Half Term Events in South Devon

Looking for something to keep the whole family busy this half term? We’ve got you covered! From treasure hunts and pom-pom workshops for the kids, to whisky tasting and live music for the grown-ups, there’s a whole heap of fun activities going on in South Devon this half term! 

Check out our list below for some of the highlights: 

For the Kids 

Spring Wildlife Hunt, The Donkey Sanctuary 

17th March 2023 – 2nd June 2023 (17:00pm). No booking required. £5 per trail.  

Up until Friday 2nd June, eagle-eyed little visitors can combine family fun, exercise, and brainpower at The Donkey Sanctuary’s ‘Spring Wildlife Hunt’!  

The Sanctuary has been bursting with life since the start of spring and now it’s up to you to spot the wildlife that has thrived thanks to the stewardship of the land, aided by the donkeys! The sanctuary’s happy drove of donkeys are secret weapons in increasing the biodiversity on their land, their hooves and skins spread seeds far and wide, boosting the ecosystem to allow new fauna and flora to flourish. Seek out some of the many species by finding the wildlife boards located around the sanctuary and matching them to the stickers provided. 

Plus, with a new play area, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, award-winning gardens and, of course, hundreds of adorable donkeys to meet, there’s so much to explore with your own herd, whatever the weather. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome too! 

The Cute Bug Trail & Diamond Anniversary, Babbacombe Model Villages 

Open every day 10am-5pm (last entry 3.30pm) 

Babbacombe Model Village is currently celebrating their Diamond Anniversary in 2023, making it the perfect time to visit and explore their award-winning gardens and model scenes with lots of hidden humour. Kids can have plenty of fun trying to spot their special 60th anniversary ‘giant’ diamond (not a real one of course!) hidden amongst the miniature resident’s gardens.  

For little ones looking for something less glitzy to spot, Babbacombe Model Village have also added a new ‘Cute Bug Trail’ around the charming miniature world. Available to play every day, grab yourself a spotter sheet and see if you can spot all twelve cute creepy crawlies hiding in plain sight.  

Plus, enjoy the site’s 9-hole crazy golf course which is guaranteed to add an exciting extra dimension of fun for the whole family. Included FREE with admission. 

Hide and Sheep with Shaun the Sheep, Powderham Castle 

2nd April 2023 – 29th October 2023. Included in price of general admission.  

Explore Powderham Castle’s historical estate like never before with their Shaun the Sheep ‘Hide and Sheep’ Augmented Reality Trail! 

From the 2nd of April, the castle has been hosting its first ever Shaun the Sheep trail experience, brought to life by augmented reality technology, engaging families and children with their surroundings in an exciting, new way. 

The Hide & Sheep trail is a fun filled activity for the whole family. Simply download the free app, enter the castle, and find the Shaun the Sheep markers hidden around the grounds. Once found, these markers will bring the popular character to life at the zoo in 3D, allowing guests to dance and pose alongside Shaun to create fabulous family memories.  

The exciting trail is included free as part of your big day out at Powderham Castle.  

Space Tram!, Seaton Tramway 

29th May 2023, 11am – 5pm. Tickets £16.95 per person. 

Mission Control has lost contact with one of its satellite laboratories. They have called on you, their latest Space Cadets to take the Space Tram Shuttle and relocate and reconnect the satellite! You're a Cadet, so we'll have to go through basic training on the way... What could go wrong!? 

Your shuttle Captain will take you on a guided mission, where you will learn all about space & engineering. Quick thinking and improvisation will be needed. In space, anything can happen. Solve puzzles, complete tasks, and help your captain reconnect the Terrestrial Relocation and Mission Satellite - or "T.R.A.M. S" for short. Discover the wonders of space on the way and take part in real engineering problems with Seaton Tramway! 

This two-hour experience transports you from the real world into an enclosed interactive event that is not to be missed. 

The Pirate Tram, Seaton Tramway 

31st May 2023, 11am – 5pm. Tickets £16.95 per person. 

