A brief guide to half term in Devon

During half term, why not get ready for Easter by joining the village of Clovelly for their Shrove Tuesday custom, Lentsherd. Pronounced ‘lanshard’, it’s an ancient custom that chases away bad spirits before Lent begins – not only is it great fun, but all the kids that join in will get a free pancake to decorate how they like (and eat too, of course!)

You can also prepare for the changing season at The Big Sheep. Half term is lambing time, which means you can see the baby lambs in between the usual fun and games.

RHS Garden Rosemoor have their usual half term events taking place too. This year you can expect a variety of craft activities, garden trails and exciting entertainment throughout the week, including interactive planting workshops so you can grow your own gardens, no matter what space you have at home.

Elsewhere, there is fun for the whole family at half term at Dartington Crystal, ideal for a day out whatever the weather. There are five decades of glassmaking to discover, plus factory tours, creative crafts and activities and for Valentine’s Day, there is an exclusive offer in the shop! It’s a great way of combining your appreciation of your partner and keeping the kids entertained!

Head to Seaton for a journey with a difference this half term with Seaton Tramway. The award winning Story Tram is back, with plenty to inspire the kids during your trip from Seaton to Colyton.

For a day out that will keep you entertained for hours, Bicton Park is always a good shout. There are 64 acres to explore, as well as their woodland railway, play areas and the Countryside Museum – it’s a great option if the weather is being its usual changeable self!

One of the biggest draws of the East Devon area is the Jurassic Coast, which holds plenty of discoveries to enjoy over half term. One way you can experience the coastline is by jumping aboard one of Stuart Line Cruises' boats. Over half term, they are running their Bird Watching Cruises which will take you around the Exe Estuary and the East Devon coastline.

Or if you fancy something a bit different, book an alpaca walk with Little Orchard Alpacas!

Half term means it is time for Febru -ROAR – y! At least at Dartmoor Zoo it does! Roary the velociraptor has made a nest at the zoo but they’ve lost all their eggs! While you’re exploring the zoo, keep an eye out for dinosaur eggs and take part in a host of dinosaur themed workshops!

Want more cute animals this half term? Pennywell Farm are opening their doors for 2024 on 10^th of February, just in time for half term adventures! Book your tickets now and be one of the first to welcome the mini pigs into the new year.

If you’re in the Mid Devon region, make sure to show your little ones how much you love them by joining in with Valentine’s at Bear Town. Running throughout half term, each child will receive a Valentine’s treat and can take part in the Love Heart Hunt!

Aside from a new children’s play area and all the resident animals, Paignton Zoo will also be welcoming Bing & Flop to the zoo this half term! You can follow Bing’s activity trail to learn more about the animals and help the keepers complete their chores for the day – you can even meet them for story time sessions!

While you’re in the English Riviera region, make sure to stop by Babbacombe Model Village – over half term they are continuing with their enchanting illuminations installation, allowing you the chance to see the village in a whole different light.

There will be steam trains running throughout the February half term at South Devon Railway, providing fun, nostalgia and a chance to experience some truly stunning scenery between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.

For something a little more active, Roadford Lake provides a host of different activities and sessions covering everything from archery to orienteering and getting out on that stunning lake. It’s a great option for families that want to make their own adventures and get outside after a long winter.

Adventure can also be had at Woodlands Family Theme Park in Dartmouth. Their winter fun event continues into March, so there’s plenty of enjoy over half term.

The creatives among you will want to head to China Blue in Totnes where they are holding Dragon Sculpting Classes to celebrate Lunar New Year and the upcoming Year of the Dragon.

One of the most popular places to spend half term in Exeter is at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum – which is free to visit all year round. This half term, join them for the Blast from the Past programme, where you can meet time travellers from across history as they explore RAMM with you!

You’ll also find a host of things to do at Exeter Cathedral with their family friendly activities which are running throughout February. This year’s events are inspired by Luke Jerram’s Mars, which will be appearing at the cathedral until the end of the month and feature several workshops all about space, Mars and rockets!

Just on the outskirts of Exeter at Haldon Forest Park, not only can you spend a day out in beautiful woodlands, exploring at your own leisure or taking on the trees with their adventure activities, but there are also opportunities to celebrate the Gruffalo’s 25^th birthday and take on the Gruffalo’s own orienteering course!

As one of the biggest theme parks in the South West, Crealy will be open over half term. This February experience the excitement of Superstars of Wrestling live in the arena and take on those rides!

In Plymouth, you can Dream Big at the Box during half term. Taking inspiration from John Akomfrah’s film Arcadia, the Box are offering a variety of free drop in activities where you can enjoy a host of crafts and dream big!

Speaking of dreams, do you know a future marine biologist? Help them realise their dream by planning a trip to the National Marine Aquarium – they are running sessions allowing 11-15 year olds the chance to be a marine biologist for the day!

Need more? Devon’s National Trust and English Heritage properties are also holding events over half term! At Castle Drogo there is a Poo, Prints and Pawmarks Trail where you can have a go at guessing which animals have visited the castle over winter. Meanwhile, at Buckland Abbey, there is a Forgotten Fairy Tales event where you can learn about the origins of some of our favourite fairy tales.