Christmas Tractor Runs near Plymouth
A tractor is a big, serious piece of farm machinery. Until December, when someone wraps it in a few thousand fairy lights, pops a Santa on the roof and drives it slowly down your high street with Slade on full blast.
Christmas tractor runs have become one of the loveliest free things to do in the run-up to Christmas around Plymouth. Farmers, young farmers' clubs and vintage tractor fans spend weeks decorating their machines, then head out in a glowing convoy through villages and towns, collecting for local charities as they go. Children wave like mad, drivers wave back, and everyone goes home feeling properly Christmassy.
Here's where to catch them this year, from Dartmoor to just over the Tamar.
Before you go
Dress for standing still. Hats, gloves, a flask of hot chocolate. Dartmoor in late November is no joke.
Check on the day. Timings can slip and plans can change at short notice, so look at the organisers' Facebook pages before you set off.
Get there early. Convoys rarely stop, so find your spot and stay put. Village lanes are calmer for little ones; town centres are busier but buzzier.
Bring some change. Most runs have collection buckets, and every pound goes to charity.
Stand well back. They're still tractors, however sparkly.
Christmas tractor runs near Plymouth, in date order
Dartmoor Charity Tractor Run, Ashburton
When and where: Sunday 29 November. Tractors gather in Ashburton (TQ13 7LJ, what3words dolls.sigh.worry) from 4pm and set off at 5pm.
What to expect: The earliest run of the season, and probably the most dramatic. The convoy heads from Ashburton up across Dartmoor, so you get a string of twinkling tractors climbing past the tors in the dark. Money raised goes to the Dartmoor Search & Rescue Team (Ashburton), with collection boxes out on the night.
Where to watch:
Ashburton town centre (replaces.pays.suggested)
Cold East Cross car park (spreading.soggy.trailer)
Hemsworthy Gate car park (spud.readings.ordering)
Saddle Tor South car park (gossiping.harvest.mild)
Saddle Tor North car park (manly.master.sometimes)
Haytor car park (haystack.cursing.sometimes)
Haytor Visitor Centre car park (northward.farmer.crisis)
The moor gets very dark and very cold, so bring a torch and an extra layer for the kids.
Tavistock AFC Christmas Tractor Run
When and where: Friday 11 December, leaving the Red & Black Club, Langsford Park, Tavistock (PL19 8JR) at 7pm.
What to expect: Tavistock's floodlit tractor run gets bigger every year, and last year a record 67 tractors took part. It starts and finishes at the football club, where the BBQ and bar open from 6pm, so you can grab something warm before the tractors head off around town. Last year's route went along Plymouth Road, through Whitchurch, the Square and West Street, so the town centre is a good bet.
Bere Peninsula Christmas Charity Tractor Run
When and where: Saturday 12 December, leaving the Bowling Club field in Bere Alston at 6pm.
What to expect: A proper village run, organised by the Bere Alston Carnival Committee. The tractors travel around Bere Alston, Bere Ferrers and Weir Quay, then finish back at the Bowling Club for pasties and hot drinks. Every penny goes to St Luke's Hospice.
Got a tractor? It needs lights and to be road legal. Entry is a £10 donation per tractor, and Paul can tell you more on 07790 968759.
Saltash Christmas Tractor Run
When and where: Sunday 13 December. Tractors set off from Tamar View Nurseries and Garden Centre, Carkeel (PL12 6PH). Timings are to be confirmed.
What to expect: Just over the bridge, and one of the most popular runs in the area. Expect a long line of festive tractors winding around Saltash and big crowds on the pavements. This year's money is split between the Mental Health Foundation, St Luke's Hospice Plymouth and Cornwall Blood Bikes. More details are due in the next few weeks.
West Devon Vintage & Classics Club Christmas Tractor Road Run
When and where: Sunday 20 December. Meet at The Countryman, Sampford Courtenay, at 10am, and tractors leave at 10:30am.
What to expect: A daytime run, which makes it a good one for little ones who won't last until dark. Plenty of older tractors are likely to turn out, so it's a treat for anyone who likes their machines with a bit of history.
Pelynt Young Farmers Tinsel Tractor Run
When and where: Sunday 20 December, Pelynt, near Looe. Times and route to be announced.
What to expect: A firm favourite in south east Cornwall. Pop the date in the diary now and keep an eye on the Pelynt Young Farmers' Facebook page for the details.
Know of a tractor run near Plymouth we've missed or have a change to make to one already here? Let us know
