Special Events

The Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels is a renowned annual tradition in Devon, held on November 5th (or the nearest Saturday if it falls on a Sunday) where locals carry flaming tar-soaked barrels on their shoulders through crowded streets. This dangerous, centuries-old spectacle celebrates Bonfire Night, with events running from afternoon through midnight.

The Exmouth Christmas Day Swim is a long-standing local tradition where hundreds of people gather to plunge into the sea, usually starting at 11:00 am near the Clock Tower. Participants often wear festive fancy dress and Santa hats for the quick, chilly swim

LARP (Live Action Role-Playing) in Devon consists of immersive, hobbyist group activities where participants dress as characters and interact in fantasy or thematic environments, often held in woodlands around Okehampton and Exeter.