Over 35 fantastic activities and things to do in Devon this summer holiday!
Devon’s Top Attractions have a sensational summer with a superb selection of activities for all ages and budgets. Summer is a time to enjoy spending time together soaking up the sunshine and our award-winning attractions will be offering a fantastic array of top days out and experiences wherever you are in Devon.”
What’s On in South Devon
Waterfall fun at Canonteign Falls! Highlights include the Lady Exmouth Falls, tranquil lily lakes, plus Alpaca Experiences on 5 and 14 August. Try an abseil down Lady Exmouth Falls on 10 August, face painting, children’s trails with prizes and more. Dogs are welcome too.
Head to Haldon Forest Park on 15 August to meet Stick Man himself! He will be appearing at various times throughout the day plus there will be lots of Stick Man-themed activities on offer. Make it a fun-filled family day out with Stick games, storytelling, arts and crafts and have-a-go forestry. Pick up an activity pack before you start the interactive Stick Man trail.
The House of Marbles has some great art & craft sessions for children. On 7 August join the Mosaic Art workshop for primary & secondary age children. On 14 August create your own Sand Art at their exciting workshop. On 21 August the Quilling Craft Workshop is for ages 10+ and on 28 August there’s a Scratch Art Craft Workshop. Booking advisable.
Set within a spectacular ancient valley, Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls has over 50 acres of woodland and streams to explore, rich in wildlife. With three different trails to enjoy, not forgetting their small zoo and exotics house. Plus a children’s nature trail, where every child wins a prize. Treat yourself in the licensed woodland café and gift shop. Dogs are welcome.
Woodlands Family Theme Park have a host of special events. On 6 August Duggee will be making meet and greet appearances on the Showtime Stage. On 7 August – Emily the Brontosaurus is coming. On 5, 12, 19 & 26 August -Titan the Robot is back, so expect to see his usual hilarious antics. On 13 & 27 August say hello to Bluey one of TVs most popular characters. On 20 August meet Chase from PAW PATROL and get a photo together. On Aug 21 meet Peppa Pig at intervals throughout the day. See website for details.
Visit Blackpool Sands for the ultimate beach destination. Dive into excitement with paddleboard or kayak rentals, perfect for exploring the beautiful shoreline. Unwind in their exclusive sauna, nestled on the stunning beachfront, browse in the beach shop and savour the taste of delicious food in the café whilst taking in the views.
Visit Plymouth is promoting the beloved British Firework Championships which returns to Plymouth on 13 and 14 August. Head to Plymouth Hoe for an evening of pyrotechnic fun, along with fairground rides, live music and delicious food and drink. Live bands and performers on stage from 5pm. The site opens at 2pm, catering opens from 4pm and fireworks from 9.30pm.
The Summer Evening Illuminations are back at Babbacombe Model Village from 19 July to 5 September. Thousands of miniature lights, along with special fire and lighting effects, create an enchanting atmosphere. NEW European Tiny Towns – this new indoor attraction opened in May and showcases tiny villages and towns set in beautiful landscapes. See details online.
Tribal Summer takes place at Kents Cavern from 23 July to 30 August. Step back in time and experience life through the eyes of four tribes: Mammoth, Bear, Hyena & Elk. Which tribe will you join? Then head to the free facepainting station to get your tribal colours! Plus, Survival School is back for live demonstrations showcasing ancient skills. Book your ticket for Cave Cinema – see dates and details online.
Experience Victorian Life at Bygones in Torquay. See, smell and hear the bustle of 100 years of history, pure nostalgia for ALL the family. Attractions include the hustle and bustle of Victorian Life, railway fans will love the 27-ton steam train, as well as the captivating 28 foot model railway. The Wartime Britain exhibition pays respect to both World Wars and shop through the decades from the 40s to the 60s.
Paignton Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and countless amazing plants across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds, you’re in for an inspirational day out at Paignton Zoo! The zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions and is a must-see over the holidays. It’s a place to roam, discover, learn and get in touch with nature.
South Devon Railway has some great experiences on offer over the summer. Enjoy Sunday Lunch aboard or Ploughman’s Lunch served in the vintage setting of their 1950s Restaurant Car. Why not have a delicious afternoon tea as you steam through the Devon countryside or take a unique journey in a traditional guard’s Brake Van for a return trip between Buckfastleigh and Totnes? Details and booking online.
