‘Sunsational’ Summer Fun Guaranteed at Devon’s Top Attractions!
40 Top Devon Attractions offer Non-Stop Family Fun this Summer Holiday.
Head to Devon’s Top Attractions for a great selection of things to do in Devon this summer. There’s a fantastic array of wonderful Devon days out and experiences waiting to be enjoyed. Plus some extra special seasonal events too, with a unique variety of attractions offering a mixture of history, culture, nature, animals, beach, theme parks, train and tram rides, boat trips, beautiful parks and even an island to explore! With so much choice and so many events, there is something for everyone giving perfect days out for all. For a special slice of summer fun this year, head to one of Devon’s Top Attractions and make a day of it!!
What’s on and things to do in South Devon
Canonteign Falls, a stunning natural attraction in the heart of Devon has lots of fun, adventure and exploration planned for the summer holidays. Visit them for peaceful walks among the waterfalls and lakes and family fun in the gardens and playgrounds. There’s a children’s activity trail, NEW alpaca trail and Alpaca Experience Days (on 22nd & 31st August), a paved Labyrinth to discover and lots more to keep the whole family entertained!
Woodlands Family Theme Park have a host of special events taking place throughout the summer break. Titan The Robot is back by popular demand and performing on Tuesdays throughout August! Sonic the Hedgehog will be available for meet & greet opportunities for the very first time on Thursday 3rd August! They’re also welcoming the Minions on August 9th and Bluey is back on the 17th August. Plus, Peppa Pig will be on 23rd August plus there’s all the usual mega rides, awesome attractions, indoor soft play, and zoo farm!
Visit Plymouth is promoting the beloved British Firework Championships which returns to Plymouth on 16 and 17 August. Look to the skies above Plymouth Sound as six top pyrotechnic companies showcase their very best work battling to be crowned the champion, each putting on an extra special ten-minute display guaranteed to leave you awestruck. The West End Carnival is taking place on 26th August, offering a jam-packed day of free family activities and carnival flair. Expect live music, street performers and free children’s activities. Why not take time to explore the city’s independent quarter at the same time?
At The Box, Plymouth from 25th July to 31st August they will be hosting A Splash of Colour celebrating light and colour whatever the weather. FREE family activities will be inspired by their ‘Reframing Reynolds’ and ‘Dappled Light’ exhibitions each Tue, Wed and Thu throughout the school holidays with children’s yoga and mindfulness sessions, science activities, making and using paints from natural materials and colourful printing with gelli plates. Activities are from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm. Plus on 19th August there’s a Family Silent Disco where you and your little ones can strut your stuff on the dance floor.
Take your favourite Teddy Bear to join Torre Abbey for a Teddy Bear’s picnic in the gardens on 16th August in honour of the very special bear being celebrated in their summer exhibition ‘Paddington: The Story of a Bear’. Activities include crafts, games, stories, and treasure hunts. On 23rd & 24th August there’s an open-air theatre production of Twelfth Night set against the stunning backdrop of this 800-year-old medieval abbey and gardens.
The magician and entertainer Greg Chapman will be visiting Babbacombe Model Village on Mondays between 24th July and 21st August bringing his spectacular close up performances of Wands, wizards and everything in between. Don’t miss thousands of miniature lights, along with special fire and lighting effects, creating an enchanting atmosphere during the evening illuminations! From 1st – 31st August (Tuesday & Thursdays) and 7th September – 14th September (Thursdays). BEST OF BOTH – It’s a day & night experience! Enjoy a daylight visit first and then go around again after dark. The lights come on at dusk.
South Devon Railway hosts Rails & Ales Weekend from 25th to 28th August. Twice a year the South Devon Railway celebrate with a feast of steam and diesel trains – and their famous beer and cider festival too! Trains will be running all day with departures from each end of the line (Buckfastleigh and Totnes) at frequent intervals. At Staverton, the midway point on the line, the beer and cider festival is in full swing, usually from 11am until late (please check the event details for confirmed times), offering a great selection of different ales, craft beers and ciders to enjoy from Devon Diesel Society’s award-winning bar.
The world-famous pig racing is back at Pennywell Farm. Every afternoon at 12.30pm their pint-sized porkers will be hamming it to see which one can triumph over Bacon’s Brook. Will you back the winner? One of the most popular activities is cuddles with the world famous Pennywell Miniature Pigs but if you are travelling a long way to see piglets, give Pennywell a call first to make sure they have them. Their piggy cuddles barn is a quiet, cosy area where you can enjoy the pigs for as long as you like.
