Spending half term in East Devon? With an abundance of attractions and incredible places to stay across the region, you’re sure to have a fun week away. Here are a couple of the things you can get up to while in Sidmouth and the surrounding area.

Go exploring

With the Blue Plaque Trail, loads of great walks around the arboretum (which, by the way, is the only civic arboretum in the UK), access to the South West Coast Path, the Byes and the Jurassic Coast, you can have endless adventures!

The Byes, the surrounding meadows and the River Sid provide great walking routes without having to stray too far, are dog friendly and are very picturesque at this time of year when you can spot the spring flowers starting to make an appearance. There are a couple of stops along the South West Coast Path in this region where you can pick up stamps for your passport and of course, you can always hunt for fossils along the Jurassic Coast.

A little further afield there is Seaton Wetlands. As well as being a great place for exploring and visiting the hides in the hope of finding some of the resident birds and wildlife, they also host a series of activities and events over half term – so make sure to check out what’s on if you have time spare!

If you want to find great walks for the whole family, make sure to check out the town map, where you can find a host of interesting walks. Click here to read a digital edition.

Spend your pocket money

If the weather isn’t great or you have some Christmas money left over, why not indulge in some retail therapy? Sidmouth is home to over 60 independent businesses, as well as some that are instantly recognisable. It’s a great location for finding things you won’t see anywhere else.

Find out more here.

Meet some animals, go on some rides

East Devon has a host of amazing family friendly activities and attractions. There are several close to Sidmouth for you to visit, whatever the weather and many of them have rides suitable for all ages, accessible options and lots of cute animals to befriend.

Out towards Exeter is Crealy  – one of the best loved theme parks in the South West and this half term, you can have tickets for just £15. The resort is home to everything from rollercoasters to indoor play, water rides, animals and live shows – so whatever you can think of, you can find it at Crealy.

Also nearby in Ottery St Mary is Wildwood Devon, one of the region’s best wildlife parks with a host of extinct native species and several other unusual animals, including bears and Arctic foxes. That’s on top of the soft play, Saxon village and other activities!

Want more ideas of things to do? You’ll find plenty here. You can find some last minute breaks here.