Coast & Country Parks Devon Devon

There’s a moment in October when the Tamar Valley seems to exhale. The summer visitors have gone and the woodlands along the Lynher and Tamar turn every shade of amber. Mist settles low over the river in the mornings, and the lanes are quiet enough to hear a buzzard calling overhead.

It’s our favourite time of year to explore this corner of the Cornwall–Devon border. It’s also one of the busiest for local events. There are centuries-old fairs, riverside music festivals, harvest celebrations and fungus forays, and it all runs into one of the region’s most magical festive traditions. Whether you’re planning a quiet escape for two or an October half-term adventure with the family, here’s our local guide to what’s on in the Tamar Valley & Cornwall this autumn.

Tavistock Goose Fair: Wednesday 14th October

Tavistock Goose Fair is one of the West Country’s oldest traditions, dating back to the early 12th century. These days it’s held on the second Wednesday of October, and for one day the market town on the edge of Dartmoor fills with hundreds of stalls, fairground rides and a wonderfully noisy, cheerful atmosphere.

Legend has it that local tenants once paid their rent in geese, which were then sold at the fair. That’s how “Goosey Fair” got its name. You won’t find many geese for sale now, but you will find a proper old-fashioned day out. Stalls trade from 9am until around 9pm, so you can make a full day of it, then wander off afterwards to explore Dartmoor.

Local tip: It gets very busy. Park and ride has historically run from Gulworthy, just outside Tavistock, which is handy if you’re staying at Tamar View.

Good for: Families, anyone who loves a bit of West Country tradition

Landulph Festival of Music & the Arts: 9th–31st October

Tucked beside the Tamar just north of Saltash, the little parish of Landulph hosts its Festival of Music & the Arts throughout October. It’s a lovely, community rooted celebration of local talent, the kind of event that makes this corner of Cornwall so special. Settle in for an evening of music in a beautiful riverside setting, then head back to your lodge for a nightcap by the hot tub.

Good for: couples, music lovers, anyone after a cultured evening out

Harvest Weekend Festival at Buckland Abbey: 24th & 25th October

Buckland Abbey is a National Trust estate on the edge of Dartmoor, once home to Sir Francis Drake. It marks the season with a Harvest Weekend Festival over the first weekend of half-term. Expect autumnal fun for the whole family on a beautiful estate, with plenty of space for little legs to run, and a medieval abbey and great barn to explore.

Good for: families, National Trust members, history lovers

Churchtown Farm Fungus Walk: Saturday 24th October, 10.30am–12.30pm

Autumn is peak fungi season, and there’s no better way to discover it than with the experts. This guided walk, led by the Cornwall Fungus Group, explores Churchtown Farm. It’s a 150-acre community nature reserve on the edge of Saltash, with meadows, woodland, wetlands and mudflats looking out over the River Lynher. That’s the same river that winds past Notter Bridge.

You’ll learn to spot and identify the fascinating (and sometimes bizarre) fungi that pop up across the reserve in autumn. It’s an ideal way to start a half-term weekend. The reserve is also popular with dog walkers, so it’s worth a return visit with your four-legged friend.

Good for: couples, families, walkers, nature lovers

Making the Most of October in the Tamar Valley

Between the events, there’s so much more to fill your days. You can take the Tamar Valley Line, one of the UK’s most scenic railway journeys, or walk the riverside paths as the leaves turn. Dartmoor’s tors are waiting just across the border, and on crisp, clear days the beaches of South East Cornwall at Whitsand Bay and Kingsand are at their quietest and most beautiful.

Where to Stay

We have two parks in the Tamar Valley, both quiet, nature led and dog-friendly throughout, with no loud entertainment or arcades. They’re simply peaceful places to come back to after a day of exploring.

Notter Bridge Holiday Park, Saltash

Notter Bridge sits in woodland beside the River Lynher, just off the A38. It’s an easy base for Saltash, Churchtown Farm and Landulph, and around 30 minutes from Polperro, the Eden Project and the South East Cornwall coast.

Hazel Lodge. New for 2026, it sleeps 6 and has a private hot tub. It’s perfect for half-term with the family.

Riverside lodges. Cherry Tree, Bluebell, Willow and Riverside Retreat all have woodland and riverside settings.

Glamping Pods. These sleep 2, plus a dog, from £72 per night.

Touring & Camping. These are for those who bring their own home comforts.

Discover Notter Bridge

Where to Stay

Tamar View Holiday Park, Gunnislake

Tamar View has sweeping views across the Tamar Valley National Landscape. It’s the closer base for Tavistock, Cotehele, Buckland Abbey and Dartmoor. Most of our lodges and cottages have private hot tubs, and the park is open 11 months of the year.

Hot tub lodges. Choose from two and three bedroom lodges, including Cotehele, Edgecumbe and Polperro Lodge, all with valley views and a hot tub on the deck.

Tamar Cottage. Three bedrooms, sleeping 6, with a private hot tub and a gated garden, so dogs and little ones can roam safely.

Discover Tamar View

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Notter Bridge and Tamar View dog-friendly?
Yes. All our accommodation is dog-friendly, and both parks are surrounded by woodland, riverside and valley walks.

What is there to do in the Tamar Valley at October half-term?
Half-term highlights include the Harvest Weekend Festival at Buckland Abbey (24th–25th October), a guided fungus walk at Churchtown Farm (24 October), and the Landulph Festival of Music & the Arts, which runs throughout October.

Are the glamping pods at Notter Bridge heated?
Yes, Our Glamping Pods have electric heater in each one to keep you cosy during your Autumn stays.

Which park is best for exploring Dartmoor?
Tamar View in Gunnislake is our closest park to Dartmoor, around 30 minutes to the moor. It’s also handy for Tavistock and Buckland Abbey.

Is the 10% Autumn Booking Discount still available on all accommodation?

Yes, the AUTUMN10 discount applies to all direct bookings with arrival dates between 1st September and 30th November 2026. Simply enter the code at checkout. The offer is valid once per booking and cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or promotions.