Powderham Castle encourages sustainable travel to food festival
Powderham Castle is encouraging sustainable travel ahead of this weekend's highly-anticipated Food Festival, with over 10,000 visitors expected to attend.
As a host of local artisan traders get set to delight taste buds on October 7th and 8th, this year's festivalgoers have the opportunity to embark on a sustainable culinary adventure right from the outset - their choice of transportation.
The venue has partnered with a pick of transport operators in a bid to align their commitment to both culinary delights and environmental responsibility with over 10,000 visitors expected to attend the two-day event.
For those considering their journey, here are some unique and eco-friendly ways you could consider travelling to this year’s festival, ensuring your visit leaves a smaller carbon footprint.
1. By Rail
For those self-proclaimed locomotive enthusiasts, begin your festival experience with a scenic rail journey to Starcross, where the charming countryside welcomes you. A leisurely walk of around 30-40 minutes to the festival grounds adds an extra touch of exploration. Visit GWR to plan your journey.
2. By Bus
To save time, festivalgoers can catch a number 2 Stagecoach bus from Starcross, which allows you to sit back and savour the views as you approach the enchanting venue. Services are frequent and run into the evening.
3. By Ferry
Hop across the water and immerse yourself in maritime magic with a range of ferry services. Choose from the Exmouth to Starcross Ferry, Topsham to Exminster Ferry, or the Topsham to Turf Locks Ferry for a unique waterborne journey.
4. By Foot
Eager hikers can follow the South West Coast Path and enjoy a walk along the Exe Valley Trail from Starcross to Powderham Castle. Taking around 30 minutes to complete, this free mode of transport allows festivalgoers to experience and revel in the beauty that surrounds the venue.
5. By Bike
You could swap the sea for cycling. Keen cyclists can follow the Sustrans cycle route 2, which offers a scenic ride along the Devonshire coast and filters through the countryside, passing right by Powderham Castle. With bike locking facilities available on-site, it’s a wonderful, free alternative to driving. As an extra incentive, Route2Bikes and Saddles and Paddles are giving a 15% discount to those who plan on using their bikes to get to and from the festival! Simply quote Powderham Castle when securing your hire to receive the discount.
6. By Kayak
Kayakers can also embark on an unforgettable journey down the River Exe, navigating the waterways while delighting in the anticipation of culinary treasures. AS Watersports offer a plethora of rental options for single and double occupancy.
There are plenty of places to moor along the riverbank and walking trails to the castle are plentiful.
7. By Paddleboard
Paddleboard enthusiasts can also take to the river and make their way down the Exe. There are an abundance of venues where pundits can hire paddleboards for the entire day, with some offering discounts on block bookings.
8. On Horseback
For a more unusual entrance, punters could saddle up and embrace the uniqueness of horse riding, and indulge in the tranquillity of the surroundings whilst making their way to Powderham for the festivities.
9. Carpooling
Although eager to promote alternative and eco-friendly methods of transport, Powderham Food Festival will be offering parking to those who wish to drive, with a charge of £8 per vehicle per day. All of the proceeds made from the festival will go towards maintaining Powderham Castle for years to come.
With a wide range of eco-conscious travel options awaiting this year's festival attendees, participants can savour not just the flavours of the event but also the sustainable journey that precedes it. So, whether you opt to paddle, pedal, trot, or sail, your eco-friendly adventure to the festival will be an exceptional and unforgettable experience, ensuring that your footprint on the planet remains small while your memories remain large.
