Over 25 things to do in Devon and non-stop family fun this Summer at Devon’s Top Attractions
The summer holidays last for at least 6 weeks so the perfect way to keep the family entertained is to visit at least one of Devon’s Top Attractions during the long break. There will be a fantastic array of wonderful Devon days out and experiences, plus some extra special seasonal events too. Our unique variety of attractions offers a mixture of history, culture, nature, animals, beach, theme parks, train & tram rides, boat trips, beautiful parks and even an island to explore. For a special day out head to one of our award-winning attractions and enjoy a ‘sizzling summer of fun’.
What’s On in South Devon
Discover the magic of Canonteign Falls this summer! Highlights include the Lady Exmouth Falls, one of England’s highest single drop waterfalls at 70ft high, Victorian Fern Garden, plus Alpaca Experiences on 30 July and 15 August. Why not book an alpaca experience and connect one-on-one with these beautiful animals? Summer children’s activity trail, willow dinosaurs and fairies among the ferns. The Canonteign Kitchen will be open for cream teas, light lunches and a kids’ menu.
Get stuck into the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with Haldon Forest Park. Embark on a quest to find hidden Gruffalo character signs and enjoy some sporty challenges. This free activity is running from 23 July to 16 September. Pick up an activity leaflet before you set off from the Info Pod. Share your party fun using the #GruffaloTrail hashtag.
Set within a spectacular ancient valley, Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls has been attracting visitors since 1903. Take time to explore over 50 acres of woodland and streams which are rich in wildlife. There is a choice of three different trails to enjoy, not forgetting their small zoo and exotics house. You’ll also find a children’s nature trail, where every child wins a prize. Treat yourself in the licensed woodland café and gift shop, there really is something for all ages (including your dog, who will be made welcome).
Woodlands Family Theme Park have a host of special events taking place throughout the summer break. On Aug 1 & 22 meet Peppa Pig at intervals throughout the day. On 6, 13 & 20 August -Titan the Robot is back so expect to see his usual hilarious antics. On 7 & 26 August meet Bluey at Woodlands – say hello to one of TVs most popular characters. The dinosaurs are back on 8 August, its T-Rex Day – the King of the Dinosaurs, on 14 August it’s Triceratops Day – Tank will be doing his tricks and posing for selfies plus on 21 August its Raptor Day! On 15 August meet Chase from PAW PATROL – say hello to one of TVs most popular characters and get a photo together.
A visit to Blackpool Sands this summer is a must! It’s the ultimate beach destination. Dive into excitement with paddleboard or kayak rentals, perfect for exploring the beautiful shoreline. Discover tranquility amidst the coastal beauty of Blackpool Sands. Unwind in their exclusive sauna, nestled on the stunning beachfront, browse in the beach shop and savour the taste of South Devon’s coast in the café whilst taking in the views.
Visit Plymouth is promoting the beloved British Firework Championships which returns to Plymouth on 14 and 15 August. Head to Plymouth Hoe for an evening of pyrotechnic fun, along with fairground rides, live music and delicious food and drink. The site opens at 2pm, catering opens from 4pm and fireworks from 9pm.
This summer at The Box, Plymouth see a major international exhibition, The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure featuring some of the hottest names in contemporary art. It has been organised by the National Portrait Gallery. With large-scale, dazzling works that ask questions about race, identity and history, it’s a celebration of some of the most exciting artists who are working today. Plus inspired by this exhibition celebrate the special people in your life with creative portraiture – enjoy a range of arts and crafts sessions throughout the holidays.
The Summer Evening Illuminations will be taking place at Babbacombe Model Village from 23 July to 12 September. Thousands of miniature lights, along with special fire and lighting effects, create an enchanting atmosphere during their evening illuminations. Some of the details in the models & scenes and the spotter sheet characters are not so visible after dark so experience the village in daylight too and so the evenings are a day & night experience in one visit, you cannot arrive after dark!
Kents Cavern have some brilliant films taking place throughout the holidays as Cave Cinema returns. Their pop-up underground cinema offers a unique experience like no other! Sit back, relax, and watch a movie in a deckchair in Britains Oldest Home. On the 24 and 26 of August join experimental archaeologist Jon Dymond who will be showcasing a range of Stone Age crafts that your ancestors would have incorporated into their everyday live using the natural resources that could be found locally.
