Top things to do in Devon over the King’s Coronation Weekend!
Best Days out in Devon!
Devon is gearing up for some memorable celebrations for the historic Coronation bank holiday weekend from 6th to 8th May. There are plenty of things to get excited about with both fun and unique Royal-themed activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Anne Blackham Marketing Manager for Devon’s Top Attractions said, “Our attractions are delighted to be offering a super selection of days out over the Coronation weekend. There’s plenty of bunting and flags out to celebrate this historic occasion”.
There will be a celebratory feel in the air and the award-winning attractions will be offering a super choice of top days out and experiences, find out what’s on and where across Devon!
What’s On in South Devon
Visit Canonteign Falls from 6th– 8th May for the Kings Coronation celebration weekend with all the usual fun and adventure, plus a “Hunt the Crown” selfie competition, fun NEW children’s trail, as well as celebration cakes in the Canonteign Kitchen. Remember Canonteign is dog friendly so your dog can join in too!
Celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III with a picnic! This free event takes place at Haldon Forest Park from 11am until 3pm on Bank Holiday Monday 8th May. Activities include face painting, kid’s magician (11am to 1pm), family games for all, royally best dressed dog competition – bring your fashion-forward pooch to the Info Pod to have their photo taken for a chance to win a doggy goody bag! Don’t forget to pack a great British picnic for a fantastic family day in the forest.
Buckfast Abbey, like most local churches, has been working with bell ringers in the local area, to ensure that as many Churches ring out their bells in celebration of this momentous occasion. Teams are arranging ringing at various times at the day, from Buckfast Abbey to Highweek, Bovey Tracey to Moretonhampstead and many other churches between. The ‘Ring for the King’ initiative has attracted many more people to try Church bell ringing and some of these will be taking part through the day.
Head to Kents Cavern and join them for some Coronation Fun from 6th– 8th May. Cavog is very excited to celebrate King Charles’s Coronation! He’s decorated the site, convinced the restaurant team to serve a Coronation Afternoon Tea and he’s been trying on different crowns around the site. The only problem is, he doesn’t remember where he left them all! Can you find all the crowns around the site at Kents Cavern? They could be in the cave, woodland trail, front garden, or throughout the building. Keep count of the crowns that you find during your visit and claim a prize for helping Cavog!
Torre Abbey is hosting a family-friendly exhibition celebrating everyone’s favourite bear. PaddingtonTM: The Story of a Bear explores Michael Bond’s creation of Paddington, in a fun, educational and interactive way. 65 years on, his stories still delight people of all ages, he even had tea with Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. The exhibition has activities for all ages to practice their hard stares, take their own self ‘pawtrait’ and follow the trail of marmalade left by Paddington, as well as a special printed guide for families.
Plus the Kings Coronation will be screened live on a big screen on Saturday 6 May at Torre Abbey Meadows, followed by a jam-packed day of celebration on Sunday 7 May. Local caterers will also be on site between 10am and 6pm for refreshments as you relax and enjoy the atmosphere. On Sunday 7 May from 11am there will be an afternoon of live family friendly entertainment and performances from local acts before the Royal Coronation Concert is broadcast on the big screen.
There’s ‘May Monarch Madness’ at Bygones in Torquay from 5th May- 4th June. Have a go at the multiple-choice Monarch quiz & search for the Crown Jewels hidden throughout Bygones for a chance to win a sweet treat! No extra costs, included in the admission fee.
On the English Riviera, Brixham is planning a right Royal knees-up with 40 public events from Wednesday 3rd to Monday 8th May to mark the Coronation of HM King Charles III. Everyone is invited and all will be free of charge. The five days of celebration will include music, exhibitions, street entertainment and fireworks.
South Devon Railway is inviting its customers to enjoy a three course Sunday Lunch aboard a steam train. The Sunday Lunch will be served at your seat on the 12.10 Buckfastleigh train and the train will return at 13.30 with the experience ending at 14.00. A menu of fresh local ingredients provides gluten free and vegan options. A bar service is available on board providing a selection of wines, local beers, ciders, and soft drinks.
Powderham Castle is inviting people to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort with them. There will be screenings of the Coronation on both days of the weekend, local food, PIMMS, cream teas and everything British. There will be Royal activities and trail and Castle entry. You can also upgrade your ticket to The Royal Experience! Pay what you can – all profits donated to charity.
Visit Plymouth have a live screening of the Coronation on Saturday 6th May at the Plymouth Guildhall. Join them for a free celebratory weekend at the Guildhall to mark the King’s Coronation, thanks to funding from the DCMS and UK Government. See the Visit Plymouth website for other events taking place.
What’s On in Exeter and East Devon
Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter is celebrating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III with selected objects from the collection which relate to former kings and queens. The display includes Honiton lace, a needlebook made from scraps of Queen Charlotte’s coronation dress in 1761 and souvenirs from the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. There is also an unusual loving cup created for the coronation of Edward VIII, a photograph of Exeter’s celebrations when his brother George VI took the throne plus the uniform worn by Sir Eric Dancer while serving as the Lord Lieutenant of Devon.
To find more information and ideas for a day out check out the Devon’s Top Attractions What’s On page
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