The 'Seaton Pearl' sets sail again this year from Seaton Tramway! Families and children are sure to enjoy this fun-filled tram ride following the Axe Estuary. 

Ahoy, me Hearties, this year ye old "Seaton Pearl" sets sail on her voyage following the Axe Estuary, where we 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! 

As part of the event, all children will receive some special "booty". You'll also be able to purchase treats at the Tramstop Café and look around the gift shop for lots of pirate and tram souvenirs. 

The adventure lasts approximately 2 hours. Tickets include a themed tram ride to Colyton and Activities & entertainment at Colyton Station. Travel back to Seaton on any standard service tram. 

Fairy Tale Tram, Seaton Tramway 

3rd June 2023, 11am – 3pm, Tickets £16.95 per person. Children under 2 go free.  

Embark on a spellbinding trip as Seaton Tramway welcomes you aboard it's brand-new Fairy Tale Tram Ride. Stretch out your wings and brush up on your spells as we take you on a magic journey to the "Kingdom of Colyton". Take part in a variety of activities with an extra sprinkle of fairy tale fun! Children will also receive a special fairy goody bag as part of the experience. 

The Adventure lasts approximately 2 hours. Tickets include a themed tram ride to Colyton and Activities & entertainment at Colyton Station. Travel back to Seaton on any standard service tram. 

Dinosaurs in the Park, Central Park Plymouth 

19th May 2023 – 11th June 2023, 10am – 5pm, Central Park Plymouth 

Dinosaurs in the Park features 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and is sure to delight dino fans of all ages. 

Transforming Plymouth’s Central Park into a palaeontologist's playground from May 19th to June 11th, Dinosaurs in the Park offers an educational and enjoyable day out for the whole family. Visitors can wind their way along the Dinosaur Trail, solve puzzles, and even carry out some Jurassic dentistry by brushing the teeth of the resident T-Rex. 

With dinosaurs round every corner, the park will be filled with classic favourites such as the Stegosaurus, Triceratops and Velociraptor, as well as the lesser-known Dilophosaurus, Kentrosaurus and Hyparosauras. Plus, there will be a guest appearance from real-life palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax. There's also a food court, fairground rides and trampolines to add to the fun! 

Read more about this roar-some event in our latest blogpost. 

Bat Watch, FSC Slapton Ley  

30th May 2023, 9pm-11.30pm, £5-£8 

Join Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve for a special late-night ‘Bat Watch’ this half term. Explore the night-time world of these magical creatures. Watch them emerge from their roost, follow their foraging routes, and use bat detectors to hear their weird and wonderful calls. 

The UK has 18 different types of bats and Slapton is lucky enough to have recorded 14 of them in and around the nature reserve. From the common pipistrelle to the rare lesser horseshoe bat, these amazing creatures are captivating. Guests will be able to listen out for them on bat detectors as we explore the places where they live. Foldout guides can be borrowed during the walk and can be purchased at the end.  

What Lurks Beneath, FSC Slapton Ley 

31st May 2023, 10am – 12pm, £5-£8. 

Have you ever investigated the depths of the murky water and wondered to yourself; what lurks beneath? Get ready to explore with pond dipping in Slapton Ley and discover anything from damsels to dragons. Be enlightened to the wonderful world of larvae, the not-so-yummy shrimp, snails in their bails and crazy cool adaptations.  

Suitable for any age but must be accompanied by an adult. Foldout guides can be borrowed during the walk and can be purchased at the end. 

Reclusive Reptiles, FSC Slapton Ley 

1st June 2023, 10am – 12pm, £5-£8. 

Join Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve for a Reclusive Reptile ramble along Slapton Sands! You will have the unique opportunity to observe suitable habitats and attempt to locate a variety of native Reptiles, including slow worms, common lizards and adders. The walk will venture from Slapton Ley Field Centre to Torcross and back again.  

Foldout guides can be borrowed during the walk and can be purchased at the end. 

May Half Term Craft Workshops at Pom Stitch Tassel, Bovey Tracey 

30th May 2023 – 3rd June 2023. Tickets from £15 per person.  