Morwellham Quay will be hosting the Tide Over Festival from 21st to 23rd July. It’s a family music festival with activities for everyone to enjoy. The three-day festival will have some great live music and many other activities and displays for all to enjoy including free entry to the Miners Adventure Soft Play for children up to 12 years old, vintage vehicle and chainsaw art displays plus cannon firing and street performers. Festival tickets include free camping pitches plus entry to the Victorian village and visitors can also upgrade to get on board for their Mine Train Adventure experience.
Buckfast Abbey are building on the success of their recent years events and will host a Summer Fair over three days from 3rd to 5th August. They have an interesting mix of different stalls plus some exciting and varied entertainment including singer Meghan Rae, Brent Singers, Rock Choir, Edgemoor Two folk duo as well as Ain’t Misbehaving’ a 4-piece band plus other artists spread across the three days, not to mention Animal Encounters, Alpacas, Live Cookery Demonstrations and Children’s Activities.
What’s On & things to do in Exeter and East Devon
From 23rd July to 19th August join Powderham Castle for their medieval month! From axe throwing to catapult building there is something for everyone. Celebrate all things medieval at the castle and make the most of your unlimited 7-day free return and see how many activities you can do!
The Donkey Sanctuary have their newest summer trail taking place from July to 30th September. Can you guess which adoption donkeys are hiding behind the stable doors? Think you know everything about the adoption donkeys at Sidmouth? Let them put your knowledge to the test. There are some crafty clues to help you uncover nine hidden identities. You might not guess them straight away – that’s okay! Match the donkeys to their traits and once you have finished, you’ll receive a prize!
From 22nd July to 3rd September enjoy a Summer of fun with a FREE return visit at Crealy Theme Park & Resort. Hurtle down their Tidal Wave log flume and three Vortex waterslides, make a splash in the family Aqua Blaster bumper boats and don’t forget to cool off on all the outdoor rides and attractions, whether that’s on the Twister or taking a journey through Ancient Rome on the Maximus rollercoaster. The summer season will also play host to live shows and fun from Buddy and Blossom on the Piazza stage, Tik & Tok and pop-up street entertainment.
Unleash your wild at Wildwood Devon from 22nd July to 3rd September. Make the most of summer with their Summer Bonanza, promising action-packed activities aimed at creating unforgettable memories. On Sat 5th & Sun 6th August they’re staging a Living History Weekend where you can dive into Anglo Saxon culture when the amazing folk of Westencynn, from The Vikings Re-enactment Society, will give you an authentic taste of Viking and Saxon costume, craft and combat. See an epic battle including a terrifying shield wall charge, plus tour the village and have a go at spinning fleece into yarn, see weaving demonstrations and spend time in the authentic Saxon forge.
‘Appy Angus is looking forward to welcoming visitors to The World of Country Life for a fantastic summer full of fun and adventures, whatever the weather! As always, there’s a full programme of daily activities – walk a goat, ride the deer train safari and hand feed the red deer and llama, bottle feed calves and lambs, small animal handling, Ferret Racing Total Wipeout and the Hawkridge bird of prey flying display. With plenty of outdoor play and lots to do undercover, including the Exhibition Hall, Angus’ Fun Farm Frenzy, Raceway Electric Cars, The Vintage Garage Soft Play area, the Animal Nursery and Pet Centre, Museum of Farming, the Barnyard Theatre and the fantastic Pirate Ship – there’s so much to see and do!
Join Coldharbour Mill on 30th July for the return of their popular Summer Fayre! With ‘Otto’ the Ice Cream van, hot food and lots more! It promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family. The Summer Fayre is open from 11am until 4pm with a suggested donation of £2 for non-members. Members of the Mill come in for free and there’s free parking too. Over 40 stalls will be inside the Mill and outside in the Mill Yard, with a selection of gazebos in the Paddock Area featuring entertainment throughout the whole day including music, live drums, face painting, and more!
RAMM has workshops and activities throughout the holidays: on 8th August you can make your own stunning bookmark featuring illuminated letters and medieval animals inspired by manuscripts in their exhibition Gatekeepers to Heaven. You’ll take home a beautiful creation to use whilst reading. On 29th August there’s Moneybags: make a medieval coin pouch workshop. People in medieval times carried their coins in leather or cloth pouches attached to their belts. Learn how to make your own pouch to carry your coins or other secret treasures in. Time: 10:30-15:30 and see the website for more craft sessions.
