2021 Half Term & Halloween Events in South Devon

The back-to-school excitement has been and gone, nights are drawing in and Christmas is peering over the horizon. For those of you lucky enough to spend October and half term with us in the South Devon region, there is plenty taking place for children and adults to enjoy. We’ve got spooky Halloween trails, pumpkin picking and shows on your doorstep. To help you plan your South Devon adventures, we’ve created a useful guide below.

Events

Quest For The Ice Dragon, Plymouth (15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th October)

This October, the award-winning Stiltskin Theatre Company in Plymouth are showcasing the Quest For The Ice Dragon. With dates running throughout the month for under 6s and older children, get stuck in with these immersive shows all over the city, guaranteed to take you on a magical journey. After the performance, have a browse in their unique independent toy shop and take home your very own Ice Dragon. 

Dartmouth Food Festival, Dartmouth (22nd – 24th October)

Kick off half term with a delicious treat from Dartmouth’s annual food festival in the Old Market Square and Royal Avenue Gardens. Celebrate regional food and drink producers in this unmissable culinary weekend. This event is packed full of stalls, chef demonstrations and workshops for all ages. There are plenty of free activities for families including a fun day on Friday, pizza making and even cooking contests. 

Taiko Day Retreat, Newton Abbot (23rd October)

Wanting something a little more grown up for your family? Try the Taiko Day Retreat in Newton Abbot. Spend the day learning the art of drumming and feel transported to Japan, where Taiko originated. No previous experience is needed, just come along and take part in this unique musical experience. 

Crealy Spook-Fest, Exeter (23rd - 31st October)

Put the scare in scarecrow this Halloween and try your luck at Crealy’s Spook-Fest.  Encounter their wicked witches and haunting live shows as you follow the trail searching for hidden clues. Alternatively, try the Scare Maze, but be warned, few have made it out alive. Don’t worry about trying to fit all the fun into one day, Crealy have recently opened The Creaky Hotel and are dying to welcome you all. Pick and carve your own pumpkin whilst you’re there, free for every child.

Seaton Tramway’s Halloween Hunt, Seaton (23rd - 31st October)

Strap in for a terrifying tram ride at Seaton Tramway, based in South East Devon. Keep a look out for some escaped spirits, which are now causing havoc at the tram station. It’s up to you to track them down on your activity sheet and claim your treat. Halloween themed activities will also be taking place at Colyton Station from 25^th October.  

October Half Term at Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay (23rd – 31st October)

This year, Babbacombe Model Village have decorated their gardens with mysterious creations and harrowing Halloween miniature themed characters. Their popular 2021 illuminations and fire displays will also be running later from 27^th to 29^th October for you to admire.

Halloween at Paignton Zoo, Paignton (23rd - 31st October)

Spooky season is upon us at Paignton Zoo and you would not boo-lieve what they have planned. Everyday from Saturday 23^rd October you can take part in their free Wizard Workshop and make your own spell bookmark. After some craft making, listen to some haunting talks outside their animal enclosures and hear about the cheeky tails of the zoo’s inhabitants.  

Halloween Hunt at Bygones, Torquay (23rd - 31st October)

Step back in time and have a go at Bygones’ Halloween Hunt in their life size Victorian street full of period shops and rooms, with authentic historic displays. Watch out for some unexpectedly unnerving visitors as you walk the cobbled streets and admire the original antiques on display. After wandering the avenues, complete the hunt and riddle to claim your treat. 

Spooky Spells Trail, Tiverton (23rd - 30th October)

Tiverton Museum are hosting a Spooky Spells Trail for children brave enough to enter. Listen to stories of Old Wives, haunting traditions and charms throughout the trail. This event is free with normal admission and Halloween costumes are a must!

October Half Term at Canonteign Falls, Exeter (23rd - 31st October) 

Join Canonteign Falls for some fang-tastic fun during half term. Challenge your little witches and wizards to the Halloween trail and get creative for their fancy-dress competition, winners will receive a family day ticket for 2022.  

Halloween Half Term Fun at Kents Cavern, Torquay (23rd - 31st October)

Explore unnerving underground caves in the hunt for pumpkins. Follow their trail and claim your Halloween prize. Get hands on with stalactites and up close with ancient ruins of your ancestors. Compliment the cave trail by following the woodland trail. Explore stone age animals, build shelters and crack tribal codes in amongst the mammoths and wild bears.  

Pumpkin Picking

Pennywell Pumpkin Patch, Buckfastleigh (Everyday in October)

Pennywell Farm is ready and raring to go for some half term fun. There will be goat milking, ferret racing and the world-famous pig racing, just to name a few activities. Pennywell are hosting their first pumpkin picking event this year and it’s definitely well worth a visit.

Pick Your Own Pumpkins, Exminster (16th & 17th, 23rd - 31st October)

Visit the pumpkin patch in Exminster and pick your pumpkins straight from the field. They also have carving templates and a café on site for you to enjoy. There will be free entry and dogs are welcome on a lead. 

The Jolly Pumpkin, Exeter (Selected days in October)

Take your pick from over 50 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd this year at The Jolly Pumpkin, based in Exeter. Grab a wheelbarrow and find your prefect pumpkin with their great selection. Discounts are available when you book online.  

Things To Do

The Miniature Pony Centre, Dartmoor

Miniature Shetland ponies, foals, pigs and Mammoth Donkeys are waiting for you at The Miniature Pony Centre in Dartmoor. Engage with animal activities and talks, then have some fun in the outdoor and indoor play areas. End the day with a pony ride or a meal in the Paddock View Café. Did you know they even have unicorns there too?

The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth

With acres of land and donkeys to care for, The Donkey Sanctuary is always a must visit during half term. Join them on their curious adventure as you search for fun donkey facts across the sanctuary and complete trail activities to claim your prize and sticker. Why not enjoy lunch in their award-winning restaurant and browse their gift shop? Feed and care for the donkeys needing some love, you can even adopt your favourite one and receive your personal adoption pack. 

South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh

Step on board the fun at South Devon Railway as they transport you on adventures all across South Devon. Trains run daily between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, stopping at the Rare Breeds Farm and Otters and Butterflies sanctuary. Soak up the railway’s rich history in their museum, or have a meal in their on-train buffets. 

Dartmouth Castle

Why not create your own Halloween trail along Dartmouth’s coastline, from the Harbour to Dartmouth Castle. First installed in 1480, The Harbour Chain is a great place to start your medieval adventure. The chain could be raised or lowered to restrict ships from entering the port, thus making them an easy target for gunfire. Then, explore the Gun Tower, see your yourself how the chain operated in a specially commissioned animation. Whilst in the tower, have a look at their new weapon displays, try on helmets and handle the cannon balls. Next you need to explore the dingy passageways of Darmouth’s Point Battery. Walk in the footsteps of Victorian soldiers and look out for new sound and light installations.

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