Where can you see the Mini run in North Devon this August bank holiday weekend?

Hundreds of Minis will be returning to North Devon and Torridge this August bank holiday weekend but there will be sadness too as one constant will be missing.

The Legendary Grand Tour of more than 200 Mini cars has become a popular feature of the bank holiday for locals and visitors alike, but this year will be extra poignant as the event honours its founder Terry Baker, who passed away in April.

Since Terry and his wife Linda began the tour more than 25 years ago it has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Children’s Hospice South West.

Above: Terry Baker, founder of The Legendary Grand Tour Mini run. Credit: Baker family

The sight of the ‘small cars with big hearts’ beeping their way along the streets and lanes has become a much-loved event as communities turn out to wave to cars and their crews, with most in fancy dress.

It sees some 250 Minis and their owners from around the country and even overseas at various drive outs and social events over the weekend, with a convoy through most of the area’s communities on the bank holiday Monday.

The Minis and their volunteer motorcycle marshals will be hosting a celebration of life for Terry, who passed away aged 71 on April 11, at their campsite near Bideford tonight (Friday, August 23).

That will be followed by a ‘Saturday night cruise’ tomorrow, driving through Northam, Appledore and Westward Ho! from 6.30pm.

Sunday will see the Minis at Westward Ho! bright and early from 7.30am, leaving the village at 11am to make their way to Hartland Quay (ETA 12noon), before going on to Dartington Crystal at Torrington.

Monday really is the grand tour, with the convoy of some 250 cars leaving Victoria Park in Bideford at 11am, making their way to Little Bridge House at Fremington, home of Children’s Hospice South West.

Above: The gathered Minis make quite a sight at Hartland Quay. Credit: AW Photographic

The convoy will head through Barnstaple and make its way to Bratton Fleming (1.20pm), Barbrook (1.45pm), Lynton (1.55pm), Valley of Rocks (2pm), then Hunters Inn, Combe Martin (3.30pm) and driving through Ilfracombe at around 4pm before returning to their campsite.

Times are approximate and motorists are advised there may be some minor hold ups as the convoy passes through various communities.

You can also keep up to date on the latest from the event via the Small Cars Big Hearts The LGT Facebook page.

North Devon Mini run 2024 timetable

Please note: Times are approximate

Saturday, August 24

5.30pm: The Saturday night cruise. Meet at the end of the tip road on Northam Burrows.

6.30pm: Depart the Burrows. Westward Ho! Northam, Appledore and Irsha Street back to Westward Ho.

Sunday, August 25

Westward Ho!

7.30am: Westward Ho! Prom is open for parking. Toilets

11am: Rock and roll - leave Westward Ho! up Stanwell Hill Abbotsham roundabout

12noon: Arrive at Hartland Quay

1.30pm: Depart Hartland Quay

2.45pm: Arrive Dartington Crystal, Great Torrington

3.30pm: Depart Dartington

Monday, August 26

Victoria Park, Bideford

7.30am: Victoria Park opens

11am: Rock and roll, we’re off! Along the Quay and over the old bridge towards Instow

11.40am: Turn off the road by Fremington shops and through housing estate. Arrive at Little Bridge House, home of Children’s Hospice South West

12.05pm: Portmore Golf Course road, wait and regroup

12.55pm: Cross Bridge over 361

1.20 pm: Bratton Fleming

1.30pm: Blackmore Gate

1.45pm: Barbrook

1.55pm: Lynton

2pm: Arrive at Valley of Rocks

2.50pm: Depart Valley of Rocks

3.10pm: Hunters Inn

3.30pm: Arrive Combe Martin

4pm: Arrive Ilfracombe but will not be stopping

6.30pm: Prize giving and part two of the fundraising auction at the campsite, all welcome, not just campers.

There is a new campsite this year, postcode EX39 5AP