Mega May-Cation predicted for Devon
Devon’s Top Attractions are delighted to now be almost fully re-opened and they are looking forward to welcoming visitors through their doors for a Mega May Half-Term to remember. With the indoor attractions and facilities also now re-opened, this gives plenty of choice for all the family to enjoy a top Devon day out. The award-winning attractions will be offering a great selection of fun-packed family days out and experiences, plus some special seasonal events too now back on the events calendar.
Whether you live locally or are a visitor on a ‘May-Cation’, the attractions intend to give everyone a long-awaited top value and fun day out. There is even a celebratory feel in the air as this will be the first school holiday this year that ALL of Devon’s Top Attractions have been able to open their doors.
The Chairman of ‘Devon’s Top Attractions’ and South Devon Railway PR manager, Dick Wood, said:
“Our member attractions are thrilled to be almost fully re-open and we want to give everyone a May Half Term to remember. With the indoor attractions and facilities all now back in operation, we are confident that we can now offer a full and varied events programme for the whole of the half-term week, even if the weather is not that great!
“Whilst attractions are still tasked with limited capacity, social distancing, and extra sanitising issues, they are all confident and far more experienced in dealing with it now, and they are in no doubt that they can deliver a marvellous May Half Term. Our attractions want to let people know they are re-open and that a very warm welcome awaits them.”
What’s On:
Kents Cavern in Torbay have been keeping a ‘Mammoth’ secret. During lockdown, they have been busy installing six life-size Ice Age animal statues in their woodland trail and, now they have re-opened their doors, visitors can enjoy a tour of the caves and discover the outdoor Woodland Trail. And it’s all included in your cave tour ticket. So why not pay a visit to Kents Cavern this half term and step back into both the Stone and Ice Ages?
Head over to the The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth to feed your curiosity and discover all things adorable with their all-new donkey adventure family activity trail. Find the A-Z of fun donkey facts around the sanctuary, complete the trail to claim a prize and sticker on completion.
There’s fun on the farm at Pennywell Farm in South Devon this Whitsun half term. Enjoy your newfound freedom around the farm. Pennywell is delighted to confirm that piggy cuddles are back! Plus, the pig racing is back too, there nothing quite like the phenomenon of backing your favourite porker in this truly unique event.
Cause ‘Mayhem’ this May half term at Crealy Theme Park & Resort near Exeter with indoor rides and attractions re-opening and a NEW live show Buddy’s Big Bash from Buddy, one of their famous resident bears. Visitors can enjoy rollercoasters, outdoor play areas, waterslides and animals galore and a whole day out of family fun.
Big fun and big smiles await you at North Devon’s The Big Sheep. Rides, thrills, adventure, animals, hilarious live shows and events are all part of the fun mix on offer at this award-winning theme park. Plus, the Big Sheep now has a whole calendar of events for their outdoor entertainment of live shows. Check out their Gig Guide with something for everyone ranging from live children’s theatre to folk, soul, blues and live bands in the evenings and Summer festivals events.
Join Canonteign Falls in South Devon this half term and celebrate the arrival of their fabulous new Moor Otter. Take part in the fun children’s trail, let the kids roam free and escape the hustle and bustle of normal life. Challenge the kids to walk up the steps to the Falls and try to spot the resident fairies and Terence the T-Rex along the way.
Woodlands Family Theme Park in South Devon have a week of special appearance days. Paw Patrol fans will be able to meet ‘Chase’ there on 31st May. ‘Hey Duggee’ fans will also be delighted to know that he will be at the park on 1st June and ‘Titan the Robot’ will be there on 4th June. There will also be two dynamic dinosaur days too. A Raptor Day on 2nd June and a Triceratops Day on 3rd June. These are all free events and included in the admission charges. The special guests will make appearances at various times throughout the day.
