Widecombe Fair - a great Dartmoor day out

Tuesday 10th September 2024

Dartmoor's legendary Widecombe Fair is held annually in mid-September in the perfect Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. This celebrated country fair is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, traditional agricultural skills, prize-winning livestock, equestrian displays and local crafts. Since its inception in the 1850s, the fair has grown from a modest market gathering to one of the biggest events in the Dartmoor calendar, attracting thousands of visitors for a great day out.

The fair is famously associated with the folk song "Uncle Tom Cobley and All," which tells of an old man named Uncle Tom Cobley who borrows a grey mare to take a group of friends to the fair. Uncle Tom Cobley is believed to be based on a local Devon character, and the song’s enduring popularity has cemented both Widecombe Fair and Uncle Tom Cobley in Devon’s cultural heritage. 

Widecombe Fair, with its rich agricultural traditions and community values, offers a lively celebration of local culture and serves as a cherished reminder of Devon's history and enduring stories.

Visit the Widecombe Fair website for full details, ticket prices and a wealth of practical information to help you plan your day at the show.

Widecombe Fair is the perfect excuse for a late summer break away on beautiful Dartmoor, staying at the Two Bridges Hotel. Or, if you're just passing through, we'll look forward to welcoming you for a delicious bite of lunch or our famous Devon Cream Tea.