Paignton Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and countless amazing plants across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds, you’re in for an inspirational day out at Paignton Zoo! The zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions and is a must-see over the holidays. It’s a place to roam, discover, learn and get in touch with nature. As a registered charity it supports a number of projects in the UK and overseas that aim to conserve wildlife and protect rare and endangered species.
South Devon Railway hosts it’s Summer Rails & Ales from 23 to 26 August – a real bank holiday treat! The famous beer festival is at Staverton Station with real ales, ciders and craft beers with steam and heritage diesel trains running into the evening in collaboration with the Devon Diesel Society.
Buckfast Abbey are building on the success of their recent years events and will host a Summer Fair over three days from 1 to 3 August so save the date. Free entry, car parking £6.
This summer come and enjoy the fantastic new play equipment all around the site at River Dart Country Park. There are new playground areas, swings, slides, and lookout towers, plus plenty of fun in the water too. To celebrate all the new additions, they are running a series of competitions on their social media channels throughout the holiday. Follow River Dart Country Park on social media for competition details and to win great prizes!
Discover the Ultimate Experience For Pig Lovers! Piggies & Prosecco at Pennywell Farm – various dates throughout the summer. This exclusive event is for grown-up Pennywell Famers only. Enjoy some chillaxed time on the farm with plenty of opportunities for piggy cuddles. Booking essential as very limited spaces, you’ll have the farm to yourselves for a relaxing and exclusive evening with friends, family or a romantic date with your loved one.
What’s On in Exeter and East Devon
RAMM has workshops throughout the holidays: 8-22 Aug – Join Uncle Tacko and his troupe of travellers, explorers and adventurers as they entertain you with stories and stunts collected from all around the world. On 6 & 7 August design your own flying machine. On 13 August – Design, build and drive your own motorised LEGO brick train under the guidance of the experts from Brick Ideas. On 14 August – Design, build and test your very own moving LEGO brick propeller plane. On 20-21 Aug – Build a boat using nothing but corks, string, elastic bands and imagination? Build your floating masterpiece, decorate it with masts, sails and flags, then add a spinning paddle. 27 August – Design, build and race your very own motorised LEGO race car. See the website for details of all their summer workshops.
The Gone Wild Festival with Bear Grylls is taking place at Powderham Castle from 22 to 25 August. Join them on the August Bank Holiday weekend where you can dance, explore and adventure through a variety of different exciting activities for all the family! The Gone Wild Festival aims to bring the ultimate family experience to you!
From 20 July to 31 August Captain Crealy Walks the Plank High Dive Show is taking place at Crealy Theme Park & Resort. Get ready for the summer of a lifetime! The High Dive is back this summer, watch daily throughout the holidays (excl Sundays), prepare to be amazed by this epic High Dive Show with stunts, comedic dives, and watch as the divers walk the plank and dive 80ft into a sunken pool below. The show runs twice a day and is included within the admission price.
The Adventure begins at The World of Country Life this summer. Fun daily activities all summer long, whatever the weather. 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 wipe out and the Hawkridge bird of prey flying display. Plus, lots of indoor play too!
Enjoy some fantastic open air theatre at Killerton this summer. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the timeless story of Hamlet takes place on 23 July. On 4 August Illyria Theatre perform their retelling of the famous Sherlock Homes adventure: The Hound of the Baskervilles, an evening of mystery, intrigue and things that go woof in the night. Plus on 28 August the much-loved, funny and exciting family adventure of Doctor Dolittle will be on the lawn. Suitable for ages 5+.
At The Donkey Sanctuary embark on a special donkey quest to uncover the golden treasure hidden away in the heart of the sanctuary. This summer, follow the map to each spot for a chance to collect each of the orange carrots. But watch out for wrong answers, because they might lead you to a not-so-pleasant surprise! See lots of friendly donkeys along the way and enjoy family fun, exercise and brainpower for just £5 per trail.
