Perhaps this year will be the year people ditch ‘best dad’ pint glasses and greasy fry ups (not that most Dads would turn down either of those) and try something a little bit different this coming weekend.
South-West Devon has multiple events and methods of entertaining grumpy old men between the 17th and the 19th of June. For example, ‘Fathers Day Falconry and Treats for Dad’ at Pennywell Farm, this event boasts of hosting one of the most sought-after falconry display teams; Hawkeye Falconry. Along with the usual fun that comes with Pennywell Farm of Buckfastleigh, such as pig racing, rides and the petting zoo, all Dads are treated to a free pasty and pint on the 19th of June only!
Another option for the Dads seeking to tap into their glory days could be the Bike Show at Cockington. This show involves showcases of classic and vintage motorcycles courtesy of The VMCC Dartmoor (the Vintage Motorcycle Club)- these will be situated on the front lawn and Craft Studio area of Cockington Court on the 19th of June. This could be a fantastic day for any petrol-headed Dad, especially with a pit stop at the Drum Inn Pub to round off the day and have the seemingly compulsory Father’s Day pint.
The Guardhouse Cafe in Berry Head also is hosting a Local Cider Tasting with ‘Pork, Pickles and Potatoes’ on June 18th at 6:30-9:10, the evening before the special day. The price is an extremely reasonable £30 each (or £20 without cider tasting) for a mouth-watering pork-based three course meal and plenty of refreshing cider to wet your appetite. Reservations through their email (found on their website) or popping in are vital due to the popularity of the event.
Many sites also offer free admission for fathers on Father’s Day with at least one child present with them, for example Pecorama in Seaton, which offers a stroll around the gardens, the Model Railway Exhibition and Train Ride- along with the Fantastic Family Fun Show taking place in the Top Spot Marque at 2:30 pm. Another location which offers free entry for fathers with paying children on the 19th of June is Powderham Castle in Exeter- where the beautiful castle and grounds will amaze anyone who visits and are only accentuated by a locally-sourced cream tea. Not forgetting Becky Falls, one of the most stunningly picturesque areas in the whole of Devon, which allows Dads free admission with a paying child too. This location would be perfect because it allows for that one member of the family that often gets left out of the excitement to attend- the dog. No one gets left out of the fun at Becky Falls on Father’s Day, which includes a meerkat experience, petting zoo feeding, gorgeous waterfall and woodland walks and many other family activities to bond over on the 19th of June.
Treat your old man on Father’s Day with something less conventional than a box of chocolates and more memorable than any DVD boxset. Though it will be a great day in itself for Dad, it’ll be even better for him being out with his family, watching the people (and animals if you choose Becky Falls) he loves most have a fabulous time with him.
