There are very few things that truly bring people together quite like food does, and Dartmouth Food Festival knows exactly how to do that. Bringing over 20,000 people to the town each year from all over the UK, the festival attracts everyone from some of the best chefs in the country, to local butchers and restaurateurs, to those who simply love to escape to a beautiful part of the world for the weekend – where all they have to think about is what they’re eating next. Dartmouth Food Festival truly has it all.
A gorgeous part of the world, set against the beautiful backdrop of the River Dart, with winding streets and pockets of shops, coffee spots and restaurants to explore. Dartmouth is a wonderful place to visit, come rain or shine. And there’s nothing better on an autumnal weekend in October than heading into a cosy bar, ordering your favourite red wine and sinking into a deep chair next to a bar filled with candles, or settling into a pub beside a roaring log fire, before heading out to see what the festival has to offer.
Food, Drink and Local Produce
From fresh seafood cooked by Ben Tonks from The Seahorse, to locally produced cheeses from Sharpham Dairy, and plenty of Devon produce, there’s something delicious waiting around every corner. Across the weekend, you’ll find live chef demonstrations from some seriously impressive names, including Nathan Outlaw, Angela Hartnett, Mitch Tonks, Mark Hix and Henry Harris. There’s also a new Fire and Food Quarter on the South Embankment for 2026, cider tastings with Sandford Orchards, and even a chance to discover the journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bar.
The festival promises to introduce you to new ways of cooking, local produce you may not have tried, and the opportunity to learn from and eat food prepared by some of the top chefs in the UK. And although the food is, of course, an integral part of the weekend, the atmosphere is something that cannot be cooked up anywhere else. A concoction of delicious food, hearty drinks and plenty of laughter is a recipe to help you skip through the colder months – it’s no wonder this festival has become such a much loved fixture on the South West’s food calendar.
What to Expect at Dartmouth Food Festival
With so much happening across the weekend, it’s the kind of festival where you can arrive with absolutely no plan and still find yourself wandering from one delicious discovery to the next. From the cosy chair next to the fire in the pub, to discovering your new favourite cheese at the stall on the corner, or enjoying a drink down the winding streets with new friends who’ve tumbled out of a wine tasting.
Take your time browsing the producers, stop for a drink, watch a chef demonstration, pick up something you’ve never tried before, and then do it all over again! Whether you’re a serious foodie who has come with a list of demonstrations you don’t want to miss, or you’re simply there for a wander and a good lunch, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Because perhaps that’s what makes Dartmouth Food Festival so special. It gives you an excuse to slow down for a weekend, eat something wonderful, discover somewhere new and spend time with the people you love.
Plan Your Visit to Dartmouth Food Festival
So grab your coat, bring your appetite and head to Dartmouth this October. Just make sure you leave a little room for one more thing… because there’s always another delicious discovery waiting around the corner.
Dartmouth Food Festival
- Dates: 23–25 October 2026
- Location: Dartmouth, South Devon
- Entry: Free
Please note: Some demonstrations, tastings and workshops require tickets. For the full programme, event details and ticket information, visit the Dartmouth Food Festival website.