Buckfast Abbey are building on the success of their recent years events and will host another Summer Fair over three days from 7 to 9 August, so save the date. Free entry, car parking charges apply.
Enjoy the great outdoors at River Dart Country Park. There’s fantastic play equipment all around the site and playground areas, with swings, slides, and lookout towers. Plus activity, agility, eco and bike trails! Let the children cool off in the water at the Pirate Ship. Additional cost activities include the High Ropes course, Canoe & Kayak hire, Mega Zip Wire and the Climb & Cave Zone.
Bubble & Pop at Pennywell Farm until 1 September. Lots of bubbly fun on top of your favourite farmyard activities. Bop ‘til you drop to music in the Orchard, meet Pippa Pig the Pennywell Mascot, enjoy family games, enter the giveaway, pose in the Bubble & Pop Photo ops and more!
Get ready to dive inside the UK’s National Marine Aquarium this summer. 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. Plus boat trips, snorkel safaris and rockpool safaris with the Ocean Conservation Trust on various dates throughout the summer. See website for details.
From 29 July to 28 August creepy crawlies, circus performers, puppets and collage … visit The Box during to get creative at their family-friendly drop-ins with different fun and crazy activities each week. Get inspired by all the artwork in their amazing ‘Forbidden Territories: 100 Years of Surreal Landscapes’ exhibition. Last entries at 12.15pm and 3.15pm. See timetable on the website.
What’s On in Exeter and East Devon
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.
RAMM has workshops throughout the holidays: on 5 August celebrate their new exhibition ‘Wild’ with a nature loving activity to celebrate owls. Twit-twoo owl day drop in session. On 6 August craft a breath-taking landscape scene using paper and card. On 7 & 21 join the Arrow head necklace workshop or Fire lighting workshops. Other dates include Dormouse day on 12 August, 14 & 28 August Nature & Wild storytelling sessions, Nature Doodles workshops on 20 & 27 August. See details online.
The Gone Wild Festival with Bear Grylls is taking place at Powderham Castle from 21 to 24 August. Experience the Ultimate Family Adventure where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors. There’ll be incredible live music and over 100 free exciting activities for all ages to enjoy. Dive into kayaking, conquer the climbing walls or learn essential survival schools.
Double the fun this summer with a FREE return visit at Crealy Theme Park. Pay once and ride twice with their 2 days out for the price of 1 offer and enjoy a summer of thrills! Visits between 19 July and 2 September can come back again for FREE within 7 days. Plus, there’ll be live wrestling shows every weekend from 26 July.
The Adventure begins at the World of Country Life this summer. Fun daily activities all summer long, whatever the weather. Walk a goat, ride the deer train safari and hand feed the red deer and llama, bottle feed calves and lambs, small animal handling, ferret racing total wipeout and the Hawkridge bird of prey flying displays. Plus, lots of indoor play too!
There’s a Summer of Play at Killerton, National Trust from 19 July to 7 September. There’s play activities for all with sports and nature-based activities, art sessions, circus skills with Flotsam Circus, storytelling and parachute games. You’ll find six different play areas to choose from every day plus covered areas so play can continue whatever the weather. See the website for details.
At the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth embark on the Donkey Passport Trail where you get to explore the globe going to exotic countries like Peru, Mexico and Kenya. Learn about the important role donkeys play and at the end of the trail claim your prize! Just £5 per trail.
Seaton Tramway has lots of great events lined up. Hop onboard the Pirate Tram on various dates in July and August. Ye old “Seaton Pearl” sets sail on her voyage following the Axe Estuary, where they’ll be off to find some “booty” at Colyton Station. The Dinosaur Tram returns full of adventure with music, stories, fossil dig and dinosaur activity at Colyton Station. Book your ticket for 3, 10, 17, 24 or 31 August. See online for details.
Don’t forget neighbouring attraction Jurassic Discovery for more dinosaur antics and make the fun last all day!
Visit Bicton Park Botanical Gardens on 26 July for their Cactus, Succulent & Orchid Day. A special day celebrating the beauty and diversity of cacti, succulents, and orchids. On 1 August watch Joey the Lips perform in the Italian garden where concert goers can bring their own chairs, picnic food and enjoy a night of music. The Raddon Hill Clog Dancers are back on 3 August and a night of Queen performed by the Bohemians & local band K2 is on 14 August.