Seaton Tramway have lots of great events lined up for the summer including the Pirate Tram, the Space Tram, the Dinosaur Tram Adventure and the brand new Fairy Tram – families and children are sure to enjoy this enchanted tram ride filled with music and stories of faraway lands! Stretch out your wings and brush up on your spells as you take a magical journey to the “Kingdom of Colyton”. Take part in a variety of activities with an extra sprinkling of fairy tale fun! Plus several dates to hop aboard for some amazing birdwatching. Visit the website for details.
The popular Andeer Line is back at Pecorama on Saturday 12th August. Based on the Bernina Line in Switzerland, the Andeer line gives visitors the opportunity to see and operate a Hom scale model railway as if they were drivers on the real thing. Using smart phones and tablets you can take a train from St Moritz to Tirano, stopping at a number of stations on the way. Watch out for the signals though! Operators will be on hand to answer any questions concerning the great hobby of model railways!
On 18th August there’s Fish and Fizz on board for an evening cruise with Stuart Line Cruises along the tranquil waters of the River Exe or Devon’s magnificent coastline. Sit back and relax with a glass of prosecco and a generous portion of award-winning fish and chips from Krispies, voted the UK’s best Fish and Chip Shop! On 26th August Stuart Line Cruises are offering an all-day sail to celebrate the 178th year of the Dartmouth Royal Regatta. This all-day trip sails along the stunning South Devon Coast into the heart of the iconic Port of Dartmouth, where you will be able to enjoy the delights of this world-famous regatta for around 3.5 hours, before returning to Exmouth.
What’s on & things to do in North Devon
From 22nd July to 3rd September the RHS is partnering with Aardman for a minibeast adventure on a grand scale this summer. Lloyd of the Flies is a brand-new comedy series from Aardman, and its hero Lloyd will be coming to RHS Garden Rosemoor as families join Lloyd on the Grand Bug & Pest Hotel hunt! Seek out Lloyd and friends on the garden trail, plus a host of family fun throughout the holidays, including outdoor theatre performances, a chance to take part in a snail race, model-making workshops and animal encounters with Exmoor Zoo. Plus from 18th to 20th August enjoy the RHS Rosemoor’s Flower Show for fabulous floral displays, inspirational demonstrations, live music, the chance to buy from specialist nurseries and more.
At Clovelly on 23rd July there’s the Maritime Festival. Watch the exciting Clovelly Cup yacht race across the bay starting at 12pm with live music, street entertainments, event-themed arts and crafts, mermaid storytelling, Punch & Judy, face painting and stalls selling delicious food. On 31st July the Woolsery Agricultural Show takes places including livestock, craft and trade stalls, horse & pony competitions, dairy marquee, a fast & furious inter hunt relay, bouncy castle and parade of vintage machinery. On 5th & 6th August come along to the Lifeboat Weekend. On Saturday there’ll be a 2-mile sponsored sea swim from Bucks Mills to Clovelly. Sunday is a day full of family fun and action with games and entertainments, competitions, food and drink, music and lifeboat operational displays. The Lifeboat House will be open and there’ll be an exciting rescue display in the afternoon by Clovelly’s volunteer lifeboat crew.
There’s a ‘summer of fun on the farm’ at The Big Sheep, where they guarantee ‘ewe’ a fantastic family day out! Their massive indoor Play Zone has exciting slides, imaginative soft play, climbing areas, tumble towers, mazes and obstacles. Outside the kids can bounce on the giant Jumping Pillows, reach for the sky on the Swing Boats or steer their own Tractor around the track. All their rides including the world-famous Sheep Race, hilarious Live Shows and The Twister are open! You’ll also be able to cuddle farm animals in Pets Corner, feed the baby lambs and ride the Rampage, Devon’s largest roller coaster plus the Swan Pedalos! Don’t miss their theatre shows and events – see the website for details.
Anne Blackham, Marketing Manager for Devon’s Top Attractions said ‘Our range of unique award-winning attractions have an unbeatable line up of daily activities, events and entertainment planned throughout the summer holidays. No two days will be the same as visitors can make some great happy memories together at Devon’s Top Attractions!’
Find more information and ideas for Devon days out, what’s on and book tickets.