Join Bovey Tracey’s creative hub, Pom Stitch Tassel, this May half term for an array of kid-friendly craft workshops!  

Pom Stitch Tassel’s children's craft workshops are an excellent way for your little ones to get creative. Their fun and friendly environment is the perfect place for them to learn new skills and experiment with different craft techniques. So, whether they're new to the skill or well-practised, these supportive workshops will help them learn and have fun. 

Choose from: 
• Create a Pom Pom fillable letter - Tues 30th May, 10:30am - 12:30pm 
• Beginners sewing workshop - create an envelope cushion cover - Wed 31st May, 10:30am - 12:30pm 
• Decorate your own cupcakes with Hollie from La La Cakes - Thurs 1st June 2023, 10:30am - 12:30pm 
• Knitted wire Llama with Jenny Rew Designs - Fri 2nd June 2023, 10:30am - 12:30pm 
• Advanced sewing workshop - create a bunny drawstring bag - Fri 2nd June 2023, 2:30 - 4:30pm 
• Beginners embroidery workshop with Beatrice of Em-Bea-Roidery - Sat 27th June, 10am - 12pm 

For the Grown-Ups 

Dartmoor Whisky Tasting Experience, Dartmoor Whisky Distillery 

3rd June 2023, 1pm-2pm. £20 per person, pre-booking essential.  

The perfect afternoon activity for any whisky lover, group of friends or gifted celebration, The Dartmoor Whisky Tasting Experience is a unique opportunity to learn how local single malt whisky is made.  

Hear all about the history of Dartmoor Whisky Distillery and the story of their magnificent antique copper still. Learn the craft of whisky distillation and discover different barrel ageing techniques and their effect on flavour.  

Each Whisky Tasting Experience comes with a free pint or gin and tonic or soft drink.  

Flavours of Asia, Bedford Hotel  

1st June 2023, 6pm-8.30pm. Two courses for £22, pre-booking essential. 

Experience an evening exploring the flavours of Asia, on the first Thursday of the month at The Bedford Hotel. 

As always, you can look forward to some of the best local ingredients of the season, but with a distinctly different flavour experience brought to you by Head Chef Raoul Ketelaars and his talented team, with a different menu each month. 

A Celebration of Torquay, Artizan Collective  

20th May 2023 – 25th June 2023, Wednesday to Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm. 

The Artizan Collective Gallery is excited to present "A Celebration of Torquay," a solo exhibition featuring the works of renowned artist Martin Dutton SWAc. Taking place from May 20th to June 25th, the exhibition showcases Dutton's paintings of iconic locations in Torquay, including the Pavilion, Harbour, and Mallock Memorial Clock Tower. 

Dutton's representational approach to his paintings infuses his unique artistic vision, capturing the essence of Torquay and its people. Dutton's paintings are an ode to Torquay, and his passion for his subject matter is evident in the detail and emotion conveyed in his work. 

“A Celebration of Torquay" is an excellent opportunity for residents of and visitors to the town to experience its iconic locations through the eyes of a talented artist. 

‘Honey I’m Home!’ Exeter Library 

2nd June 2023, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Tickets £3-£9.  

For one night only, Poet in the City Producers brings you ‘Honey I'm Home!’, a playful and interactive poetry show, featuring a raft of home-grown talent and a unique multimedia experience. Discover what home means to you, as you explore the art installation and touch, look, and listen to poetry in a whole new way, before incredible spoken-word artists take to the stage and knock your socks off. 

Expect soulful sonnets on the sofa, beautiful ballads in the bedroom and lusty limericks on the loo, as we move from room to room, in a roof-raising, trail-blazing poetry takeover of Exeter Library. 

‘Don’t Kill the Bride’ Murder Mystery Evening, New Continental Hotel 

2nd June 2023, 7pm-10.30pm. Tickets £44. 

