Spend Half Term & Easter in South Devon

South Devon is the perfect place to spend the spring half term holidays as the weather is warm and the sun is often shining! As well as an abundance of wonderful towns to explore, beaches to discover and fabulous attractions to visit, there are lots of exciting events and activities for families who want to staycation in Devon for Easter, take a read of our top picks! 

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, Seaton Tramway, Seaton (10th Feb – 23rd April) 

Over the Easter holidays, the iconic Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will be on display at Seaton Tramway.  

 The exhibition features incredible images that your little ones will find fascinating. Tickets are only £6.60 for adults and under 16 year olds can visit for free. You’ll also receive 25% off your tram ride if you buy a joint ticket. 

Spring Wildlife Hunt – Spring Trail, The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth (17th March – 2nd June) 

If your youngsters love adventure and animals, then why not take them to explore the Spring Wildlife Trail at The Donkey Sanctuary.  

The sanctuary is bursting with life now that spring is here. Spot the wildlife that thrives in the environment aided by the delightful donkeys that live here, allowing the flora and fauna to flourish.  

Seek out the species by finding the wildlife boards located around the sanctuary and match them to the stickers provided. The trail costs just £5 to enter and admission to The Donkey Sanctuary is free. 

Easter Alien Egg Trail at Cockington Court, Torquay (1st April – 14th April) 

This Easter head to Cockington Court to discover the alien eggs hidden in the estate.  

A team of local artists have created a wide range of alien-inspired, eye-catching eggs which offer a fascinating twist on the traditional Easter egg hunt. 

Trail sheets cost just £2 and are available from the Cockington Court Gallery inside the Manor House from 11am – 4pm. 

CHSW Easter Fair, The Old Market, Dartmouth (1st April) 

In aid of Children’s Hospice South West, Dartmouth’s Old Market will hold an Easter Fair on Saturday 1st April.  

Stalls will be selling an array of wonderful goods, from crafts and books to jewellery and cakes. There will also be a prize for the best Easter hat. 

All proceeds from this event will help CHSW to provide essential specialist care and support for families in the South West. 

Easter Dry Felting Workshop, Church Cottage, Denbury (1st April) 

If you or your little ones are the creative types, why not sign them up for an Easter felting workshop in Denbury.  

During this 2-and-a-half-hour workshop they’ll be able to make bunnies, Easter eggs and carrots. The workshop costs £40 and includes all materials, plus refreshments. 

Flower Workshop, Dunchideock, nr Exeter (1st April) 

Spend the morning at an Easter flower workshop with the British Academy of Floral Art at Dunchideock near Exeter.  

It’s a great place to relax, learn a new skill and meet like-minded flower-lovers. With no prior experience needed, this workshop is taught by expert tutors and provides you with everything you need, plus you get to take home your floral design at the end of the session.  

Easter EggstravaganZOO, Dartmoor Zoo, nr Plymouth (1st April – 10th April) 

Hop over to Dartmoor Zoo this Easter and join them for their Easter EggstravaganZOO event with a number of ‘egg’-tastic activities.  

Set in the wilderness of Dartmoor National Park, Dartmoor Zoo is home to a wonderful collection of animals. You can marvel at the meerkats and mischievous monkeys or try to spot the beautiful tigers and lions dozing in the grass. 

The activities occurring during the Easter break includes an Easter egg trail, Easter-themed games, meet the Easter bunny, falconry displays and plenty more! 

Easter Egg Trail, Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay (1st– 16th April) 

See if you can crack Babbacombe Model Village’s Easter Egg Trail this April. If you find all their colourful eggs hidden around the gardens, you’ll win a chocolate treat! 

The whole family will enjoy meandering around this unique attraction which is home to over 450 miniature buildings including Stonehenge and Bath’s Royal Crescent.  

Babbacombe Model Village are also celebrating their Diamond Anniversary in 2023 so you can enjoy many new models and scenes that have been added in the last few years.  

Dinosaur Tram Adventure, Seaton Tramway, Seaton (2nd & 9th April) 

Seaton Tramway is situated on the Jurassic Coastline and is a fab way to spend the day exploring East Devon with the family. Sit upon the open double decker trams for panoramic views of the estuary and countryside.  

