Over 20 activities and things to do in Devon this Whitsun Break!
Devon is getting ready for a Massive May Half Term and there are plenty of things to get excited about. There will be non-stop family fun for the whole week.
Devon’s Top Attractions are thrilled to be offering a super selection of days out this May half term. The award-winning attractions will be offering a fantastic array of top days out and experiences for every budget, find out what’s on and where across Devon!
What’s On in South Devon
There’s a line-up of great characters who will be appearing at Woodlands Family Theme Park this half term. Titan the Robot Show is back so expect to see his usual hilarious robotic antics on May 28th. You can see Bluey at intervals throughout the day on May 29th, one of TV’s most popular characters and get a photo together plus on 30th May Duggee is coming to Woodlands and will be out meeting and greeting people.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Canonteign Falls this May Half Term. Embark on a thrilling expedition through 90 acres of lush woodlands, lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Seek fern fairies and hunt for pre-historic dinosaurs. Plus, the Alpaca Experience, back by popular demand, on May 30th to steal your hearts once more! Don’t miss out on the chance to meet these adorable creatures and create cherished memories with your family. Pre-booking essential.
Picnic at the Park is back at River Dart Country Park. Summer’s biggest family picnic event returns on Sunday 2nd June. Expect another fantastic line-up boasting an array of unmissable family activities and displays. Get ready for a day of music, dancing, displays, a fun dog show, and much more!
Wands, wizards and everything in between – be mesmerised with magician and entertainer Greg Chapman as he visits the Babbacombe Model Village during May Half Term to bring his spectacular close-up performances to life. This is included free with your admission tickets.
Head to Haldon Forest Park on 28th May with your four-legged family members to celebrate all things dog! Explore exciting stalls, have a go at activities, and try your paw in the charity dog show. Make a day of it with an exhilarating walk around the forest packed with sounds and sniffs to discover. Finish your pawsome day with a stop at the Ridge Cafe to refuel for the trip home. Visit the website for details on entering the dog show.
Join Becky Falls this May half-term for fun and games outside! Explore over 50 acres of woodland rich in wildlife. Children can have a go at the free Nature Challenge which includes a prize for every child. Say “hello” to the animals, from goats and ponies to meerkats and giant tortoises, along with the Animal Discovery Zone, where their more exotic animals live. There are hourly Keeper Talks with experienced keepers and you can even help feed the meerkats at 1pm!
Join Pennywell Farm for a spectacular, unicorn-themed week. In addition to all your favourite animals, activities, shows, and displays, there’ll be a host of special unicorn-themed experiences to help unleash your inner unicorn. Meet Merlin, their resident unicorn for the week, take part in Unicorn Hobby Horse racing, and discover fascinating unicorn facts and figures on the Unicorn Farm Trail.
This Whitsun break have at least one day at the beach. Blackpool Sands is the ideal family beach to relax, swim or sail. One of Devon’s most beautiful natural treasures, come and see for yourself. Hire a kayak from Sea Kayak Devon or have a go on a paddle board. Book a session in the recently installed amazing beach sauna on the sands, what a treat! It has the best view of any sauna!
Come along to the free drop-in sessions at the Box in Plymouth on 28th to 30th May and enjoy a creative activity inspired by the beautiful South Asian miniature paintings that are on display in the galleries. Decorate your own frame using repeated pattern block prints and colourful hand painting. Embellish your frame with gold paint and take it home with you.
Visit the Dingles Fairground Museum to enjoy the National Fairground Collection. It’s a unique facility capturing the magic of a bygone age through exhibits, vintage engineering and stunning artwork displays. This is a 50,000 square foot indoor attraction that provides a unique opportunity to view the Fairground Heritage in a beautiful rural location. There’s also a collection of Fairground art, historic rides, fairground organs and of course a collection of operating vintage fairground rides.
What’s On in Exeter and East Devon
Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter have a great variety of exhibitions, workshops, and things to do this half term. On May 28th you can make your own protective hamsa hand out of clay, take it home and hang it to bring good luck and protection to you and your family. On 29th May – Create your own magic lantern slides out of tracing paper, cardboard and oodles of imagination. Plus, on 30th May – Look the part and dress up. They’ve got costumes from all eras and all parts of the world, for kids and big kids (adults) alike. Go to the website for details.
Powderham Castle Outdoor Cinema will be back from 24th to 26th May. Join them for a weekend of movie magic under the stars at Powderham! Grab your friends and family and head to the beer garden before sitting down to a feel-good film including Barbie, Cars, The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia, Encanto and more. Choose from 1 or all 3 films to make it a mega-movie weekend!
