Monthly guide · October 2026
What's on in Torcross & the South Hams
Food festivals, the arts trail, half term, autumn birds on the Ley, and what's happening on the seafront.
Photo: Derek Harper / CC BY-SA 2.0
Published 24 September 2026. Dates can change, so always check with the organiser before you travel.
October is one of our favourite months in Start Bay. The summer crowds have gone, the sea is still warm from summer, and the South Hams events calendar is at its busiest, with food, music and art all happening. Here's what's worth planning a stay around this month.
Festivals & events
Salcombe Live Festival
A weekend of live music and comedy across nine venues around Salcombe, featuring South West acts. Some shows are ticketed and some are free. About 30 minutes' drive from Torcross.
South Hams Arts Trail
Artists' studios, galleries and pop-up venues across the South Hams open their doors, so you can see and buy paintings, ceramics, jewellery and more directly from the makers. Pick up a trail brochure and plan a route.
Aune Valley Pumpkin Nights
An after-dark pumpkin patch experience for families, a short drive inland from Torcross.
Dartmouth Food Festival
The biggest food weekend in the South Hams, and it's free to attend. Expect chef demonstrations, a new Fire & Food Quarter on the South Embankment, wine tastings, talks and more than 100 local producers' stalls. It gets busy, so arrive early. With the A379 coast road closed, the drive from Torcross goes via Kingsbridge, so allow extra time.
Half term with the family (26–30 October)
Devon's October half term is Monday 26 to Friday 30 October (check your own school's dates). Autumn is pumpkin season in South Devon, and these are good options within easy reach of Torcross:
- Pennywell Farm Pumpkin Festival, Buckfastleigh. This runs from late September to 1 November, with a pumpkin patch, trails and farm activities. Tickets must be booked online in advance. Details
- Dartmouth Steam Railway, Kingswear. Steam trains along the Dart and river boat trips make a good day out whatever the weather. Timetables
- Rock pooling and fossicking at Beesands. Free and just along the coast. Check the tide times and go on a falling tide.
On the doorstep in Torcross
Autumn on Slapton Ley
October is a great month for birdwatching on the Ley. Wildfowl arrive for the winter, migrants pass along the coast, and the reed beds turn gold. The circular walks from Torcross along the Lower Ley are flat, easy and good with a dog. The Field Studies Council's visitor guide has maps of the trails.
The coast path to Start Point
Walk south along the South West Coast Path through Beesands and Hallsands to Start Point Lighthouse. Seasonal parking charges at Start Point end in mid-October, so late-month visits are cheaper if you drive to the headland instead.
Clocks go back: Sunday 25 October
You'll get an extra hour in bed, but it gets dark earlier. Plan longer walks for the morning and save the evening for supper at the Start Bay Inn or the Cricket Inn at Beesands.
Seafront works update
The Tank car park by the Sherman tank memorial has been closed since 7 September for the Environment Agency's sea defence scheme. The next stage, placing rock armour on the beach, is due to start from around 17 October, subject to the marine licence decision expected on 16 October. Rocks go in at low tide in short sections, starting at the southern end by At The Beach, so expect some daytime noise. At The Beach guests still have use of the private rear car park. Read the full visitor guide →
Stay for it
October half term books up quickly. See every At The Beach apartment and book directly with its letting agent.
Sources: Dartmouth Food Festival, Salcombe Live, South Hams Arts Forum, SouthHams.com October events, Stokenham Parish Council EA update, Pennywell Farm.