From colourful local markets to annual food festivals, South Devon is a superb destination for foodies these days. Here are some of the best places to try local food and drink, or perhaps enjoy a tour or tasting session. Many of the markets are every month, while we’ve provided handy links for the annual events so you can track down directions, times and ticket details:

Kingsbridge Farmers Market (1^st and 3^rd Saturday every month, from 9am to 1pm)

For authentic Devon produce and an encounter with the characters who make our local food scene tick, you can’t beat a trip to the market. This one is a regular feature on the first and third Sunday every month, with all things tasty from pies to preserves. Time your visit later in your stay and it’s also a fine place to pick up some edible gifts and things to take home with you.

Totnes Town & Totnes Good Food Sunday Market
(3^rd Sunday every month)

Regardless of whether any events are on, Totnes is a must visit place for foodies and those who like their shopping experience original and independent! There are stacks of great eateries in the town, with a high emphasis on vegetarian and vegan dining of the best quality. Time your visit for the third Sunday of the month, however, and things get even more interesting with the “Fine Food Farmers Market” coming to town. Visit http://www.totnesgoodfood.co.uk/ for further details.

Rails and Ales Gala, Buckfastleigh (25 Aug to 28 Aug)

A fine day out for the real ale fan, this event combines the best regional brews with the nostalgia of classic steam trains. The South Devon Railway always makes for a fun day out, but with the addition of dozens of speciality beers (and a Pimms and wine tent for those with different tastes), as well as spicy and barbequed food on offer, this is an even better time to visit. For full details see: www.southdevonrailway.co.uk

Brixham Fish Market tours (Various dates in summer and autumn)

Fancy taking a glance into the busy world of one of the South West’s busiest fish markets? Millions of pounds of stock pass through Brixham each year, from local mackerel to deep sea species, frantically sorted, iced and sold at the market. Very popular for the past few years, these tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at the market along; and while the 6am start time won’t thrill everyone, the £15 tour fee includes a tasty fish breakfast. Click here to view current tour dates and email bfmt2014@gmail.com to book.

Dartmouth Food Festival 2017 (Fri 20th to Sun 22 Oct)

Worth a day out in its own right, Dartmouth is a great town to visit for any food lovers who find themselves in Devon. With the festival, however, things get even better as a whole selection of stalls, suppliers and expert chefs invade the town. Plenty to taste here, with lots of demonstrations and entertainment for everyone making this one of the best free events in Devon each autumn. http://www.dartmouthfoodfestival.com

Ashburton Food Festival 2017 (9^th Sept, 10am-5pm)

Set on the edge of Dartmoor, Ashburton is a pretty town with plenty to taste every autumn. This free festival sees a groundswell of local producers and amazing local food and drink to try. It’s completely free to attend (although you’ll want to save a few pounds to buy lunch and perhaps an edible souvenir or two). Better still, you could have a good snoop around the festival, followed by a good afternoon walk on the moor to take in the views and burn a few excess calories!  Read more here.