Spending the summer holidays in Devon? If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do for a day out, here are a couple of suggestions of what’s on over the next couple of months.
Right at the beginning of the school holidays, Buckland Abbey are hosting an Elizabethan Weekend where you can learn archery, how to cook using Elizabethan ingredients and more! This is just one of many activities being held at National Trust properties across Devon. Summer of Play, the Trust’s programme of summer activities is taking place at several properties including Killerton, Greenway and Coleton Fishacre.
One thing we love about summer is being able to enjoy a BBQ or two, so why not hop on one of Stuart Line Cruise’s summer BBQ Cruises? The whole family can enjoy some delicious food while taking in the sights of the Devon coast – it’s probably the best way to enjoy a BBQ! Stuart Line Cruises are also giving you a whole new way of seeing the famous Sidmouth Airshow – their Air show cruise sets sail from Exmouth Marina on the 25th August towards Sidmouth where you can see the display from the water. Whether you’re at sea or on land, Sidmouth’s Regatta and Air Show is a must see event and is hugely popular, so make sure to get there in good time! Later in the month in Sidmouth, the Folk Festival is back – it’s such an iconic event, there is even a blue plaque dedicated to it in Sidmouth town centre! Speaking of iconic events, don’t forget about the British Firework Championships which are returning to Plymouth in August. With incredible displays and a host of activities and fun, it’s a great evening for the whole family.
Another great thing about the summer holiday is getting to have sleepovers with your friends, so why not make the experience even better with National Marine Aquarium’s Sleeping with Sharks event. These events let you explore the aquarium under the cover of darkness, plus a midnight snack and a Full English to help you wake up in the morning!
This year, Babbacombe Model Village is celebrating a big anniversary, so there are a host of great events taking place over the summer including Magician Greg Chapman’s Miniature Tour. Magician Greg’s performances are all included with your admission ticket, so don’t forget to catch his shows while visiting Babbacombe! Elsewhere at Woodlands Family Theme Park there are loads of great activities taking place including Dino Days and Titan Tuesdays throughout the summer holidays, all included in the price of your tickets.
At RHS Rosemoor in North Devon, you can learn all about civilian life during WWII and see an eclectic range of classic cars and vintage fair rides, including Lindy Hop dancers at their Vintage Weekend. In South Devon, head to Torre Abbey for a Teddy Bear picnic as part of their summer Paddington exhibition. If you want to get outside and enjoy the summer, Canonteign Falls are hosting unique alpaca experiences, so you can not only enjoy the picturesque waterfall but also meet the alpacas! Powderham Castle are hosting Gone Wild with Bear Grylls, the ultimate family adventure, complete with a host of activities, entertainment and food and drink. You can also join in the AR Shaun the Sheep trail around the castle this summer too.
As it's summer there are a whole load of fun things to do across the county, including Paignton Festival, Teignmouth Carnival and Exmouth Festival. Buckfast Abbey’s summer fair is also returning with three days of live food demonstration, food, crafts and entertainment during the first week in August, it’s free to enter and plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
And for the foodies among you, make sure to head to Ilfracombe for the Devon Street Food Festival.
For activities throughout the summer, check out what is on offer from Roadford Lake’s summer programme or the various special journeys being run by Seaton Tramway, including a space tram, story tram and dinosaur tram adventure! You can find a host of other summer events here.
