Hope Cove Weekend 2026

Hope Cove Weekend 2026: What’s On, Where to Eat and Where to Stay

Friday 28 to Monday 31 August 2026

There is something wonderfully special about Hope Cove during the August Bank Holiday. The beaches, harbour and village square come alive with live music, family competitions, local food, independent stalls and traditional seaside entertainment.

Hope Cove Weekend returns from Friday evening 28 August until Monday 31 August 2026, with activities planned for couples, families, swimmers, walkers, watersports enthusiasts and four-legged visitors.

Our holiday park is only around one mile from Hope Cove Beach, making it a convenient base for enjoying the festivities while still having somewhere peaceful to retreat to at the end of the day.

What is Hope Cove Weekend?

Hope Cove Weekend is a community celebration held around the beaches and village square in Hope Cove, South Devon.

The programme combines traditional beach activities with live music, food, drink, stalls and family entertainment. Most activities and entertainment are free, although visitors are encouraged to donate. Money raised during the weekend supports local charities and community organisations.

Expect a relaxed, lively seaside atmosphere, with activities including:

• Beach yoga and Pilates
• Family sports and beach games
• Sandcastle competitions
• Paddleboard, kayak and swimming races
• Sailing and fishing competitions
• Tug-of-war
• Fancy dress and dog fancy dress
• Live music
• Local history displays
• Craft, food and drink stalls
• The Hope Cove Hoedown
• A Saturday evening laser show

Hope Cove Weekend 2026 schedule

The organisers advise that all activities and timings are subject to change. Registration may be required for some competitions, so check the official Hope Cove Weekend website and visit the Information Point in Outer Hope Square when you arrive.

Friday 28 August: Opening night

The weekend begins in Hope Cove Square on Friday evening.

The opening ceremony is followed by live music, including an evening performance from General Confusion. It is a lovely opportunity to explore the village, enjoy something to eat and soak up the atmosphere before the main programme begins.

Saturday 29 August: Family fun, music and the laser show

Saturday is expected to be one of the busiest days of the weekend.

Published activities include:

• The Bolberry Down 5km joggers’ race
• Beach yoga
• Fishing competition
• Family swimming races
• Family sports
• Family sandcastle competition
• Adult tug-of-war
• Crazy sports
• Open mic with Benny Carr from approximately 4pm
• Hope Cove Hoedown at approximately 6pm
• Laser show at approximately 9pm
• Live music from Filthy Gorgeous following the laser show

The main beach activities take place around Harbour Beach, while the music and evening entertainment are centred around Hope Cove Square.

Arrive early if you would like to enter a competition. Some activities have separate registration and start times.

Sunday 30 August: Watersports, fancy dress and live music

Sunday brings another full day of entertainment.

The programme is expected to include:

• Beach Pilates
• Sailing competition
• Land and Sea Race
• Children’s sandcastle competition
• Paddleboard race
• Celebration service
• Crazy sports
• Dog fancy dress
• Children’s joggers’ race
• Family fancy dress
• Live music in Hope Cove Square

Music currently advertised for Sunday includes the Kingsmen Barbershop Choir, followed in the evening by Tilly Rigby and Milo Griffiths.

The dog fancy-dress competition is always a particularly enjoyable event for spectators and makes Sunday a great day for visitors bringing their dogs.

Monday 31 August: Final competitions and closing ceremony

Monday’s programme brings the weekend to an energetic conclusion.

Activities currently listed include:

• Beach Pilates
• Children’s tug-of-war
• Open-water swim
• Waiters’ and waitresses’ race
• Beach Flags
• Raffle draw
• Medal presentations
• Closing ceremony

The open-water swim is subject to sea conditions and approval from the Harbour Master and Hope Cove Lifeboat.

The famous Beach Flags competition is as entertaining to watch as it is to enter. The closing ceremony and raffle are expected to take place in Outer Hope Square during the afternoon.

Activities taking place throughout the weekend

Several attractions will run across Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Stalls in Hope Cove Square

The stalls are an important part of Hope Cove Weekend, with a mixture of local food, drink, clothing, gifts and coastal products.

