The new panels on the Rowan Chapel roof at North Devon Crematorium. Credit: NDC
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06 Dec 2025
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06 Dec 2025
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The August bank holiday Mini run is a popular sight in North Devon and eagerly-awaited to watch as it passes through communities. Credit: AW Photographic
The ‘little cars with the big hearts’ will be back in North Devon this August bank holiday weekend as more than 200 Minis make their annual tour of the area to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West.
Many towns and villages across North Devon and Torridge will get more than a glimpse of the Minis in The Legendary Grand Tour as they continue a tradition begun by Terry and Linda Baker almost three decades ago.
Sadly, Terry passed away in April last year but Linda and a team of volunteers have continued to run the event, which has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the hospice since it began.
READ NEXT: Tributes to North Devon Mini run creator Terry Baker
The sight of the Minis beeping their way along the streets and lanes has become an eagerly-awaited bank holiday event as people turn out to wave to cars and their crews, with most in fancy dress.
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Above: The Mini run makes its way across Bideford bridge. Credit: Graham Hobbs
It sees some 250 Minis and their owners from around the country and even overseas take part in drive outs and social events over the weekend, with a convoy through most of the area’s communities on the bank holiday Monday.
This year the main campground for the tour is at The Big Sheep near Bideford.
Above: Terry Baker and his wife Linda founded the event to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West. Credit: CHSW
The weekend starts with a ‘Saturday night cruise’ tomorrow, departing from Northam Burrows at 6.30pm and driving through Northam, Appledore and Westward Ho!
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.
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Above and below: Cars and crews are usually decked out in fancy dress for the Legendary Grand Tour. Credit: Graham Hobbs
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Monday is the grand tour proper, with the convoy cars and fancy dressed motorcycle marshals leaving Victoria Park in Bideford at 11am, making their way to Little Bridge House at Fremington, home of Children’s Hospice South West.
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 volunteer motorcycle marshals are usually in fancy dress too! Credit: Nigel Worth Images
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.
Please note: Times are approximate
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