Get ready for an unforgettable summer at Pecorama. Celebrate the Millenium Garden’s 25th birthday with the sparkling Garden Trail. Explore the gardens to find eight dazzling silver objects hidden around the site each representing a key part of garden and nature. On until 30th August. Loco Week is on from 19-23 August with guest locomotives to discover, demonstrations and children’s activities.
Stuart Line Cruises has a busy timetable over the summer holidays with Jurassic Coast cruises, River Exe cruises, day trips to Torquay or Brixham, cream tea cruises and more. On 30 August take a grand day trip to the Dartmouth Royal Regatta. Check out their timetable online to book your boat trip and enjoy the fantastic coastline and scenery that Devon has to offer.
If you’re looking for an action-packed family day out this summer then head to Diggerland. Located in Cullompton, just a few minutes’ drive from the M5 the site has lots of rides and drives which will keep you entertained all day. Rides include Spindizzy, Mini-Tractors, Groundshuttle and Dig-a-Round, as well as Go-Karts and Dodgems plus much more!
What’s On in North Devon
Visit the Milky Way Adventure Park for a multi award-winning family day out! All the rides are open including the Cosmic Typhoon, Ziggy’s Blast Quest, Gravity Rider and Cosmic Caterpillar. Enjoy adventure play areas, dodgems, mini-golf, Jumping Jupiters and the Birds of Prey outdoor show. With many more activities on offer you’re guaranteed a fantastic day of fun.
Go wild in the woods this summer at RHS Rosemoor who have a tree-mendous programme of activities from 19 July to 31 August. Head to their brilliant woodland basecamp for hands-on fun and outdoor challenges. All ages can try the relaxing Tremendous Trees Trail, have a go at archery and nature craft sessions. On 26-27 July enjoy a relaxing Vintage Weekend of nostalgic style, vintage cars, 50s music & dancing, retro shopping & delicious food. Go online for details.
On 28 July the Woolsery Agricultural Show is a fun-filled day at Clovelly with cattle and sheep, together with horse and pony competitions, a dairy marquee and ice cream making plus crafts, food and rides. On 2 August enjoy the Gig Regatta that celebrates Devon’s best teams going head-to-head. On 3 August there’s a full day of family fun, games, music and lifeboat operational displays in aid of the RNLI at the Lifeboat Day. On 31 August enjoy the Lobster & Crab Feast with live folk music, cookery demos, craft stalls and more.
Celebrate the long weekend, 22-23 August, at The Big Sheep for August Bank Holiday weekend at their Summer Music Festival. Great vibes, amazing bands, delicious food and bars! Music from ABBA Reunion, 80’s Mania & Craig Charles Funk & Soul Party. Why not book a camping or touring pitch and stay for longer?
Make a bee-line for Quince Honey Farm this summer and enjoy all-weather family fun, including honey tasting, candle rolling, nectar gardens & bee talk, seed planting, indoor and outdoor play, plus live Beekeeping Demos! The activity programme runs from 10am and you can quite easily spend the whole day exploring the site.
Visit the home of British Crystal at Dartington Crystal in Torrington. Go on a factory tour, try handcasting your child’s hand or footprint, get creative painting glasses as a souvenir, view special glass making demonstrations. Embark on a journey of creativity by crafting your own plush companion in the Teddy Factory. Browse the giftshop and enjoy refreshments in the Pavilion Café.
Unleash your imagination in Watermouth Castle’s enchanting summer extravaganza from 21 July to 2 September. Kids are encouraged to go out into the great outdoors and engage in some hands-on play! There’s sand and water play at the new outdoor Mining Village, classic children’s rides and attractions. Plus go head-to-head at Water Wars and enjoy a splash-tastic River Ride.
A day trip to Lundy Island makes for an unforgettable experience. Board the MS Oldenburg from Bideford or Ilfracombe for the 2-hour sail. Because of its isolation the habitat for wildlife is often compared to that of Galapagos set against a backdrop of stunning natural rugged beauty, making it a walker’s paradise. There’s 4,000 years of human history that comes to life through the 42 scheduled monuments and its clutch of listed buildings.