If your little ones are absolutely mad about dinosaurs, embark on Seaton Tramway’s Dinosaur Tram Adventure! Families and children are sure to enjoy this adventure-filled tram ride with music, stories, fossil dig and dinosaur activity area at Colyton Station with Percival the Palaeontologist. 

Jazz Sunday Lunch, The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock (2nd April) 

In the heart of Tavistock sits The Bedford Hotel, a stunning building formerly the Duke of Bedford’s retreat. 

Enjoy a traditional, delicious three-course Sunday Lunch here and bask in the ambience of live jazz music from their in-house jazz band, Desperate Measures. 

The Bedford Hotel offers a welcome combination of comfort and style, delicious food, fine wines, warm hospitality and impeccable service. 

Rangers, Dartmoor Zoo, nr Plymouth (3rd & 10th April) 

Dartmoor Zoo offers a three-day interactive Ranger’s workshop that will have kids thrilled with wonderful close-up animal encounters and activities designed to engage, educate and entertain.  

There are two Rangers workshops; one for children aged 6 – 12 and a second one for those aged 13 – 18.  

Pebbles on the Beach, Torcross Bird Hide, Torcross (3rd April) 

Explore the Start Bay coastline with Field Studies Council at Torcorss.  

Wander along Slapton Sands and around to Limpet Rocks, discover the unique formation of the coastline and how it came to exist.  

Midweek Roast at The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock (4th & 11th April)  

Relax and enjoy a lunchtime midweek roast each Tuesday during half term at The Bedford Hotel.  

They will be offering two tasty courses, prepared with the best local and seasonal produce.  

The Pirate Tram – The Seaton Pearl, Seaton Tramway, Seaton (5th & 12th April) 

All aboard the Seaton Pearl! Families and children are sure to enjoy this pirate-themed tram ride following the Axe Estuary.  

Find some treasure at Colyton Station, hoist the ‘Jolly Rodger’ and learn how to walk, talk and look like a pirate! 

Midweek Roast at The Two Bridges Hotel, Yelverton, Dartmoor (5th & 12th April) 

Sunday lunches are very popular at the Two Bridges Hotel so they’ve added Midweek Lunches to the menu too!  

Every Wednesday you can tuck into their traditional roast of the week, served with perfect roasties, fresh veg and their famous Jail Ale gravy. Finish the meal off with their dessert of the day. 

Flavours of Asia, The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock (6th April) 

Experience the flavours of Asia on Thursday 6th April and every first Thursday of the month until November at The Bedford Hotel.  

Look forward to tasting the best local ingredients of the season but cooked and served with distinct Asian flavours bought to you by Head Chef Rauol Ketelaars and his talented team. 

Paignton Easter Celebrations, Paignton (7th April) 

Enjoy a fabulous day of fun beside the seaside at Paignton’s Easter Celebration.  

Live music, gift stalls, dance performances, children’s entertainment and shopping galore can be expected here, alongside a festive Easter egg hunt for the little ones to enjoy. 

This festival is free to enter and will run from 11:30am – 5:30pm.   

The Case of the Missing Bunny – Easter Egg Hunt 2023, House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey (7th, 8th & 10th April) 

Can you crack the case of the missing Easter bunny at House of Marbles? Use your detective skills and follow the trail of eggs, solve a series of clues to help gather all the evidence to make your case.  

House of Marbles is a truly unique attraction situated on the edge of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey. Visit their epic marble runs or watch the talented glassblowers create artwork in their studios. Their ‘egg’-cellent event will take place on Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Monday 10th April from 9am – 5pm.  

Fish Friday at The Two Bridges Hotel, Yelverton, Dartmoor (7th & 14th April) 

Head to Two Bridges Hotel on a Friday lunchtime and enjoy some of the best local catch of the day. 

Their sustainably-caught fish is battered with Dartmoor Brewery’s Jail Ale and served with a hearty portion of chips. 

Between the Tides, East Prawle (7th April) 

Discover the life between the tides of East Prawle’s rocky shores with Field Studies Council. 

