With so much to see and do over May half term in Devon, you’re really spoiled for choice! Whether you’re planning a day trip or you’re staying for the whole week, here are some of the things you can get up to during your visit.
East Devon
Home to the Jurassic Coast, East Devon is one of the most beautiful and geologically interesting places in the UK.
One of the most popular places for families to visit in East Devon is the Donkey Sanctuary. Running through until 2nd June, they are hosting a Spring Wildlife Hunt, giving you the chance to learn more about the region’s wild residents, while also befriending the rescued donkeys. For those of you who love Sidmouth, book a trip with Stuart Line Cruises who are running their day trips to the town from Exmouth. The trip allows you to see a whole new side of the Jurassic Coast and time to explore the town.
If you are looking for some adventure this half term, check out Devon Activity Centre in Ottery St Mary. Experts in fun, you can try your hand at everything from segways, quad bike safaris, go karting, shooting, golf, axe throwing and more! Book your adventure today!
Another great activity for families is travelling the Seaton Tramway. Over half term, the tramway has their popular Story Tram event, where you can enjoy themed stories and songs along the route, brought to life by puppets, props and games! Half term also sees the return of the Dinosaur Tram Adventure, which is loved by parents and children alike!
English Riviera
The English Riviera is one of the most popular holiday destinations for families – it has a mild climate, loads of places to stay and a host of family-friendly attractions, as well as award-winning beaches! So, it’s no wonder so many people flock there year after year.
This half term, you can find an extensive calendar of events and activities on top of the usual attractions. At Kent’s Cavern in Torquay, you can join in with Stone Age Coast, a weeklong series of activities for the whole family that celebrates the caves’ links to the ocean and coastline. During your visit, you’ll be able to see evidence of how the stone age residents used the coastline, all included in the price of the ticket!
Elsewhere in Torquay, you can learn the story of Paddington Bear at Torre Abbey. This touring exhibition from the British Library celebrates everyone’s favourite bear in an interactive and fun way, all within the grounds of the impressive Torre Abbey, one of the oldest buildings in Torquay and home to a stop on the Agatha Christie Mile. In nearby Paignton, the world famous Paignton Zoo is celebrating their centenary with a host of events including Zoo! By the English Touring Opera. This multi-sensory opera is suitable for the whole family and is suited to audiences with additional needs. It’s free to watch the opera, just book tickets for the Zoo as normal.
Exeter
There is never a dull moment in Exeter – a vibrant cultural city, it’s a great place for families, solo travellers and couples alike and you’ll find lots going on over half term.
On the outskirts of the city is Crealy Theme Park and Resort, one of the best loved theme parks in the South West and this half term they are offering Magical May Half Term with free returns! Enjoy the most rides in Devon, magical live entertainment and a free return visit!
Also near Exeter is Haldon Forest Park, which is managed by Forestry England and offers the chance to do a whole load of fun, family friendly activities. Some of the park’s trails are also accessible, so they’re perfect for the whole family and suitable for those using mobility aids, push chairs or wheelchairs. Over half term, you can join Zog on his latest adventure with a new family activity trail and interactive app. Just turn up, ask for the activity pack on arrival and see what you discover!
Another fun trail for the whole family is taking place at Powderham Castle, this time starring Shaun the Sheep. The Hide and Sheep AR trail is running through half term and will continue until 29th October at no extra charge!
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter is always a great day out and over half term they have a Printing in Symmetry event where you can create your own designs inspired by the current Sublime Symmetry exhibition. Discover more at Canonteign Falls this half term too, there is something to keep the whole family entertained throughout the week.
Mid-Devon
Mid-Devon is a great option for anyone who wants to spend time in the countryside but also for those that want to do a bit of exploring. Being in the middle of the county, gives you loads of opportunities to visit the National Parks, the coastline and all the towns and villages we love.
This part of Devon is perfect for the adventure lovers, so why not spend some time at Roadford Lake? This action-packed family activity centre based in the beautiful Wolf Valley are hosting an unforgettable programme of activities for half term. Whether you’re a seasoned pro when it comes to canoeing, archery or orienteering or you want to give something new a go, there is plenty to find here.
North Devon
Home to the famous coastline and the Exmoor National Park, North Devon is a great choice for beach holidays and those that love some watersports – it is the surfing capital of the UK and home to the UK’s first surf reserve after all!
If you’re not into getting wet, there’s no need to stay away this half term though as there are plenty of other activities going on including making a Cob Bug Hotel with Quince Honey Farm. This workshop is a fun way to learn more about bees and other useful insects and you can even take the bug hotel home with you. Ever wanted to learn more about seaweed? The village of Clovelly is holding their annual Seaweed Festival in aid of the North Devon Hospice. The festival will include live music, crafts, workshops, street entertainment and teaching more about the benefits of seaweed.
South Devon
Covering parts of Dartmoor and stretching down to Plymouth, you’ll find an array of beautiful beaches and stunning countryside in this part of Devon. South Devon is where you’ll find the popular resorts of Salcombe and Dartmouth, as well as places like Totnes.
This part of Devon is full of fun and this May half term and visitors to National Trust properties can make memories while learning about the region’s history. Buckland Abbey, the former home of Sir Francis Drake, is hosting a Bugs and Flowers event, which is free after admission, or completely free for members.
Taking place at Dartmoor Zoo is ZooDo, the ultimate detective trail. Keep the little one’s brains moving this half term with this trail, where they can put together the clues and find out who is who at the zoo!
Ever wanted to meet a unicorn? Well, you can at Magical Unicorn Week at Pennywell Farm. In addition to all your favourite animals and displays, you can also take part in a special unicorn-themed experience. Meet Merlin, the resident unicorn for the week and take part in Unicorn Hobby Horse racing!
At Woodlands Family Theme Park near Totnes is hosting a Dino Week for half term. Ritchie Raptor will be visiting Woodlands on 30th May and will be performing tricks and making appearances at intervals throughout the day with the help of fact-filled rangers. The following day, you can meet an enormous T-Rex! After you’ve met Ritchie and the Rex, make sure to check out some of the rides and entertainment. Later on in the week is Titan the Robot Show, with shows taking place throughout the day.
Further south in Plymouth, The Box is holding Family Fun: Face to Face, a colourful craft activity inspired by the portraits that are currently on display. Using mixed media, you can create your own portrait of whoever you like – even yourself!
What will you get up to this half term?
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