Saturday of the month 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.The market is held in the Church House, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, owned by The National Trust. With a wide range of produce, from olives, olive oil to locally grown vegetables and plants. Cheeses, apple juice, honey, home made bread, cakes, jams, chutneys, beef, lamb and pork from local Widecombe farms. Contact Diana Cameron or Richard Holmes on 01364 621218. See Widecombe market's website for more information.
Saturday 22nd May 10am-12pm & 2-4pm Boilers Ain’t Boring Find out why on this quirky tour of Castle Drogo’s heating system! Descend into the bowels of the Castle with a visit to the now obsolete oil fired boilers. Then climb onto the roof to see the magnificent view of the Teign Valley that will soon be providing our heating fuel. You will also take a trip to our new environmentally friendly biomass boiler where you can discover what biomass is and see the boiler in action. A unique opportunity to take a peek at the inner workings of Castle Drogo! Please note this tour includes many stairs over many levels. Not suitable for children under 12. £5 per person and £2.50 for children under 16. Booking essential on (01647) 433306.
Saturday 22nd May 2pm-5pm and Sunday 23rd May 11am-5pm Heather Cottage, Chagford, Devon. Heather Cottage nestles deep in the heart of Dartmoor National Park nearr Kestor. The natural granite bolder-strewn garden is centred around small lake with free flowing stream which meanders through the garden attracting many species of wildlife. Glorious colours in late spring. Refreshments cream teas and light refreshments. Admission £3.50, child free.
Sunday 23rd May 1.30pm-5.30pm Heathercombe, Manaton, Devon. Visitors also welcome by appointment.30 acres of varied garden set in tranquil wooded valley 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor. Woodland walks beside streams, ponds and lake; hundreds of specimen trees; wild daffodils; woodland garden and fernery; extensive bluebells complementing fine collection of rhododendrons; wild flower meadow in orchard of West Country fruit trees.
Tuesday 25th May 9-11pm Nightjar Walk, Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. The Nightjar flies at night. Come with us on a walk in the woods to hear and see this shy but amazing bird. Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further info.
Wednesday 26th May 9am-1pm Teign Valley Farmers Market, held every Wednesday at Community Hall, Christow. Contact Bryony Falch for further information telephone 01647 252887.
Wednesday 26th May Curry night every Wednesday night at The Victoria Inn, Ashburton. Telephone 01364 652402 for further information.
Thursday 27th May 9am-1pm Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre.
Thursday 27th May 9-11pm Nightjar Walk, Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. The Nightjar flies at night. Come with us on a walk in the woods to hear and see this shy but amazing bird. Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Plym Bridge Grid Ref SX 524 585. Booking essential on 01752 341377 or email the National Trust for further info.
Friday 28th May Don't miss the Weekly Flea Market at Chagford from 10 to 1 - Jubilee Hall, next to the car park. Stuffed with great bargains. You will find homemade cakes, chutneys, local veg etc. More info on the Flea Market website.
Friday 28th May to Sunday 30th May Ashburton Blues Festival Main headliner to be announced at the end of February. Here are a few bands who will be playing Mike Sanchez and his Big Band!! Headline Sunday, Big Mac's Wholly Soul Band! Headline Friday, just to name a few. Contact Mike Cranmer on 07855 307556 or check out the Ashburton Blues Festival website for further information.
Saturday 29th May Whiddon Down Produce Market is held every 4th Saturday of the month in the Village Hall. Vegetables, summer fruits, lots of jams and chutneys in season. Pies and home made cakes.
Saturday 29th May 8.30am-1pm Produce Market takes place in the centre of the Bovey Tracey every other Saturday. Meat, fairtrade goods, cheeses, preserves and plants. Marion on 01626 834109 for more information.
Saturday 29th May to Monday 31st May 2pm-6pm Moretonhampstead Gardens, Sutton Mead & Mardon, Devon. Two substantial gardens in one group opening offering complementary styles. In the geographical centre of Devon, close to the edge of Dartmoor. Superb walking country, dogs on leads welcome. Mardon: spacious and well-maintained 4-acre garden surrounding Edwardian house (not open) in small Dartmoor coombe. Formal terraces leading from rose garden to large lawn with long herbaceous border and wild flowers. Extensive rhododendron and hydrangea planting. Woodland walk along stream leading to fernery and pond with thatched boathouse. Productive vegetable garden. Wild meadow orchard. New agapanthus border. Sutton Mead: 3½-acre garden of contrasts on gently-sloping hillside. Woodland of mature and recent plantings and rill fed round pond. Potager vegetable garden with unusual concrete greenhouse. Granite walls mingling with imaginative planting of trees and shrubs. Croquet lawn, rhododendrons, azaleas and many varieties of hydrangea. Spring-fed ponds with granite seat at water’s edge. Colourful bog garden and orchard. Fine views of Dartmoor from all corners of garden. Featured in 'Devon Life'. Combined adm £4, chd free Refreshments: Cream teas
Saturday 29th May 10am - 4pm Nature’s Remedies Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Make your own insect repellent and learn about medicinal herb remedies with a trained herbalist. £5 per person. Booking essential. Telephone 01822 820320 /820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further details.
Saturday 29th May and Sunday 30th May 1.30pm-5.30pm Heathercombe, Manaton, Devon.Visitors also welcome by appointment.30 acres of varied garden set in tranquil wooded valley 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor. Woodland walks beside streams, ponds and lake; hundreds of specimen trees; wild daffodils; woodland garden and fernery; extensive bluebells complementing fine collection of rhododendrons; wild flower meadow in orchard of West Country fruit trees; 2 attractive cottage gardens with interesting herbaceous plantings and newly-established bog/stream garden. Seats and sandy paths.
Saturday 29th May and Sunday 6th June 11am-4pm Food Glorious Food at Castle Drogo. Grow your Own Food Trail. Follow the clues around the garden and grounds and learn about food that you can easily grow yourself. £1.50 per child including prize. Normal admission prices apply.
Sunday 30th May 12 noon-3.30pm Woodland Explorer Fun Day at Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Lots of seasonal games and activities for all the family in the orchard and woodland. Suitable for children aged 5+. Normal admission charges apply. For information tel: 01822 820320/820441 or email the National Trust at Lydford Gorge for further info.
Sunday 30th May 12-3pm Early Summer Tipple and Taste. Come sample some glorious local produce in our shop and kick start the summer at Castle Drogo.
Sunday 30th May to Monday 31st May 2pm-5pm Southcombe Gardens, Dartmoor, Widecombe-in-the Moor, Devon. Village famous for its Fair, Uncle Tom Cobley and its C14 church - the 'Cathedral of the Moor'. Featured in RHS 'The Garden'. Southcombe Barn: 3-acre woodland garden with exotic and native trees between long lawn and rocky stream. Clearings blaze with wild flowers and survivor garden flowers. Meadow in recently-cleared area. Southcombe House: 5 acres, SE-facing garden, arboretum and wild flower meadow with bulbs in spring and four orchid species (early purple, southern marsh, common spotted and greater butterfly). On steep slope at 900ft above sea level with fine views to nearby tors. Refreshments home-made teas. Combined admission £4, child free.
Sunday 30th May Starting at 8p.m. Last Sunday Folk. Plymouth Inn, Okehampton. An evening of folk song and music hosted by professional artists from folk arts development charity Wren Music, with guest artists, but mainly featuring YOU! All singers and musicians are welcome, or just come along and enjoy the evening if you do not play or sing. Cost Free – collection and raffle. For more information on the Wren Music website. Contact Wren Music 01837 53754.