Best Things To Do in Devon This May Half Term: Family Events & Days Out Across the County

Discover the best May Half Term events in Devon, from adventure parks and animal attractions to steam railways, castles, gardens and indoor family fun across the county.

From toddlers to teenagers, discover Devon’s best May Half Term attractions, family activities, rainy-day ideas and outdoor adventures all in one place. Families searching for unforgettable May Half Term days out in Devon will find adventure, entertainment and memory-making experiences right across the county. Whether sunshine or showers arrive this May Half Term, families can enjoy unforgettable adventures and fantastic days out at Devon’s Top Attractions across the county.

What’s On in South Devon

Waterfalls, Archery, Alpacas and an Animal Trail makes for Family Fun all week at Canonteign Falls PLUS this May Half Term there’s a FREE RETURN VISIT with every ticket purchased. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with 90 acres of stunning Devonshire countryside waiting to be explored. There’s archery on 25 & 26 May and the Alpacas return on 28 May. Book online.

Join River Dart Country Park on 31 May for a special day of fun, food, and festivities as they celebrate their 50th birthday! This year’s Picnic at the Park promises even more excitement with live music, family-friendly activities. From games and entertainment for all ages to birthday treats and surprises, it’s the perfect way to celebrate. Let’s make this 50th birthday picnic one to remember!

This May Half Term Buckfast Abbey has activities every day. Mon 25 there’s a Circus Skills Workshop, Tues 26 LEGO Fun Day, Wed and Thurs indoor and outdoor craft workshops, Fri and Sat Pottery Painting and Needle Felting with the Grande Finale Food Festival on Fri 29 & Sat 30 May. The 2-day food festival showcases local artisan food and drink producers offering tasty dishes to take-away and enjoy on site plus demonstrations from talented chefs and food creatives.

Grab your popcorn and head underground to the most atmospheric pop-up cinema around! From 28 to 30 May it’s Cave Cinema at Kents Cavern an award-winning event which screens cult classics, family favourites and spine-chilling horrors underground in our spectacular prehistoric setting. With a fully stocked bar and a cafe serving incredible Pizzas and snack.

With over 2,000 animals and countless amazing plants across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds, you’re in for a fantastic day out at Paignton Zoo! Enjoy roaming, discovering, exploring and getting in touch with nature. As a registered charity they support projects in the UK and overseas that aim to help halt species decline. Come rain or shine, Paignton Zoo is a great place to visit for all the family, and you’ll need a full day to see it all!

Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure at Haldon Forest Park. This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun. Help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand, and collect the special ingredients she needs to complete her spell – but watch out for Dragon! Pick up your trail pack for just £4 from the Information Pod.

Join Becky Falls this May Half-Term and discover some of the beautiful British butterflies spotted here on site, learn all about their fascinating life cycle, and make your very own butterfly life cycle spinner to take home. Pick up tips on how to encourage butterflies into your own gardens and outdoor spaces. Plus, enjoy some eco-friendly outdoor games including: Beanbag Toss, Willow Hoop Challenge, Giant Noughts and Crosses and Hook a Puck.

Create Your Own Clay Creatures at House of Marbles on 27 May with a Hands-On & Fun Workshop. Join their fun and interactive clay character workshop, where you can shape, mould and bring to life your very own animal clay creatures! Or create your own Sand Art at their workshop on 28 May. Ideal for primary school aged children.

Enjoy a Pullman Cream Tea at South Devon Railway on 31 May. A traditional Cream Tea or savoury alternative will be served at your seat aboard Pullman Car ‘Lydia’ on the 15.45 train from Buckfastleigh. The train will return at 17.00 and the experience will end at 17.15. The Experience lasts for 1.5 hours and is the ideal way to indulge in traditional West Country delicacies whilst enjoying the beautiful Devon scenery.

