Top 20 things to do in Devon this summer
Wondering how you’re going to keep the kids amused during the summer holidays? We've come up with a few suggestions here:
Knights and Dragons
Let your little ones run loose at Powderham Castle’s Knights and Dragons magical trail by Pocketwatch Theatre. The event is running from 24-29 July and is aimed at children aged 5-11. Each session lasts 45-60 minutes. www.powderham.co.uk
Bird spotting
Dust your wellies off and join a guided tour with the RSPB bird spotting. The tours are every Saturday, perfect for the little ones to discover different types of bird species. Entry £3 for children and free for RSPB members. Binoculars can be hired. The walks take place between 2pm and 3pm at Darts farm, Topsham, meeting outside Cotswold outdoor. Details www.dartsfarm.co.uk/events
Model making
Exeter Phoenix is welcoming professional model maker Darrell Wakelam for BFG model making. Each participant will use cardboard, Papier Mache and collage techniques to create a 3D BFG model. The event takes place on 25 July 10am- 12.30pm for children aged 8-11, to make models based on the film. Children’s entry fee is £10. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
Shake, giggle and wiggle
Take a trip to Devon’s Crealy for a summer of fun and shows. The kids will be entertained for hours with over 60 attractions and shows all throughout the summer such as Crealy circus, and shake, giggle, and wiggle. www.crealy.co.uk
Wicked Wednesdays
Take part in Killerton House’s Wicked Wednesdays. On 3 August go on a bear hunt, 2pm-4pm, £3 entry. On 10 August let your kids loose at the Pirate afternoon, 2pm-4pm, fancy dress is welcome, £3 entry. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton
Play Day
Keep the kids occupied for an afternoon at Castle Drogo, near Okehampton, for a play day with lots of fun activities and games as part of national play day. Entry is free and will run from 2-4pm on the 3 August. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events
Wonderland tea party
Powderham Castle is holding a Wonderland Mayhem Tea Party between 7 and 12 August for five to 11-year-old. Sessions last 45- 60 minutes. www.powderham.co.uk
Donkey Sanctuary fun
For a fun family day out join the Donkeys at Sidmouth’s Donkey sanctuary. A variety of activities such as a treasure hunt, maze, park, trails are on offer, there is also a nature centre. The sanctuary boasts a picnic area, café, and ice-cream kiosk. Entry is free. www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Walk like an Egyptian!
Step back into the world of Ancient Egypt with Exeter museum from 30 July to 27 August. Learn about the life and death of the Ancient Egyptians while re-enacting mummification of Shep-en-mut, or play a game of Senet. You can also join a scribe school and learn to write in hieroglyphics. Full details: www.rammmuseum.org.uk
Discover Exeter Cathedral
Visit Exeter Cathedral on 1 and 18 August for a tour of the cathedrals secrets passages - tours take place 10am-noon and 1.30pm-3.30pm. Discover all the secrets of the ancient building, such as the hidden house in the walls, or climb the spiral staircase and explore a floor of strange symbols. You can also create a shrinking stained glass window, suitable for 6- 12 year olds and there is a fee of £6 per child. http://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/news-and-events
Learn about the Jurassic Coast
Learn about the famous Jurassic Coast at Seaton’s Jurassic coast centre. Open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm, discover the story of the coast and the geography of where we live. http://seatonjurassic.org/
Farm fun
Treat the family to a day of animal petting at Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh. Whether it’s cuddling micro-pigs or racing ferrets there are plenty to see and do. There is a picnic and play area with sand diggers, bowling, a bouncy castle and a land train. Open every day from 10am-5pm. www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Stick Man Trail
Escape to Haldon Forest, near Exeter, with a bunch of activities to keep the kids busy all day. Explore the forest on the famous Stick Man trail, or hire a bicycle and discover different trails. Open 8.30 am to 5pm most days, with free entry.
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/haldonforestpark
Zoo fun
Discover a variety of animals from cheeky monkey to the long nosed potoroo at Shaldon Zoo, Teignmouth. Learn interesting facts about the different kinds of animals living there from keepers. Open 10am-5pm. www.shaldonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Waterfalls and secret gardens
Admire the highest man-made waterfalls at Canonteign Falls near Exeter. Open 10am-4pm you can walk along to the waterfall, bask by the seven different lakes or discover the secret gardens. There is also a children’s play area. www.canonteignfalls.co.uk
Climbing challenge
Put your climbing skills to the test at Exmouth’s Vertexe Climbing. With 11 climbing walls, children over four can challenge themselves whilst having fun. Each session lasts an hour, open 8am-10pm. www.climbvertex.com
Big cats, zebras and bears
Dartmoor Zoo has lots of animals, big and small, for the kids to see and learn about. You can even plan an experience to get up and close with the animals and have a chance to feed and look after them for a day. www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk
Indoor fun
For those rainy summer days, take the kids to Honiton’s playdome for a day of ball pits, an indoor soft play area and a café for the parents to relax. www.theplaydome.com
Diggerland
With 18 different rides and real diggers to have a go on, Diggerland in Cullompton is a great day out. From trains to diggers and even go-karts there is something to keep the kids entertained for hours. www.diggerland.com
Honiton Show
The 126th Honiton Show takes place on 4 August. There will be children’s entertainment including Punch and Judy, donkey rides, and the humorous ‘sheep show’. There will also be a new Alpaca village. Under 16s go free. www.honitonshow.co.uk
