Holsworthy
The pretty market town of Holsworthy is situated in the Torridge area and surrounded by green rolling hills and wooded valleys. With a number of walking, cycling and riding trails on its doorstep, Holsworthy makes a great base for exploring, or if water sports are more your thing, you’ll find the South West Lakes Trust venues nearby for sailing, kayaking and windsurfing, along with a number of coarse or trout fishing destinations too.
The town is just a short distance from the Hartland Peninsula and its beautiful, dramatic views and is an ideal base for visiting the various National Parks including Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin in neighbouring Cornwall.
Holsworthy - Ruby Country
As the heart of the local Ruby Country (named after the famous ruby red cattle), Holsworthy’s reputation for top local produce has solid foundations in its agricultural heritage. Historically, the town has always been the centre for livestock having one of the largest livestock markets in the south west having held one somewhere in the town since 1904. The main livestock market might now be on the outskirts of the town, but that doesn’t stop Holsworthy from being the centre of the Ruby Country and for being known for its sustainable farming methods.
As well as regular livestock markets, the town also hosts a weekly Farmers’ Markets where local farmers and producers showcase the wide range of incredible local products that really helps promote the hard work done in the region to maintain a high quality of products. It isn’t just at the farmers’ markets that you can sample the locally sourced food, Holsworthy’s local cafes, pubs and accommodation options also use local suppliers.
Things to do in Holsworthy
You’ll find a vibrant and welcoming community atmosphere in Holsworthy, with many enjoyable events throughout the year – from traditional fairs and carnivals to fun runs, agricultural shows and steam rallies.
One such traditional event is the St Peter’s Fair, which is held over four days every July. Each event starts with the town crier reading the charter granted to the town for a fair back in 1614. At noon on the first day of the event, the “Pretty Maid” is presented to the town. The identity of the maid is kept secret until she emerges from the church tower to be greeted by the fair’s attendees. This tradition came about following a legacy made in the will of a former Reverend who stipulated that some of the money paid to the parish church should be given to a young single woman under thirty.
What's on in Holsworthy
Holsworthy also has an annual carnival held in November which has run since the 1900s and the Holsworthy Vintage Vehicle and Engine Rally, which started in 1987 and over the years has grown into a major event. Spanning over two days, the rally is held on the last Saturday and Sunday in June and attracts visitors from all over the UK.
Like most of the towns and villages in North Devon, Holsworthy has a rich local history. During the second world war, there was a POW camp based in the town. The town’s church of St Peter to this day displays a crucifix that was carved by a German POW and two of the church’s stained glass windows were hand painted by Italian POWs.
What's On
Celebration of Snowdrops
Visit RHS Garden Rosemoor this spring to admire these beautiful bulbs whose blooms mark the start of…
Ceramics Residency Exhibition: Platter by Florence Dwyer
Our Ceramic Artist in Residence Florence Dwyer has been creating work in response to the RJ Lloyd…
Other Worlds: New Works from the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers
Explore the vibrancy of contemporary printmaking in this exhibition that brings together new work by…
The Cabarats and All of Jolly (Live Music in Bideford)
Join The Cabarats and All for Jolly for an evening of knees up multi-genre live music fun at The…
Willow Bird Feeder Workshop
In this workshop you will learn the basic skills and techniques of working with willow to create a…
February Half Term and Guess How Much I Love You™ Trail
Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare are hopping over to RHS Garden Rosemoor in 2025. Starting…
February Half Term Fun
Feb Half Term Fun Experience exhilarating fun at The Big Sheep this February Half Term, where you…
Wild about spring trail at Arlington Court
Pick up a free trail sheet from visitor reception and journey around the grounds to discover the…
Portrait Sculpture Course
Creating true likeness in portrait sculpture requires more than correctly reproducing features, for…
Flower resin workshop
With spring time just around the corner, join us in this fun and friendly crafting workshop to bring…
Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time
From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Come and join one…
Community Open Weekend
At this time of year, our beautiful garden is literally bursting into life. Relax on a peaceful…
RHS Rosemoor Wedding Fayre
Getting Married? Join us at RHS Rosemoor for North Devon's New 2 Day Wedding Fayre! With space…
Lions and Tigers and Bears with Gordon Buchanan
Award-winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan will hit the road in 2025 bringing…
Taste of Sculpture
This fabulous one day sculpting experience will give you the opportunity to create a realistic…
Spring Flower Showcase
. In addition to the RHS Early Camellia Competition, the show includes classes for ornamental shrubs…
Spring & Summer Foraging Courses with Wild Food UK: Bideford
Uncover the incredible variety of edible treasures hiding in the great outdoors. From wild mushrooms…
Pine martens in Exmoor - Evening Talk
Come along to our next evening talk at Quince Honey Farm and learn more about the recovery of pine…
Willow Heart Workshop
In this fun and friendly workshop you will discover the art of willow weaving, learning the basic…
Candle making Workshop
The workshop includes 3 craft activities using beeswax which is made by our very own honeybees at…