From giant kelp fronds to miniature anemones, every rock pool holds a secret ecosystem waiting to be discovered. You will learn about local marine wildlife, how to identify rocky shore animals and algae, and what to look out for in future adventures. 

Fairy Tale Tram, Seaton Tramway, Seaton (8th & 15th April) 

Embark on a spellbinding trip as Seaton Tramway welcomes you aboard it’s tram to the ‘Kingdom of Colyton’!  

Your little fairies will receive a special goody bag, including wings and a wand to help them take part in a variety of activities with an extra spark of fairy fun!  

Horseracing at Newton Abbot Racecourse, Newton Abbot (8th April) 

Enjoy a day at the races this Easter at Newton Abbot Racecourse.  

With a number of race fixtures over the holidays and under 17s going free with an accompanied adult, you’ll surely make some great memories here! 

Easter Sunday Lunch, Bovey Castle, Dartmoor (9th April) 

Easter Sunday is the perfect opportunity to catch up with family and friends and what better place to do so that Bovey Castle.  

Enjoy an impressive Sunday Lunch at their restaurant, Smith’s Brasserie with a live pianist and an Easter trail for the little ones.  

Tremendous Trees, Slapton Field Centre, Slapton (10th April) 

Learn how trees go about their lives in Slapton’s amazing, ancient woodland.  

From mighty oaks, ash, beech and hazel trees, enjoy a guided walk with the site ranger to learn about these incredible habitats and the wonderful wildlife that depend on them.  

Totnes Indoor Artisan Market, Totnes Civic Hall, Totnes (11th April) 

On the 11th April, and each second Tuesday of the month until October, head to Totnes Civic Hall for the town’s indoor Artisan Market.  

Here you’ll be able to find and purchase hand-crafted products made by local artists and makers.  

What Lurks Beneath? Slapton Bridge, Slapton (12th April)  

Investigate the depths of the murky water and go pond dipping at Slapton to discover what lurks beneath!  

Join Field Studies Council on the 12th April to explore the wonderful world of larvae, strip and snails. 

Totnes Spring Festival, Totnes (13th April) 

Enjoy a free family day out during the Easter Holidays in Totnes at their Spring Festival.  

The town will be bustling with live music, street food, children’s entertainment, gift stalls and plenty more.  

Head to Market Square and Civic Hall on Thursday 13th April from 10am – 5pm.  

Slapton Sands – Great British Beach Clean, Slapton (15th April) 

Join Field Studies Council for the MCS Great British Beach Clean on Saturday 15th April.  

Help tidy up the beautiful Slapton Sands and contribute to the Marine Conversation Societies National Beach Clean Report. Challenge yourself to collect as much rubbish as you can and see if you can get your name on the beach clean leader board. 

Bags and litter pickers will be provided but please bring your own gloves. Participants will receive a free ice-cream, tea or coffee from Start Bay Inn. 

Slapton’s Horrible History, Slapton Field Centre, Slapton (15th April) 

Delve into the history that has shaped Slapton; learn about the roads walked by mammoths, the shelters built by pirates and then plagued by the black death.  

Visit historic sites around this quaint village, hear the tragedies that our ancestors would have experienced and question ‘what does Slapton’s future hold?’  

Roar ‘n’ Snore, Dartmoor Zoo, Plymouth (15th April) 

Have you ever wanted to spend the night at a zoo? Well now you can!  

Dartmoor Zoo are offering the unique opportunity to see and hear what life is life after the gates close between dusk and dawn when many of the nocturnal residents come out to play. 

With a private close encounter session, a keeper-led tour of the zoo and a campfire, experience an unforgettable camping trip like no other.  

Wild Food Forage, Slapton Ley Field Centre, Slapton (16th April) 

Munch your way through the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve on a wild-food themed walk, searching for edible plants of the hedgerows and woodlands.  

Collect some of nature’s beautiful bounty as you walk, learn what to pick and what not to, as well as the folklore behind the plants found at the nature reserve. 

You’ll also be able to use your findings to make your own pesto and spring tea – yum!  

We’re sure that whatever you do you’ll have a wonderful Easter in South Devon. You can visit our What’s On page to see the latest events in the region. Be sure to also follow and like us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date with all things South Devon!