Experience the magic of unicorns at Pennywell Farm’s Magical Unicorn Festival… Meet Merlin their resident unicorn and there’s Unicorn Hobby Horse Racing, The Unicorn Farm Trail is packed with fun facts, hands-on farm activities running every 30 minutes, bottle-feeding baby goats, ferret racing, goat walking and pig racing, Plenty of piglet and pet cuddles, live entertainment, farm rides, play areas and more.

This Whitsun break have at least one day at the seaside. Blackpool Sands is the ideal family beach to relax, swim or sail. One of Devon’s most beautiful natural treasures, come and see for yourself. Hire a kayak from Sea Kayak Devon or have a go on a paddle board. Book a session in the amazing beach sauna on the sands, what a treat! It has the best view of any sauna!

Do you love picnics? At The Box, in Plymouth taking inspiration from Beryl Cook’s vibrant ‘Picnic at Mount Edgcumbe’ painting from 26-29 May. Make pasties from air dry clay and learn how to crimp them in the Simmons Learning Room. Create colourful sandwich and cake collage pictures in their ‘Explore More’ area. These drop-in craft sessions will run from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm each day and are particularly ideal for children 4 to 11 years.

Get ready to dive inside the UK’s National Aquarium this half term. Join the Ocean Discovery Rangers for shows, talks and answering all fishy facts! The Aquarium is made up of 4 main zones, with lots of different exhibits and animals found in each. Moving from Plymouth Sound to British Coasts, Atlantic Ocean and finishing up in Blue Planet with the Biozone and the stunning Great Barrier Reef.

Enjoy futuristic fun as Titan the Robot arrives at Woodlands Family Theme Park on Tues 26 May! Blending comedy, street theatre, music and incredible special effects, Titan delivers a one-of-a-kind interactive show that has wowed audiences around the world. Catch Titan in action at intervals throughout the day and enjoy a full day of family adventure — featuring thrilling rides, exciting attractions, indoor soft play, and our popular zoo farm. Don’t miss this spectacular robotic experience!

What’s On in Exeter and East Devon

Royal Albert Memorial Museum has some great half term workshops including on 26 May: Weaving Circles – weave a vibrant geometric pattern using a sturdy cardboard base, colourful wool, and heaps of imagination. On 27 May – get creative with beads, feathers, sequins and bright colours! On 28 May – Imagine holding a piece of the sky, where each tilt of your wrist brings forth a gentle shower of rain – make your own rain stick. Plus on 28 May explore RAMM’s captivating Roman collection, handle real and replica Roman artefacts.

Cruise along the oldest working shipping canal in Europe with Stuart Line Cruises! This trip will sail through 8 miles of manmade waterway – available on various dates – check the website. Plus on 31 May simply the BEST view of the English Riviera Airshow! Set sail along South Devon’s dramatic coastline to the English Riviera Geopark to see a spectacular air show! This is an all-day cruise, departing Exmouth Marina and then dropping anchor in Torbay to watch the air show.

Be amazed as the magic of the circus meets the excitement of your favourite Theme Park. Packed with incredible circus tricks, high-energy performances & stunts, Cirque de Crealy promises fun, thrills, and wow-moments for the whole family. A Devito’s Circus production. Show times 12pm, 2pm & 3.30pm. Plus, enjoy rides and attractions for all ages and the Soak Zone – a family water playground will be re-opening.

On Sunday 24 May visit National Trust Killerton and view a collection of pre-1940s Morris vehicles showcased by the South West Morris Register. A selection of approximately 12 cars will be on display outside the house. Times: 11am to 2pm. Normal admission fees apply.

Follow the Wondrous Wildlife Trail this half term at The Donkey Sanctuary. Follow the map and collect all six wildlife rubbings. Learn all about how the wildlife benefits the donkeys and how the conservation and ecology team encourage the wildlife to thrive. Just £5 per trail, including a prize on completion. Plus with daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, award-winning gardens.

Devon Railway Centre offers a fun-filled, unique railway experience. Enjoy unlimited rides on two different railways, explore the huge model railway exhibition and delight in their Edwardian model village. Younger visitors can also enjoy the Play Shed themed soft play and all the family can enjoy a round of crazy golf alongside Buffers café. Plus Dad’s go free on Father’s Day on 21 June with a full paying child.