Cruise along the oldest working shipping canal in Europe with Stuart Line Cruises! This trip will sail through 8 miles of manmade waterway and make use of two manually operated locks at Turf Locks and Double Locks. Including a trip under the M5 Motorway Bridge the boat will also cause the main road to come to a halt as the Countess Weir Swing Bridge is opened to allow the boat passage through. Available on various dates – check the website for the timetable.
Discover the world of Paper Town from 28th May to 1st June at Pecorama– a creative activity that turns flat templates of buildings and vehicles into vibrant 3D models! Pick up your pencils or felt tips, add your personal touch with colours, and then cut, fold, and glue to bring your unique town to life. Whether you’re adding them to your wooden train set or creating a miniature town on a board, perfect for family fun.
It’s Wacky Week at World of Country Life this May Half Term from 27th to 31st May. A week of school holiday fun in a Wacky WOCL style from 10am to 5pm.
At Crealy Theme Park & Resort some of the UK’s best BMXers battle it out in the Fusion Extreme stunt show. Watch the awe inspiring, adrenaline-fuelled tricks and stunts! Plus, the Soak Zone re-opens ready for the sunshine. Splash about in the water fountains and run through the jets, so don’t forget your swimming gear! Join Sooty and Co. in Sooty’s Magic Show and experience the magic and mayhem up close! Meet the star of the show and get your picture taken with Sooty in his Meet and Greets.
At National Trust, Killerton this half term: it is 1645 and armies are marching through Devon. Parliament’s roundheads are chasing the King’s cavaliers, and you need to make a decision. Who will you support? Follow this trail to the royalist outpost at Culombjohn. Spot clues along the way and carry out a mission to help your side. On weekdays meet an archaeologist who will help you unearth the secrets of a hidden house with a big story to tell.
Follow Drizzle’s Green Guardians trail at The Donkey Sanctuary and learn about all the spring wildlife at the sanctuary this half term. Plus, there’s a new bat beacon exhibition, daily talks, scenic walks, award-winning gardens and, of course, hundreds of adorable donkeys to meet. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome too!
All aboard the ‘Seaton Pearl Pirate Tram’ at Seaton Tramway which sets sail again this year on 29th May. Ahoy, me Hearties, this year ye old “Seaton Pearl” sets sail on her voyage following the Axe Estuary, where we be off to find some “booty” at Colyton Station which all children will receive. You’ll also be able to purchase treats at their Tramstop Café and look around the gift shop for lots of pirate and tram souvenirs.
What’s on in North Devon
Head to Clovelly on 26th May for the popular Seaweed Festival which is held to promote seaweed for its immense health and nutritional benefits. Along the Quay, there is a surprising amount of dishes and the stalls will be selling a range of seaweed products. It is a very informative, fun event, with suitable activities for all to enjoy, including live music and street entertainments throughout the day. Bring your own seaweed for advice from experts on its uses.
There’s Fun on the Farm at The Big Sheep. Treat yourself to a fun-filled family day out with thrilling rides, live sheep shows, indoor play zone, the cutest animals and hilarious entertainment. Ride Devon’s largest roller coaster, the Twister, have fun on giant jumping pillows, tractor rides, honeypot bears, swan pedalos plus EWEtopia, their massive indoor Play Zone. Enjoy a BIG choice of exciting slides, imaginative soft play, climbing areas, mazes, obstacles and don’t miss the Animal Barn to meet the animals.
Join the fun this May Half Term at RHS Garden Rosemoor at their Family Gardening Festival. There are family craft activities, garden trails, exciting entertainment and storytime adventure. There’ll be family planting workshops on 28th May, Gardener Lily’s story time on 29th May and Flying with Strings bird puppeteer on 30th May.
There’s so much to do for the whole family on a visit to the Milky Way Adventure Park. Ride the Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster, have fun on the Gravity Rider donut slide and challenge the family in the Ninja Stars games arena. Pilot a Cyber Scooter and shoot lasers on Ziggy’s Blast Quest, giggle on the Droid Destroyer Dodgems. Leap around on the Jumping Jupiters, explore the maze and kick back on the Milky Way Railway. A full day of fun and entertainment.
Buzz over to Quince Honey Farm for a great day out for all the family. From guided tours, soft play and beautiful gardens through to exclusive beekeeping experiences and creative workshops, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy!
