What’s on this Easter in Devon

The Easter holidays are almost upon us, so there is never a better time to plan what you’re doing over the break. Here’s a rundown of some of the activities and events you can enjoy in Devon throughout the school holidays and the weekend itself.

South Devon and Plymouth
East Devon and Exeter
North Devon
Mid Devon and Dartmoor
The National Trust

South Devon and Plymouth

With its own sprawling city centre, the beautiful south Devon coast and the English Riviera, South Devon is a wonderfully diverse area where adventures abound, especially this Easter!

If you’re in the English Riviera area, head to Babbacombe Model Village. As well as exploring this miniature world, there is an Easter Egg Trail, if you find all the colourful eggs hidden around the gardens, you’ll get a small gift! Plus, there is a nine-hole crazy golf course which is free with your admission ticket, find out more here.

Child filling in an Easter Egg Hunt trail sheet
Image: Babbacombe Model Village

Torre Abbey in nearby Torquay has their World of Peter Rabbit Storytime Trail running throughout the Spring months, including over Easter. The trail is a walk-through experience where you can really immerse yourself in these wonderful stories.

For something more energetic, head to Roadford Lake – they have released details of their Easter Holiday activity programme, featuring a host of sessions across the site that are suitable for all ages and abilities. Like the sound of getting active? Tamar Trails also have a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

If you’re in Plymouth, The Box have a very special story telling event on Good Friday with children’s poet and author Jane Newberry. Perfect for under 5s, this weekly event has a special Easter theme to mark the occasion.

While you’re in the area, check out these attractions too:

East Devon and Exeter

In this region, you can explore the Jurassic Coast or spend some time in the city of Exeter. It’s also where you will find Crealy Theme Park and Resort, conveniently located just off the motorway. As well as the usual fun, there will also be additional Easter themed activities for the whole family – keep an eye on their website for the big announcement!

While you’re in the area, check out some of these attractions over Easter too:

North Devon

If you don’t fancy braving the waves, there are loads of things going on across North Devon and most of them are on dry land!

The Milky Way Adventure Park on the outskirts of Bideford are once again hosting their Easter Grotto, which is included in park entry tickets for children aged 1-11. Taking place between 8^th and 21^st April, visitors are invited to meet the Easter egg-sperts to help solve puzzles and learn how the Easter Bunny gets eggs to people! You’ll also get to meet the bun themselves and receive a special treat!

Nearby is the historic village of Clovelly. This Easter, the cobbled streets will be full of chicks for you to find as part of their family trail. As you explore the streets down to the quay, look out for the chicks, if you find at least 10, you’ll get a prize!

There isn’t a dull moment at the Big Sheep over the Easter holidays, the whole thing kicks off with the Easter Toddler Take Over, where you can feed the lambs and enjoy the Jiggy Wriggler’s Easter Music Show. The older kids will have fun too with the Easter trail, a chance to meet the Easter bunny and themed craft activities on top of all the usual fun and games.

Another nearby attraction is RHS Rosemoor, who are great for holding family friendly activities during the school holidays. This year the giant Easter eggs are back – hunt them down, collect the clues and claim a prize at the end!

children in puddlesuits looking through binoculars, huge easter eggs in the background

Image: RHS Rosemoor

After being closed through the winter months, now is a great time to visit Hartland Abbey for the new season. Not only can you enjoy the spring flowers but there are also Easter activities for families and the house will be open for tours too.

If you’re in North Devon, why not check out some of these places too?

Mid Devon and Dartmoor

One of the best things about this time of year is the new chicks and lambs and at Pennywell Farm, on the outskirts of Dartmoor, you can meet the newborns! You’ll find loads of things to do at the farm, including the Egg-stravaganza Trail; Easter Bunny Games; Egg-stravaganza photo comp and a host of other themed games!

Another place you can visit some cute animals on the outskirts of Dartmoor is at Canonteign Falls who are hosting a one of a kind alpaca experience on 17^th April. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Elsewhere, House of Marbles are adding some exciting events, including a dinosaur egg hunt (and the chance to dress up!) and an interactive glass chick workshop, that is suitable for families aged 12 plus.

If you’re in Mid Devon, enjoy a fascinating day out at Coldharbour Mill. As one of the oldest working mills in England, it is truly an interesting place to visit and this Easter, there are several activities taking place too. Before Easter properly kicks off, there is a Needle Felting workshop so you can create your own Easter eggs and on the bank holiday, there is the Madhatters and March Hares steam day, full of demonstrations and surprises around every corner!

While you’re here, check out what’s on at these attractions too:

The National Trust

There are a host of National Trust properties around Devon and the majority of them are offering Easter fun. Buckland Abbey are running a Piskie Easter Egg Hunt; Castle Drogo have their own Easter Egg Hunt taking place throughout April. You can see what else the National Trust has on offer here.

a woman and a child wearing easter bunny ears at buckfast abbey
Image: Buckland Abbey