Devon County Show 2026: Ultimate Guide to Devon’s Biggest Event (What to Expect)
A majestic Shire horse standing in the arena at the Devon County Show in Exeter, showcasing one of Britain’s most iconic heavy horse breeds at this popular agricultural event.
Looking for the best things to do in Devon in May? The Devon County Show is one of the biggest and most popular events in the South West - and after visiting ourselves, we can confidently say it’s one of the best days out in Devon.
Held at Westpoint Arena near Exeter, this three-day show brings together agriculture, food, entertainment, and family fun on a huge scale.
Watch Our Devon County Show Experience
We visited the Devon County Show last year and filmed the full day - from arrival to exploring the showground.
👉 Watch our experience below to see what it’s really like before you go:
Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you book or purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
When is the Devon County Show 2026?
The show runs over three days in May (Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd May 2026) and is one of the top Devon events in May.
Where is the Devon County Show Held?
Westpoint Arena - EX5 1DJ
Just outside Exeter
Easily accessible from across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset
Getting There & First Impressions
From our visit:
Well-organised parking with clear marshalling - use postcode EX5 1DJ then follow the event signage.
Traffic queues expected but manageable
Quick and efficient entry
For full details on how to get to the show, including by bus, car and cycle, check out the Devon County Show website.
We arrived around 8:30am and were inside within minutes - a great start to the day.
Livestock & Animal Shows
At its core, the show celebrates agriculture, with:
Sheep, cattle, and farm animals
Breed showcases and information displays
Live judging and competitions
Dog shows and events
A modern John Deere tractor on display at the Devon County Show in Exeter, showcasing the latest agricultural machinery at one of the UK’s leading farming events.
Tractors, Machinery & Classic Vehicles
Expect:
Modern tractors including John Deere
Agricultural equipment
Classic cars
A steam train from the South Devon Railway (2025 show)
One of the many food and drinks stalls at the Devon County Show
Food, Drink & Shopping
Highlights include:
Local Devon produce
Street food vendors (expect queues at peak times)
BBQs, kitchenware, and home products
Cars, hot tubs, garden sculptures, clothing, a wide choice of items to buy.
A horse and rider competing in a show jumping event at the Devon County Show in Exeter, clearing an obstacle in the main arena with spectators watching.
Entertainment & Things to Do
Live arena displays - view the timetables and plan your day.
Dog shows
Fairground rides
Demonstrations and performances
How Long Do You Need?
We spent 6+ hours at the show and still didn’t see everything.
👉 Plan for a full day.
Where to Stay for the Devon County Show
If you’re visiting the Devon County Show, staying in Exeter makes the most sense — especially if you want to turn your visit into a short break.
The front exterior of Hotel du Vin Exeter, a boutique hotel in the city centre, featuring a historic building facade and main entrance.
Hotel du Vin Exeter
A boutique hotel in the centre of Exeter, around a 20 minute drive to the Devon County Show at the Westpoint Arena.
Why we recommend it:
Central Exeter location
Outdoor pool and garden
Stylish rooms
Excellent dining
👉 Check availability & latest prices:
View Hotel du Vin Exeter on Booking.com
Watch Our Full Hotel Review
We’ve filmed a full stay at this hotel on our YouTube channel so you can see exactly what it’s like before booking.
👉 ▶️ Watch the full review here:
More Hotels Near the Devon County Show
Leonardo Hotel Exeter - Great value
Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel - Pool & spa
Hotel Indigo Exeter - Stylish option
Courtyard Hotel Exeter - Just minutes away
Lympstone Manor Hotel - A stunning riverside hotel 15 minutes drive away.
👉 Browse all Exeter hotels here:
Extend Your Trip: Turn Your Visit into a Devon Getaway
If you’re already planning a visit to the Devon County Show, it’s well worth extending your trip beyond just one day.
Just under an hour from Exeter, Torquay offers the perfect coastal escape - ideal for relaxing after a busy day at the show.
Best Hotels in Torquay (Our Full Guide)
We’ve created a complete guide to the best places to stay in Torquay, including:
Sea view hotels on the English Riviera
Spa hotels perfect for unwinding
Great-value options for weekend breaks
👉 Plan your stay here:
Best Hotels in Torquay - Where to Stay
💡 Why Add Torquay to Your Trip?
Easy 40–50 minute drive from the showground
Perfect mix of coast, restaurants, and relaxation
Turns your day out into a weekend experience
Devon County Show FAQ (2026)
What is the Devon County Show?
A major agricultural event near Exeter featuring livestock, food, entertainment, and exhibitions.
Is it good for families?
Yes - one of the best family days out in Devon.
How long should you spend there?
At least a full day.
Is there food available?
Yes - a huge range from street food to local produce.
Is it worth visiting?
Absolutely - one of the top things to do in Devon in May.
Final Thoughts: One of the Best Days Out in Devon
The Devon County Show is more than just an agricultural show - it’s a full day experience.
If you’re visiting Devon in May 2026, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
Get Your Tickets for the Devon County Show 2026
Planning to visit the Devon County Show? We highly recommend booking your tickets in advance - it’s one of the most popular events in Devon in May and can get busy, especially on peak days.