Seaton Tramway have lots of great events lined up for the summer. They are part of the Natural Seaton Festival on Sat 27 & Sun 28 July. This will be a community event with lots of activities throughout the town. Plus hop onboard the Pirate Tram on 31 July, 14, 21 & 28 August. Ye old “Seaton Pearl” sets sail on her voyage following the Axe Estuary, where they’ll be off to find some “booty” at Colyton Station. Shiver me timbers, all aboard for a swashbuckling time with Captain Nick, hoist the “Jolly Roger”, walk, talk and look like a pirate aaarrrgghhh! All children will receive some “booty”. Plus don’t miss the NEW Jurassic Discovery which opens on 27 July.
Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure at Pecorama that will be open 6 days a week through the holidays. Experience the thrill of Loco Week, a steam-powered extravaganza from 20 August. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of steam locomotives, featuring Pecorama’s impressive collection, special guest locos and captivating shunting displays. Other events include Paper Town, craft activities and model kit building days plus their special 2-day Andeer Line events.
Stuart Line Cruises have a busy timetable over the summer holidays with Jurassic Coast cruises, River Exe cruises, day trips to Torquay or Brixham, cream tea cruises and more. Check out their timetable online to book your boat trip and enjoy the fantastic coastline and scenery that Devon has to offer.
If you’re looking for an action-packed family day out this summer then head to Diggerland. Located in Cullompton, just a few minutes’ drive from the M5 the site has lots of rides and drives which will keep you entertained all day. Rides include Spindizzy, Mini-Tractors, Groundshuttle and Dig-a-Round, as well as Go-Karts and Dodgems plus much more!
What’s on in North Devon
Come and have fun learning top growing tips with Shaun the Sheep this summer holiday at RHS Garden Rosemoor. Join in fun farm games, create your own model of Shaun and enjoy family theatre shows with Hot Rock Productions. Little nature lovers can enjoy Woodland Wednesdays or join a Summer Stomp through the garden. Find the Flock by hunting down the three decorated sculptures of Shaun in the garden and meet him ‘in the fleece’ to get a cheeky selfie.
At Clovelly on 21 July the Maritime Festival in aid of the Mission for Seafarers is a day of fun for all ages. Watch the exciting Clovelly Cup yacht race across the bay. Plus there’ll be live music, street entertainment, workshops, Punch & Judy, plus face painting and a variety of stalls. On 29 July the Woolsery Agricultural Show is a fun-filled day with crafts, cattle and sheep, together with horse and pony competitions. You’ll find trade stalls offering locally made crafts and food, fairground rides and a bouncy castle. On 31 August enjoy the Gig Regatta that celebrates Devon’s best teams going head-to-head in a fun, but an intense day of competition.
Make a bee-line for Quince Honey Farm this summer and enjoy all-weather family fun, including honey tasting, candle rolling, nectar gardens & bee talk, seed planting, indoor and outdoor play, plus live Beekeeping Demos! The activity programme runs from 10am and you can quite easily spend the whole day exploring the site. NEW FOR 2024 By the Bee – view the giant metal bee and learn how the bee’s body is perfectly designed for what they do and Solitary Bees – Find out about the diverse world of solitary bees and help create nesting areas in their new bee mansion!
Come along to an exciting Summer Party at Dartington Crystal in Torrington on 10 August! It’ll be a day filled with fun activities for all ages: Crazy Critter Glass Painting, Face Painting, Delicious Ice Cream, Create Your Own Bug House, Really Wild Learning Demonstrations, Hand Casting and Glass Blowing Demonstrations. Don’t miss this fantastic day out!
Enjoy a fantastic summer music festival at The Big Sheep. A 2-day Bank Holiday Music Festival on 23 & 24 August with the legend Chris Moyles and his 90’s Hangover’ Show and the UK’s best and biggest Tribute Acts…ABBA and Mercury QUEEN! Make it a Bank Holiday to remember!
Whether you live in, or are just visiting North Devon, a day trip to Lundy Island makes for an unforgettable experience. Summer is the perfect time to board the MS Oldenburg from Bideford or Ilfracombe for the 2 hour sail. Because of its isolation the habitat for wildlife is often compared to that of Galapagos. This is all set against a backdrop of stunning natural rugged beauty, making it a walker’s paradise, plus its 4,000 years of human history comes to life through the 42 scheduled monuments and its clutch of listed buildings.
Anne Blackham, DATA Marketing Manager 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!’
To find more information and ideas for a day out check out the Devon’s Top Attractions website and their What’s on pages here