On 23 & 24 May get onboard the SEATON PEARL with Captain Nick at Seaton Tramway! Set sail on her voyage following the Axe Estuary, where you’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 aaaarrrggghh!! Plus, don’t miss the Dinosaur Safari Tram on 28 May too.

Diggerland Devon is the ultimate family day out this May half term, offering a unique experience where children and adults can ride, drive, and operate real construction machinery in a safe and fun environment. With 20 exciting rides and drives to enjoy, there is something for everyone. From operating full size diggers and dumpers to enjoying high energy attractions and family favourites.

Incredible Insect Fun this May Half Term! Join World of Country Life as they celebrate all things insect! The Incredible Insects trail will be available from Sat 23 to Sun 31 May to raise money for Hospiscare – pick up your trail sheet for £1 at reception, find all the answers, and claim your prize! Plus, on 24, 25, and 31 May, they’ll have some brilliant bug crafts to make! Plus Meet the Minibeasts sessions on select dates. See full details online.

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens has something for all ages and encourages families to connect through nature and play. Enjoy the Indoor and Outdoor Play Area, Bicton Woodland Railway, Farmland, Countryside Museum, Historic Glasshouses, Nature Trails, Restaurant, Garden Centre and Giftshop.

What’s on in North Devon

The Seaweed Festival is back at Clovelly on May 24 in aid of North Devon Hospice. Stroll along the Quay to discover mouth-watering seaweed dishes and browse stalls offering a wide range of seaweed products. They’ll be live music, great local food, wonderful local stallholders, free kids’ show, free kids’ face painting and free kids’ crafts!

Experience The Big Sheep this May Half Term, with non-stop bubble fun, rides, shows and animal magic. There’s ‘BELIEVE A BUBBLE SHOW’, FOAM PARTY and immersive actor FAIRY LIQUID! See baby goats, sheep, piglets, chicks, calves, donkeys, alpacas, and more! Enjoy hilarious live shows, FOAM PARTY, thrilling rides, hair and glitter station and let the little’uns explore Ewetopia Play Zone.

On 26 & 28 May enjoy Watermouth Castle in a more relaxed setting this May half term with their Twilight Evenings. From 5pm, visitors can enjoy access to the park grounds, including rides, attractions, and adventure play areas, as the day winds down. The evening offers a quieter atmosphere, making it ideal for families looking to extend their day or visit later in the day. Tickets are £10 per person (entry from 5pm).

Let the games begin – get ready for a week of family fun and friendly competition this May half term at RHS Garden Rosemoor. There’s a packed programme of activities dotted throughout the beautiful gardens. Visitors can test their skills with giant outdoor games, navigate a lawn maze, or have a game of croquet. Plus enjoy The Wind in the Willows: A garden adventure. This interactive trail invites families to step into the world of Mr Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger.

At the Milky Way prepare to go from rookie Space Recruit to elite Mission Crew Graduate – discover weird space facts, enjoy crazy science shows & more… Pick up your official academy space recruit passport and discover the weird science of space before engineering your own paper spacecraft – then launch it in the academy’s unique and scientifically proven Airblast 3000 jetstream. Plus, keep alert to scan and collect passport training stamps before planting your flag on the moon.

Buzz over to Quince Honey Farm for a great day out for all the family. From guided tours, soft play and beautiful gardens through to exclusive beekeeping experiences and creative workshops, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy!

Anne Blackham, Marketing Manager for Devon’s Top Attractions, said: “Devon is the perfect destination for family days out this May Half Term, with award-winning attractions across the county offering unforgettable experiences, great value family fun and exciting adventures for all ages throughout the Whitsun holidays. Whether families are looking for outdoor adventures in the sunshine or all-weather and rainy-day attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy across Devon.”

To find these and more ideas for a day out check out Devon’s Top Attractions website www.devonstopattractions.co.uk