Hello! This weekend is looking like a scorcher, but if you don't fancy the beach, there's plenty on across both days.
This Weekend's Pick
Summer Book Quest, Exeter Library
The Summer Book Quest launches on Saturday, and it is a good one to get the kids signed up for on day one. It is the library's free summer reading challenge: your child joins as a library member (free), picks up a Quest leaflet, and collects stickers as they read through the summer, with a finisher certificate and a keychain at the end.
Sign-ups open Saturday 11 July at Exeter Library on Castle Street, and you can drop in once the library opens to get started. Nothing to book.
Ten minutes of reading a day over the summer does a huge amount of good, and launch day is the easiest way to get them into it, without spending a penny.
| When: | Saturday 11 July, from 9am |
| Where: | Exeter Library, Castle Street, EX4 3PQ |
| Cost: | Free |
More Good Stuff
Historic Vehicle Gathering, Powderham Castle
Probably the biggest classic vehicle show in the South West, with over 1,000 cars, motorbikes, tractors, buses and steam engines, but the real draw for little ones is the classic funfair alongside it: a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, children's rides, arena displays and no shortage of ice cream.
It runs all day, both days. Adults are £18 early bird online or £20 on the gate, and children 17 and under go free, which makes it a little lighter on the wallet, with free parking too.
One heat note: it is an outdoor all-dayer, so hats, water and sun cream, and the early-bird price closes at midnight on Friday 10 July if you want to save the few pounds.
| When: | Saturday and Sunday, all day |
| Where: | Powderham Castle, Kenton, EX6 8JQ (approx 20 min) |
| Cost: | £18 adult early bird online / £20 on the gate. Under-18s free. Free parking. |
Little Groovers Club at Theatre Alibi
A live, interactive and "big silly" music session for little ones and their grown-ups from 10:30 to 11:30, and then a stay-and-play cafe with instruments to bash until 1pm.
It's at Emmanuel Hall in St Thomas, a short hop from the centre, with a cafe on site and Blue Badge parking (nearest pay-and-display is Okehampton Street).
Tickets are £5 plus a booking fee, under-2s free, and it is open to all ages. A good way to spend a hot Saturday morning out of the sun.
| When: | Saturday 11 July, 10:30-1pm |
| Where: | Emmanuel Hall, St Thomas, EX4 1EJ |
| Cost: | £5 plus booking fee, under-2s free |
Combe Village Show
A revived traditional village show marking 40 years of Hearn Field, and a lovely low-key country Sunday: a children's entertainer with Punch and Judy, seaside games, face painting, friendly alpacas to meet, live music through the afternoon, a tug of war, and food and craft stalls.
It runs 11am to 5pm, entry is by donation with £3 a person suggested and under-3s free. It is about 25 to 30 minutes out towards Newton Abbot on the A380.
Being a Sunday it should be a touch cooler than Saturday, but it is still an outdoor one, so pack for the sun.
| When: | Sunday 12 July, 11am-5pm |
| Where: | Hearn Field, Combeinteignhead, near Newton Abbot (approx 25-30 min) |
| Cost: | Donation, £3 per person suggested, under-3s free |
One free thing
Exeter junior parkrun
A free, friendly 2k for 4 to 14 year olds, starting at 9am, with two to choose from across the city at Heavitree Pleasure Ground and Cowick Barton.
The early start is the whole appeal this weekend. Get the running done while it is still cool, grab a well-earned drink after, and the rest of a hot day is yours to take easy in the shade. No need to book, just turn up.
| When: | Sunday 12 July, 9am |
| Where: | Heavitree Pleasure Ground or Cowick Barton, Exeter |
| Cost: | Free |
That's your lot for this week. If you get to any of these, hit reply and let me know how it went, it comes straight to the inbox, and a photo is always welcome. Stay cool out there, and have a good weekend.
Details change. Check each venue's website before setting off, especially for timed entry or one-off events.
