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Half term events in Devon: October 2014

26th September 2014

Categories: Visitor News

October half term 2014 is on the horizon, and as always it promises to be fun-packed here in Devon. There are great family events taking place across the county – with many of course having spooky Hallowe’en themes, half term being October 25-November 2 this year. Take a look at our pick of half term events in Devon for October 2014, with some ideas for great family-friendly places to stay in nearby.

Find more half term events in: Exeter and East Devon; Torquay, Paignton and Brixham; South Devon; North Devon and Exmoor; Plymouth; Dartmoor

South Devon
This beautiful area’s a fantastic place to stay over half term, with lovely coves and countryside to explore – and lots going on of course. Popular farm attraction Pennywell, which is great for younger children, is holding its annual Jollyween(October 27-31) – an upbeat alternative to Hallowe’en with pumpkin carving, bats and owls and a whole week of fun. You could join the team at Haldon Forest Park for A Touch of the Wild(October 27-30) – a spooky Halloween holiday club in the woods which will involve serving up a witches brew, pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, making pumpkin soup, and trick or treat games. And Babbacombe model village is holding Hallowe’en Evenings of Mini-Horrors (October 25-31), when it will be open late for creepy scenes, eerie illuminations and ghostly sound effects, plus a ‘workshop of horrors’ tour through the woods and a new 3D ‘Haunted House’ show.
Family friendly places to stay nearby: Langstone Cliff Hotel; Dawlish Sands Holiday Park; Devon Valley Holiday Park

Torquay, Paignton and Brixham
It’s not known as one of the UK’s top family seaside resorts for nothing … there’s so much to do on the English Riviera at any time of year, but at October half term the area’s attractions love to put on a bit of a show. Take Dinosaur World’s Menacing Monster Madness (October 25-November 2) – monsters, witches and ghouls will come face-to-face with T Rex and Diplodocus, there’ll be a Hallowe’en Challenge to win a 100 million year old fossil, and a lights out tour to explore the exhibition in the dark, and listen to a scary ghost story. Cockington Court at Hallowe’en (October 27-31) will be arty of course, with Hallowe’en inspired arts, crafts and activities for the whole family. Had enough of Hallowe’en? Then go to Living Coasts, whose half term happening will be Bjorn, a life size and incredibly lifelike animatronic Polar Bea r (October 29), who’ll be appearing in three 20 minute shows throughout the day alongside Arctic explorer Ursula.
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North Devon and Exmoor
With long sandy beaches that are also perfect for rockpooling and lots of pretty coastal villages, North Devon and Exmoor are as lovely to visit in autumn and winter as spring and summer. While you’re there, visit The Big Sheep; this brilliant farm-themed attraction with rides will be holding its Hallowe’en Festival (October 25-November 2), with new Arachnophobia ride, a Haunted Hayride, Haunted House, pumpkin carving, free face painting, and prices for those in fancy dress. But if you fancy something a bit less scary then go to the Atlantic Village Food and Craft Fair (October 25-26), where there’ll be around 30 stalls selling fresh local produce and homemade goodies – and get some discount shopping in while you’re there too.
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Exeter and East Devon
The area around Exeter combines the best of coast, countryside and city, making it a good choice for an autumn-winter break – there’s plenty to do whatever the weather. During half term week Crealy Adventure Park will be presenting the Crealy Great Mystery (October 25-November 2) … the chance to find and meet a real live witch, plus trick or treating, free pumpkins and fancy dress, and Moshi Monsterson October 27. Autumn half term at Pecorama (October 27-31), a magnet for train enthusiasts of all ages, means children’s entertainment in the Station Halt Gallery, a prize quiz in the model railway exhibition, free Hallowe’en treats and rides on the Beer Heights Frights Ghost Train as dusk falls. And talking of journeys into the abyss … Seaton Tramway’s Hallowe’en Tram of Terror (October 27-November 1) is always great fun at this time of year, with gruesome tram drivers taking passengers to Colyton Station where there will be spooky entertainment, fancy dress and competition prizes.
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Plymouth
The vibrant Ocean City offers lots to do all year round, and even if the weather’s not so hot, there’s plenty to do indoors – and when it’s good there’s miles of beautiful coast and countryside on the doorstep. This half term there’ll be a Party at the Donkey Sanctuary (October 29), which means that when you visit, as well as providing support for the sanctuary’s very deserving and lovable residents you’ll also get to join in a fancy dress party with disco and spooky games. A bit lower on the cute scale is The Cruise of Lost Souls (October 31): a cruise around historic Plymouth with on-board haunting tales, fancy dress and a trick or treat treasure chest.
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Dartmoor
What a perfect place to come during the season of mists – mysterious Dartmoor. This is perhaps the best time to visit the atmospheric moor and the pretty towns and villages nearby, as you get to see its autumnal colours. A fabulous way to see some of this area is from the steam trains of the South Devon Railway as it chugs from Buckfastleigh to Totnes and back, and at half term it will be firing up the Hallowe’en Express(October 31). This evening trip includes trick or treat, ghosts and ghoulish ghoulash, and passengers are encouraged to dress up for the occasion.
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