Half Term and Halloween Events in South Devon

The nights are drawing in and we’re looking forward to snuggling up on the sofa, but first things first: Halloween! The spooky season is upon us! Half term and Halloween are just a couple of weeks away and if you’re looking for some fun family friendly things to do, South Devon has plenty for you.  

Pennywell Pumpkin Patch, Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh (1st Oct – 30th Oct)  

Pennywell Farm is situated near Buckfastleigh and it’s a family friendly attraction jam packed with farm animals, hands-on activities, rides, show and displays. All visitors to Pennywell will be able to join in with all the typical farmyard activities on offer here as well as picking a pumpkin from their very own pumpkin patch! They also have a Halloween trail to explore so if you help Paddy the Pumpkin to find all his pumpkin friends, you’ll receive a prize as well as learning some interesting facts along the way.  

Hide & Treat Halloween Hunt at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth (4th October – 31st October) 

Set in the beautiful East Devon countryside, The Donkey Sanctuary are hosting a ‘fang-tastic’ Halloween hunt. They’ve hidden some specially made Halloween neddies around the sanctuary for you and your little ones to find, and you’ll receive a special Halloween treat if you succeed. Of course, you can also meet the donkeys, explore the award-winning gardens and grab a bite to eat in their café to make a full day of it. 

The Wonderful World of Potions, Paignton Zoo, Paignton (22nd – 30th October) 

With over 2000 species of animals, you’re in for a ‘spook-tacular’ day at Paignton Zoo this Halloween. Visit this great attraction over half term to discover the wonderful world of potions with their free spellbinding shows each day. Join the rangers for a ‘fact or frightful fiction’ game where you’ll bust the myths around some of the creepier species. If you’re brave enough, join in on their ‘trick or don’t eat’ game where you’ll learn about all the animals that are poisonous.  

Spook Fest at Crealy, Crealy Theme Park and Resort, Exeter (22nd – 30th October) 

Crealy’s Spook Fest is back! Visit Crealy during half term to take part in their special Halloween events and rides during half term. Follow Sky the witch on her journey through the enchanted wilderness in their all-new sensory experience. If you’re brave enough, check in to the infamous Creaky Hotel in which you’ll have to overcome clues and riddles to check out and keep your eyes peeled for their pop-up spooky street entertainment across the park. 

October Half Term and Halloween at Babbacombe Model Village, Babbacombe (24th – 30th October) 

Head to Babbacombe Model Village from 24th to 30th October to see some of their Halloween themed characters and spooky scenes whilst exploring the ‘boo-tiful’ grounds during the day. Stay until the evening for their Halloween illuminations which light up the gardens in a haunting manner! Babbacombe Model Village can be found in the seaside resort of Babbacombe near Torquay. 

Halloween Hunt at Seaton Tramway, Seaton (24th – 30th October) 

Escaped ghouls have been causing terror throughout the stations at Seaton Tramway so it's up to you to help hunt them down! Track all the ghosts at Seaton, Colyton and on the trams by using your activity sheet and if find them all, you’ll receive a Halloween treat! There will also be other Halloween-themed activities at Colyton Station from the 27th – 30th October. 

Apple and Pumpkin Festival, Cockington Court, Torquay (24th – 30th October) 

Cockington Court’s Apple and Pumpkin Festival is back! After a three-year hiatus they’re looking forward to welcoming you back to hunt for the pumpkins hidden in their estate. Halloween costumes are highly encouraged so come wearing your scariest attire for the day. Cockington is a beautiful estate that can be found between Torquay and Paignton.  

October Half Term Craft Workshops for Children, Bovey Tracey (25th – 29th October) 

If your little ones absolutely love arts and craft, why not sign them up for a Halloween craft workshop with Pom Stitch Craft at their studio in Bovey Tracey. Such activities include a beginners sewing workshop, sewing a fabric pumpkin, creating a spook catcher, and creating a knitted ‘boo’ sign.  

The Grimm Sisters at Exeter Library, Exeter (25th October) 

Scratchworks Theatre Company is a female-led ensemble who create original plays blending physical comedy, puppetry and live music. Join them on their journey as they tell their twisted tales of the Grimm sisters with a marvellous mix of music, dancing and comedy.  

Comedy at Royal William Yard, Plymouth (26th October)  

A Press of Suspects return to Royal William Yard for their excellent comedy show. Come and brighten up those dark autumn evenings with some laughter and to top it off, local restaurants at the yard will be offering some discounts for ticket holders so you can grab a bite to eat before the show.  

Omid Djalili – The Good Times Tour, Quad Theatre, Plymouth (27th October) 

Performing at Marjon University’s Quad Theatre is Omid Djalili, an excellent actor and comedian. He’s best known for hosting his own ITV quiz show ‘The Winning Combination,’ and he also appeared in Mamma Mia 2 and Letter for The King.  

Boo at the Zoo! Dartmoor Zoo, Plymouth (28th & 29th October) 

Boo at the Zoo is back and scarier than ever! This Halloween, Dartmoor Zoo is opening its gates after dark to invite you to a truly ‘fab-boo-lous' night at the zoo on the 28th and 29th October. Expect an evening filled with shock horrors, hair raising delights and nail-biting frights. This event is suitable for all ages, but there may be some sections less suited for very young children; not to worry though as these are signposted on the map of the park. 

Freddie and Queen Experience, Palace Theatre, Paignton (29th October) 

Check out the UK’s premier Queen and Freddie Mercury tribute band performing at Paignton’s Palace Theatre on Saturday 29th October. The full band will perform with replica outfits, instruments and perform a full recreation of Queen’s live shows, based around QUEEN at their very best, the 86 'Magic tour'. It's simply a great show not to missed! 

Arthur Smith – Laughs, Stories, a Song and a Poem, Palace Theatre, Paignton (29th October) 

Join comedian, writer, broadcaster and all-round British institution Arthur Smith and bask in an evening of laughter and off the wall humour at the Palace Theatre. Arthur Smith is well known for his appearances on ‘Grumpy Old Men,’ ‘QI’ and ‘Have I Got News for You.’ 

Forest Bathing – Reconnecting with Nature from the Inside Out, Dittiscombe Estate & Cottages, Slapton (29th October)  

Forest bathing is an ancient Japanese process of relaxation, known as ‘shinrin-yoku’. In the most basic terms, it simply means taking in all on your senses in a forest atmosphere. Step into the magic of the woods to enjoy a total immersion into the joy, beauty and healing power of nature at Dittiscombe Estate on 29th October. 

You can view all our other events occurring in South Devon by visiting our ‘What’s On’ page here. Stay up to date with the latest Visit South Devon blog posts, events, competitions and more by signing up to our e-newsletter and following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.