Ideas for May half term in Devon

With areas like the Torbay, the English Riviera and further south towards Plymouth, South Devon is a wonderful destination for families this half term.

In Dartmouth you’ll find Woodlands Family Theme Park where this half term, there are loads of chances to meet your favourite characters like Duggee and Bluey. For some adventure and excitement, book a session or two with River Dart Country Park. With over 90 acres and extensive adventure playgrounds, there is never a dull moment here and with additional sessions for May half term, this is a great place for getting rid of excess energy!

Image: River Dart Country Park

Elsewhere, Pennywell Farm is holding their Magical Unicorn Festival, where you can have a truly magical day out and graduate the Unicorn School of Magic!

Splashdown Quaywest is reopening in May, perfect for half-term visits! As the UK’s largest waterpark and with new rides opening, it’s the place for cooling off this spring. The waterpark is also right on the beach at Goodrington Sands, which is ideal for picnics, and enjoying days at the beach. Elsewhere in the English Riviera, Babbacombe Model Village will be welcoming back Greg the Magician for half term, Paignton Zoo will have their usual fun and games as will Torre Abbey in Torquay.

Or for a gentle activity, book some pottery painting with China Blue in Totnes. It’s a great way to unleash your creative side and make memories together.

Home to the UK’s first Surf Reserve and some of Britain’s most beautiful beaches, North Devon is known as England’s Adventure Coast and for good reason!

If you like the sound of adventure, book a trip to the Milky Way, an award-winning theme park in Bideford where you can take on rides, watch live shows and even fly birds of prey! If you like the sound of roller coasters, the biggest roller coaster in Devon can be found at the nearby Big Sheep and over the half term, there are plenty of events and activities taking place to enjoy.

For an adventure with a difference, Keypitts Offroad Adventures in Ilfracombe has everything from quad biking, axe throwing, and Landover experiences and with activities for people aged 3 and up, the whole family can get involved.

Image: Keypitts Offroad Adventures

As we said, North Devon is home to the UK’s first surf reserve and is a real haven for surfers and other water sports enthusiasts. If you want to make a splash but aren’t quite sure about heading out on the open water, book a session at North Devon Wake Park and enjoy watersports at their site near Bideford.

You can also join the team at RHS Rosemoor for a week of fun with their Family Gardening Festival which is running throughout half term. Included in this year’s festival are Flying with Strings, a bird puppeteer and Fun Family Planting Workshops, as well as story time with head gardener Lilly and family trails around the gardens.

With the impressive Jurassic Coast as your backdrop, East Devon is a fascinating place to visit for the Whitsun holiday.

Pecorama is hosting a special event, Paper Town, where you can get arty and create some vibrant 3D models with paper and the colours of your choice!

If you find yourself in Seaton, head to Seaton Tramway for a swashbuckling adventure with Pirate Tram’s Seaton Pearl! The journey will take you along the Axe Estuary where you can look for hidden treasure at Colyton Station.

Elsewhere near Ottery St Mary, you’ll find Wildwood Devon, which provides a great day out. With animals galore, plus a host of activities and a Saxon village to explore, there is something for everyone here. If you’re spending time in Ottery St Mary, another option is Devon Activity Centre where you can find a wide variety of outdoor activities from go karting, quad biking, laser tag and more! Or why not spend some time exploring Bicton Park? With a botanical garden for the nature lovers, a museum and an array of family-friendly things to do, it’s brilliant entertainment for the whole family.

To see the Jurassic Coast in a different light, book a trip with Stuart Line Cruises – they have a whole programme of cruises throughout the half term week including Canal Cruises from Exmouth to Exeter and a special trip for the English Riviera Air Show – what better way to see the display than from the sea?!

Image: Bicton Park 

For those of you who fancy spending the week immersed in the countryside, Mid Devon is a great option, not only do you have endless greenery as far as the eye can see, but you’re also equidistance from both National Parks and the coastline!

One place that is a must in this part of Devon is Tiverton Canal Co. As well as a host of lovely family-friendly walks that can be found around the canal, there are rides on their popular horse-drawn barge, canoe rides and for the parents, the only floating beer garden!

Image: Tiverton Canal Co 

Another option is the Bear Trail, perfect for those of you who like to get a bit muddy. With 30 obstacles and unlimited mud, this award-winning family assault course is open daily during the school holidays, with sessions taking place throughout the day.

For anyone who wants to step back in time, enjoy some nostalgia at Coldharbour Mill, the UK’s oldest wool mill. As a working museum, it’s always fascinating to visit, but during half term, there will be Spring Steam Day and the Great British Fibre Festival to enjoy.

If you’re spending time in either of Devon’s cities, here are some of the things you can expect to enjoy during half term.

On the outskirts of Exeter is Crealy Theme Park and Resort and this half term, they are bringing you a BMX Stunt Show throughout the week. The show will feature the UK’s best riders, taking part in stunts and if that wasn’t enough, the soak zone is also reopening for May half term.

Also near Exeter is Go Ape based at Haldon Forest, the first Tree Top Challenge and Tree Top Adventure in the South West. It’s a popular spot and when you visit, you’ll see why, there are tree-top adventures, as well as bike hire and family-friendly trails all over the site.

In Plymouth, the National Marine Aquarium have various activities on as well as the usual fun and games, including snorkelling, turtle feeding and more!

Looking to get out and about over half term? Dartmoor is the destination for you! With the iconic ponies to look out for, miles of scenery for hiking, climbing, walking and picnics, as well as other adventure activities.

If you want a treetop adventure in a safe environment, head to Tree Surfers in Tavistock. This adrenaline-pumping experience all takes place in the trees with ladders, rope bridges and zip wires, as well as things like archery and similar activities in beautiful surroundings.

Another scenic attraction is Canonteign Falls, which is right on the edge of the National Park. This half term there will be a children’s activity trail, zip wires, trampolines, and of course, the beautiful waterfall. If you happen to be visiting on 28^th May, you can join in storytelling sessions with a local author, or on 30^th May the Alpaca Experience is back by popular demand!  

As Dartmoor is a great place for wildlife, make sure to stop in at Otters and Butterflies where you can meet the very cute residents!

Image: Tree Surfers