Enjoy a thrilling Murder Mystery dinner, shrouded in secrets and deceit at the glorious New Continental Hotel. The theme is “Don’t Kill the Bride”, so put on your best wedding attire, gather friends & family, and come help solve the mystery!  

Bradley Thomas and Olivia Goodwin invite you to celebrate the biggest day of their lives. They are madly in love with each other...or at least that's what they have told the vicar Terry Christian, who may have secrets of his own. Will anything go wrong over the Wedding Breakfast? Surely the bridegroom didn't make a mistake asking Mitchell to be best man, did he? All will become clear as you join the happy couple and their entourage. Just do us all one favour… Don't Kill the Bride! 

£44.00 per person, includes a three-course dinner and entertainment from The Candlelight Theatre Company. 

Newton Abbot Wellbeing Show, Newton Abbot Racecourse 

3rd June 2023, 10am-4pm. £4 per person. 

Join Newton Abbot Racecourse for the 2023 return of the popular Newton Abbot Wellbeing Show.  

Wellness is a proactive approach to our physical, emotional, social, and mental health. The show will be a chance to meet a wealth of like-minded people and organisations who can support you to feel refreshed, with a complete holistic approach. 

Running from 10am, entry is just £4 for a day full of all things wellbeing and wellness, including access to wellbeing workshops. With a wide selection of wellbeing providers and practitioners exhibiting at the event, there will be an abundance of opportunities to find new products and services to enhance your wellbeing. 

Coronation Afternoon Tea, Bovey Castle 

1st May 2023 – 31st May 2023, Monday – Sunday 12pm-5pm. £60 per person. 

Want to finish a month of patriotic celebration in exquisite style? Join Bovey Castle for their exclusive King’s Coronation Event Afternoon Tea throughout the month of May. 

Savour in a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a range of sweet treats, accompanied by champagne. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the month of the coronation in style! 

The exceptional experience is £60.00pp and is subject to availability.  

Driver’s Eye Experience, Seaton Tramway 

21st May 2023 – 29th October 2023, Monday – Sunday 10am-5pm. 

Become a Seaton Tram Driver for the day with one of Seaton Tramway’s driving experience courses. The courses are very "hands-on", giving you the chance to enjoy maximum time at the controls and drive in the same conditions as the resident staff drivers. 

For just £60.00 return, take the controls for a trip from Colyton Station to the new halt at Seaton Wetlands and back. This trip gives you up to 40 minutes of tram driving and these sessions are available during 2023 on various dates throughout the year, between 10:45 am and 15:45. On completion of your experience you will be presented with your very own certificate, representing the tram you completed your lesson with. 

These sessions do not have to be pre-booked but it's best to book your slot in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Plymouth Funk Club 

24th April 2023 – 18th December 2023, Mondays 8.30pm-11:15pm. Free entry. 

Join Plymouth Funk Club for a full band jam night of funk every Monday at the Rock Bottom Bar on Mutley in Plymouth.  

This is a guaranteed cool night out, with a live Funk House band and live jams that you can even join in with. Bring your instruments or just head along and enjoy a night of good soul and funk music performed by some amazing musicians. Classics from the 70’s funk era through to the present day, a Funk Club night is a night not to be missed! 

For everyone 

Paignton Harbour Markets 

9th April 2023 – 24th September 2023, Sundays 10am-3pm.  

Paignton Harbour nestles on the western shores of Tor Bay, situated midway between Torquay and Brixham harbours.  

Weather permitting, the harbour hosts a charming Sunday market throughout the summer season. Stalls boast a lovely range of items including paintings, homemade dog treats, wax melts, jewellery, driftwood crafts and even locally made gin! There’s really something for everyone to browse here. 

Newton Abbot Markets, Newton Abbot Market Square 

1st January 2023 – 31st December 2023, 8am-4pm. 

Newton Abbot is a bustling market town with both an indoor and outdoor market, a high street full of shops as well as a great range of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and bars. Newton Abbot holds a host of markets throughout the week in the centre of this bustling town. 

