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‘Devon’s Top Attractions’ announce re-opening dates

29th March 2021

Categories: Visitor News

Finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel for Devon's leading visitor attractions as they announce their reopening dates and plans. This announcement will come as welcome news for everyone in the Devon tourism sector as it starts to come out of the third National lockdown in the last 12 months and our nation makes its way forward towards life on a more normal footing.

The Chairman of ‘Devon’s Top Attractions’ and South Devon Railway PR manager, Dick Wood, said: “It’s obviously been the toughest and most challenging year for everyone in living memory, but our member visitor attractions and tourism in Devon has been one of the hardest-hit business sectors through the long, enforced closures.

“This third lockdown has been another blow for our 36 member attractions, some of whom are unable to open their doors again until May 17^th, although some are starting limited operations from 12 April under the current recovery roadmap. But it means that many of our members have now missed both the February Half Term and Easter holidays trade, plus the May Day Bank Holiday weekend too.

“As some attractions take 20% of their total annual income at Easter, Covid restrictions will inevitably now impact on their businesses both this year and last. But our member attractions have shown remarkable strength and adaptability over the last 12 months, and innovation has become their forte to overcome the obstacles faced and we are all gearing up fast now for re-opening and surviving a year without income.

“So, we are all looking forward to a good Summer and -- with the considerable uncertainty of overseas travel remaining -- we hope to ‘make hay’ in what’s being dubbed the ‘Great Staycation Year’. I hope this will give a much needed boost to the region’s tourism industry and so help our Devon attractions bounce back.”

Who’s Opening and when?

There are a small number of Devon’s Top Attractions who are already open for ‘locals’ for daily exercise and we’ll see a few more open their doors ahead of the Easter weekend. There will be a few low-key Easter activities to enjoy made of up of outdoor Easter trails, walks and animal encounters.

Re-opening on 12^th April

A good number of Devon’s Top Attractions with outdoor facilities will partially re-open their doors on 12^th April and some will have take-away food and drink facilities available. These attractions include some of the animal and farm parks, plus zoo attractions, as well as a number of theme parks with outdoor facilities. We also expect to see several heritage and transport attractions re-opening but, in some cases, this might be for the outside site only. Some of the attractions that also offer self-catering accommodation will also start to re-open from 12^th April.

Re-opening 17^th May

The rest of Devon’s Top Attractions will then re-open their doors from 17^th May hopefully when the indoor attractions can legally do so. There may still be some restrictions, limited capacity and changed opening times and facilities, but the attractions hope to fully open by May Half-Term week with expected further lifting of Government restrictions by the Summer. The wearing of masks is expected to continue in line with Government guidance.

There are a couple of attractions who are still to release their re-opening dates.

Your Safety is our Concern - Covid Safe Attractions

Our member attractions have gone to great lengths to make sure that they keep both their visitors and staff safe. Attractions displaying the Covid Safety accreditation marks can demonstrate that they are following Government and Public Health guidelines and have the required safely measures in place.

Advance, on-line booking is highly recommended for many attractions and, in some cases, it’s essential. Attractions may well have changed their previous opening times and procedures, so visitors are urged to check on-line before venturing out for certainty and to avoid possible disappointment.

Full List of ‘Devon’s Top Attractions’ and their planned re-opening dates

Babbacombe Model Village - Re-opening 12th April, outdoor.

Becky Falls - Re-opening 12th April, outdoor.

Bicton Park - Grounds already open for daily exercise for local members. Partially open to all from 12th April. Awaiting Government guidelines for indoor areas to open fully from 17th May.

Blackpool Sands – Already open for daily exercise. Re-opening from 12^th April, Venus Take-Away available.

Canonteign Falls - Re-opening 31st March - For walks, Easter trails and takeaway refreshments. Restricted entry to locals only. From 12th April, all can visit outdoors.

Clovelly - Village, gardens and pub at the Red Lion (takeaways only) re-opens 12th April. The Red Lion Hotel opens its doors for overnight stays on May 17th.

Crealy Theme Park & Resort - Outdoor re-opens 12th April, then partially open for weekends. Fully re-open from 22nd May.

Dartington Crystal - Factory shop only re-opens on 12th April - fully re-open 17th May.

Diggerland - Re-opening 12th April – outdoor.

Exmoor Zoo - Re-opening 12th April – outdoor.

Lundy Island - Re-opening Self Catering accommodation from 12th April - Week by week review for trips - Camp site from 17th May - full capacity hopefully from June.

Pennywell Farm - Re-opening 12th April – outdoor.

Powderham Castle - Re-opening of grounds and Secret Garden on 2nd April for the Easter Holidays, and on weekends throughout April and May. Closed again for a time and reopening of the Castle/Grounds on 25th July.

Quince Honey Farm - Shop and gardens re-opening on 15th April, attraction re-opening 17^th May.

RHS Rosemoor - Currently open to locals only – re-opening up wider 29th March for an Easter trail. Restricted capacities and online booking. Accommodation re-opens 12th April.

River Dart Country Park - Park re-opens 1st May for day visitors and campsite opens 17th May.

Seaton Tramway - Re-opening 12th April with limitations.

South Devon Railway - Re-opening of site only on 12th April and steam trains running from 17th May.

Stuart Line Cruises - Re-opening 1st May with limited timetable. Full sailing schedule from 17th May.

Watermouth Castle - Accommodation is open from 12th April and Theme Park open 18th May.

Wildwood Escot - Re-opening 12th April – outdoor.

Woodlands Family Theme Park - Reopening 12th April outdoor only. Looking towards fully open for May Half Term from 29th May. Indoor situation still under review.

Re-opening 17th May onwards

Buckfast Abbey - May 17th - subject to clarification.

Bygones - Re-opening 17th May with secure restrictions in place.

Coldharbour Mill - Re-opening 31st May 2021 check website.

Devon Railway Centre - Re-opening 22nd May, subject to change.

Exeter Cathedral - Re-opening on 17th May but subject to change.

Kents Cavern - Re-opening 17th May - Advance online booking only 16 people per tour. Hopefully this will be relaxed from 21st June, await Government guidelines.

Morwellham Quay - Re-opening 17th May.

Pecorama - Re-opening 18th May, Tuesday –Saturday 10am until 4pm. (Except Bank Holiday weekends) Pre-booking strongly advised as entry numbers will be limited.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) - Still reviewing a re-opening date.

The Big Sheep - Re-opening 17th May Subject to guidelines.

The Donkey Sanctuary - Still under review.

The Milky Way Adventure Park - Re-opening 22nd May - subject to guidelines.

World of Country Life - Re-opening on 17th May.

Destination Plymouth - Events will be after 21st June - still to be confirmed.

Seaton Jurassic - Will remain closed.