Current stallholders and attractions include:

• Cove Vodka, made using Devon potatoes grown near Hope Cove
• Bantham Vineyard
• Salcombe Gin
• Two Bare Feet watersports and beach equipment
• Decadent Hippie clothing, accessories and handmade products
• Paula Woodward sea-glass and silver jewellery
• Well Preserved jams, marmalades, chutneys and infused oils
• Edward’s Fudge Kitchen
• Frances Harriet Gifts and coastal homeware
• Sandy Totes
• Snooty Pig, serving locally reared pork rolls and sweet crêpes
• The Cove Bar and BBQ
• Traditional fairground games, including coconut shy and Splat the Rat
• Raffle ticket sales

Stallholders and attendance days can change, so check the official stalls list closer to the event.

Treasure hunt and rock pooling

The family treasure hunt runs from Saturday morning until Monday morning, with information available from the Information Point.

There will also be a wildlife-friendly rock-pooling activity. Participants are encouraged to identify marine life without removing creatures from their natural habitat.

Laser shooting

OptiShoot will offer visitors an opportunity to try laser shooting in Inner Hope on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. A small charge applies, with daily competitions for younger and adult participants.

Hope Cove local history exhibition

The Fishermen’s Reading Room in Inner Hope will host a local history display from approximately 11am until 5pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Displays cover subjects including Hope Cove Lifeboat, local footpaths, village churches, wartime memories and the wreck of the Jebba.

Where to eat and drink in Hope Cove

Hope Cove has some excellent places to eat, but venues can become extremely busy during the Bank Holiday weekend. Booking ahead is strongly recommended wherever possible.

The Hope & Anchor

Overlooking the beach, the Hope & Anchor is well placed for refreshments between events. It serves pub favourites, seafood and drinks, with outdoor seating and coastal views.

The Cove

The Cove is known for its relaxed atmosphere, local ales, craft beer, freshly cooked food and live entertainment. During Hope Cove Weekend it will also operate a bar and BBQ in the square.

The Lobster Pod Bistro

The Lobster Pod offers seafood and other locally inspired dishes in private dining pods overlooking the coast. It is a popular experience, so advance booking is essential during busy periods.

The Cottage Hotel

The Cottage Hotel has a restaurant and terrace overlooking the bay. Visitors can stop for lunch, drinks, a Devon cream tea or a more leisurely evening meal. Non-residents are welcome, although booking is recommended.

Hope Cove House

Hope Cove House offers freshly prepared seasonal food, seafood, wine and local beers in an informal coastal setting. Check its current service days and book ahead before visiting.

Hope Cove General Store

The village shop is handy for drinks, ice creams and picnic supplies, as well as takeaway pastries, pasties and sausage rolls.

Opening hours and menus can change, particularly during major events. Check directly with each business before making plans.

Getting to Hope Cove Weekend

Hope Cove is a small coastal village, and roads and parking areas will be extremely busy.

Additional event parking is normally provided in a field off the Outer Hope bypass. Visitors should only use designated parking areas and must keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

Road closures and access restrictions are expected during the event. Once closures are in place, vehicles will not be able to travel through Hope Cove Square.

Our advice is to:

• Arrive early
• Use designated event parking
• Wear comfortable footwear
• Carry layers and waterproof clothing
• Bring sun protection and drinking water
• Check sea and weather conditions
• Bring a towel or exercise mat for yoga or Pilates
• Carry some cash in case individual stalls cannot accept cards
• Supervise children carefully around the water
• Follow instructions from event marshals and water-safety teams

Reusable Hope Cove Weekend drinking cups are expected to be available from participating hospitality venues. They help reduce single-use plastic and also make a useful souvenir.

Make a South Devon break of it

With four days of activities, Hope Cove Weekend is a brilliant reason to plan a late-summer staycation.

Staying at Karrageen puts you approximately one mile from Hope Cove Beach, with easy access to the village and wonderful South Devon scenery. After a busy day of music, food and beach activities, you can return to the park, relax and enjoy the sea views.

Our on-site shop also stocks local products and everyday essentials, making it easy to pick up supplies without another trip into town.

August Bank Holiday is one of the area’s most popular weekends, so early booking is strongly recommended.