In the Market Hall you’ll find Newton Abbot Indoor Market and Food Hall which is open every day from 9 – 4. As well as being home to a wide range of stalls, it’s also home to Newton Abbot TIC.  

The Outdoor Market operates in Market Square and Courtenay Street on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 – 4. 

Day Trip to Sidmouth 

30th May 2023, 11am – 5:15pm. £14 for adults, £10 for children. 

Take a beautiful day trip to Sidmouth! Have a great day out in Devon by taking a boat trip to enjoy the affluent Regency town of Sidmouth. Sailing from Exmouth Marina, take time to relax as we travel along the Jurassic Coast, taking in all the sights and sounds of Britain's only Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Landing onto the pebbled beach at Sidmouth you will have around 3 hours ashore to explore the gardens, cafes, boutiques, and shops before we return you back to Exmouth just after 5.00pm. 

South West Coast Path 50th Anniversary Trailblazer Walk  

12th May 2023 – 15th June 2023. Free entry. Booking required. 

Want to stretch your legs this half term? Take part in a section of the South West Coast Path’s 50th Anniversary Trailblazer Walk! 

Join in on an epic relay walk along the entire 630 miles to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Each day is split into a morning and afternoon walk, although those with lots of energy to burn can combine the two and do a full day’s walk! 

The walk starts in Minehead on 12th May and South Haven Point on 27th May and continues throughout half term, finishing at Royal William Yard in Plymouth on 15th June.  

For dates and times, as well as links to book your place on the walk, click here.  

2023 Sidmouth Jazz & Blues Festival  

26th – 29th May 2023. Tickets from £35.  

If you love music, then there’s no better place to be over the end of May bank holiday weekend than sunny Sidmouth! 

The 2023 programme includes four headline evening concerts and three days of wonderful free music on the festival’s dedicated outdoor stage at Blackmore Gardens. 

The festival provides the platform for wonderful regional emerging and established music talent to perform to new audiences performing Jazz, Swing, Blues, Roots, Soul, Funk, Latin, and Cuban music. 

Powderham Outdoor Cinema 

27th – 31st May 2023. £15 for adults, £7 for children under 16. 

Returning to Powderham Castle’s grounds this May is a film-lover's paradise! Enjoy a fantastic outdoor cinema experience in the stunning castle surroundings. 

English Riviera Air Show, Paignton 

3rd June 2023 – 4th June 2023 

The English Riviera Airshow is set to return this year for another full weekend of action-packed displays and great activities. 

The two-day show takes place on Paignton Green with the Bay providing a stunning natural amphitheatre for viewing the air displays and the perfect location for a large coastal airshow event. 

The RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon Display Team, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Grob Tutor will be flying across both days of the Airshow. 

English Riviera Air Show, Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth 

3rd June 2023 – 4th June 2023 

The best way to see and hear the English Riviera Air Show is by Boat! Join Stuart Line Cruises as they set sail along South Devon's dramatic coastline to the English Riviera Geopark for what promises to be a spectacular air show! 

This is an all-day cruise, departing Exmouth Marina and dropping anchor in Torbay to watch the air show. This cruise will not land, and you will be on the boat for the duration. There will be an on board fully licensed bar available throughout the cruise, serving a wide range of drinks and snacks.  

Avoid the crowds and let us take away the stress of driving, navigating the parking restrictions and allow yourself to simply sit back and enjoy the display! 

Picnic at the Park, River Dart Country Park 

4th June 2023, 10am-6pm. Tickets required.  

Picnic at the Park, summer's biggest family picnic, is back for 2023! 

Celebrating 10 years of our popular annual event. Expect another fantastic line-up boasting an array of unmissable family activities and displays at River Dart Country Park! 

Get ready for a day of music, dancing, displays, a fun dog show, and much more! 

For a full list of Spring Half Term Events taking place in South Devon, please click here. 

Make sure you’re following us on Twitter here where we’ll be sharing the latest event information and all things South Devon! And don’t forget to sign up to our e-newsletter here too; we’ll keep you informed with our newest blog posts, competitions and more!