Over in East Devon at Seaton Tramway, the popular Story Tram is back on 4th June and other selected dates through the year. Adventure through the worlds of super stories and tall tales on board the ‘Story Tram’. Inspire big imaginations with themed stories and action songs along the way. An exciting new theme every month, brought to life by puppets and props and through fun and activities. Or join Seaton Tramway for their 24 hour Tramathon Live event on 5-6th June and help them raise money for the heritage tramway. Join them in person with an all-day Explorer ticket or virtually online. See the tramway at night, interact with the commentary and enjoy the staff’s hilarious banter.
Sail Europe’s’ oldest working ship canal with Stuart Line Cruises on selected dates from June to September. Reminisce as you travel through time from Exmouth Marina to Exeter canal basin and Exeter Quay. Enjoy the unique opportunity to sail through two working locks and the Countess Wear Swing bridge as well as explore the cathedral city of Exeter. Or enjoy one of their special ‘Fish and Fizz’ evening cruises. A perfectly relaxing evening cruise with ‘Krispies’ award-winning fish and chips and a glass of prosecco!
There are fun-filled days waiting to be enjoyed this half-term at Wildwood Escot where the family can get lots of fresh air and exercise on the 220-acre site. Get lost in their maze, see the amazing animals, let the kids enjoy all the outdoor adventure play, tear down the 40m zip line and dare to do the tree-top drop slide. Then enjoy a tasty bite to eat in the Coach House Café.
There’s some half-term ‘May Madness’ over at Exmouth’s World of Country Life, the park is delighted to now be open. Join them for lots of fun, treasure hunts and children’s activities, plus all the highly popular usual animal antics and much more. A whole day out of family fun where a warm welcome awaits.
Head over to RHS Rosemoor in North Devon for a fun family adventure and enjoy the exciting activities planned throughout half term to inspire kids to ‘get up and grow’. Can bees see the colour red? How do moths find flowers at night? Find different colours, scents and shapes and let the kids enjoy this educational and fun trail. Take part in the family planting workshops and plant your very own pollinator friendly flowers.
If you buzz over to Quince Honey Farm also in North Devon this half-term, you are in for a real treat. Find the Play Hive, restaurant, shop, and nectar gardens which are all open. They will be running a week of daily activities for all to enjoy, a great half term family day out.
Head to Dartmoor’s Becky Falls this May half term and explore one of the most beautiful places in Devon. Explore the 50 acres of stunning ancient woodlands and the waterfall which sits at the heart of the park in a stunning boulder strewn valley. Marvel at one of Dartmoor’s iconic landmark’s and its unique natural beauty. All the shows and activities are included in the admission price and it’s dog friendly too. They have a varied animal collection and zoo plus free animal shows, plus a woodland café and picnic area. A super day out for all the family.
There is over 90 acres of parkland within Dartmoor National Park to explore at River Dart Country Park and you can ‘stay and play’ too with an adjoining camping and caravan holiday park right on your doorstep. Park activities include the adventure playground, agility trail, anaconda, climbing pods, the Dam pool, jungle fun a pirate ship and snake slides plus the Dare Devils, Dartmoor Bike Park to name a few.
Having only been open for 31 days over the last 12 months Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) in Exeter is thrilled to now be welcoming visitors back through their doors. With free entry at this all-weather attraction, RAMM is an ideal stop during half term. RAMM is a world-class museum with stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions, and modern amenities.
South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh is ‘chuffed’ to be back open after being closed for 14 months. They will be running steam trains throughout May Half Term. Be one of the first passengers to experience the stunning scenic, seven-mile line as it hugs the beautiful River Dart almost all the way from Buckfastleigh to Totnes. Be transported back in time to a bygone era. Enjoy the fantastic views along the valley and take in the unmistakable sights, sounds and smells of a journey on a real steam train.
Our attractions still have measures in place to keep you safe and many will require advance online booking. Attractions may also have changed opening times and procedures. Please check online before venturing out.
To find out details of special events see www.devonstopattractions.co.uk/events
To find attractions and to book tickets see here
