Discover the stories of the Blackdown Hills at the Festival of Heritage 2025

This September, we invite you to take part in our Festival of Heritage 2025 – a celebration of the rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant communities of the Blackdown Hills National Landscape.

With a wide range of events taking place throughout the month, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – whether you’re interested in local history, creative activities, or simply looking for a great day out.

Here are some of the events taking place:

Draw together in the wild art garden
Saturday 13 September, 10am – 2pm
Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton
Family-friendly charcoal drawing workshop with artist Karen Howse.

Dunkeswell Abbey guided tours
Saturday 13 September, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
One-hour tours exploring the history of the Cistercian abbey.

Hemyock Castle Heritage Open Day
Sunday 14 September, 2 – 5pm
Includes interpretation centre, artefacts, and self-guided tours.
(Also open 25 August, 2 – 5pm)

Lumps and bumps: spotting archaeology in the field
Tuesday 16 September, 2 – 4pm
Learn to identify archaeological features in the landscape.

Pots and clay pipes workshop
Wednesday 17 September, 2:30 – 4:30pm
Stockland Village Hall
Hands-on session identifying archaeological finds with Dr Naomi Payne.

River Culm heritage and environment walk
Thursday 18 September, 6 – 7:30pm
Evening walk exploring heritage, wildlife, and native crayfish.

RAF Culmhead guided tour
Friday 19 September, 10am – 12pm
Tour of the historic WWII airfield with South West Airfields Heritage Trust.

Calves, churns and communities
Saturday 20 September, 12 –5 pm
Hemyock
Family-friendly afternoon with cream teas, activities, and local history.

Find out more and book your place