Ten terrific things to do this half term in Devon...

Here are our top ten things to do this half term and beyond near Blackdown Yurts and Halsbeer Farm. We've divided into places you have to pay entrance for and things that are free. The titles to each attraction below are clickable through to their websites for more information, and we've provided links to some of the blogs we have done previously about attractions we've visited so you can see what we really thought and read our top tips for visiting. 

​Hooray for the holidays.​ Have fun whatever you are up to! Katie. x

Pay to enter attractions

​Top Trumps at Paignton Zoo
Available until 31st October 2019, collect a Super Top Trumps card and trail sheet on your way in (£1.50 on top of usual admission to the zoo) and follow the trail around the zoo playing the game. At the end enter your score online to be in with the chance of winning a monthly prize. There are also zoos on Exmoor and Dartmoor and plenty of other wildlife attractions nearby. 

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Pirates at World of Country Life
Half term is pirate week at World of Country Life at Sandy Bay in Exmouth including live sword-fighting displays every weekday during half term in the pirate ship play area. Plus exotic animal show and tell on Wednesday and Thursday. ​Lots of farm animals to see. Hilarious ferret racing. See our blog for a video of the little fellas.

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Jousting at Powderham Castle
There is also fighting at Powderham Castle where the Knights of the realm are back jousting again this half term. We went this time last year and it was a great fun day out with the majestic castle and deer park as a backdrop. See what we thought on our blog. Also, not to be missed, Craig David is playing on 1st June and June at Powderham is art month.

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Get Set Grow at RHS Rosemoor 
Following hot on the heels of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, get your children growing things at the RHS’s beautiful garden at Great Torrington. Garden trail all week, planting workshops Tuesday to Friday (11am - 3.45pm). Alice in Wonderland interactive children’s theatre at 3pm on Tuesday 28th May.

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Honiton Pottery and Milkshake Bar
A great wet weather option. Select from a myriad of different pots and figures to paint yourself. And this half term they have a potter’s wheel in too that children aged 8 and up can have a go at. (Phone ahead to book for the wheel). Plus they have an American style diner.

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Seaton Tram 
The Seaton Tram has fairy and dinosaur specials this half term. While you’re there why not visit the beach or Devon Wildlife Trust’s celebratory museum of the geology and fossils of this famous coastline at ​Seaton Jurassic​. Want to stretch your legs? Seaton has a lovely promenade to potter along or you can venture further afield on the SouthWest Coast Path. 

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Free attractions

Visitor attractions can be expensive, but a day out needn't cost you the earth. Here are our top tips for a free (or at least fairly cheap) day out:  

Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary
​Such a joy to visit, as essentially it is just a load of donkeys having a lovely life in beautiful fields overlooking the sea. Free to get in. The stories of their rescues and the founding of the charity are so heart-warming. This is their 50th year so there are plenty of events including a Golden Carrot Hunt until 11th July and a family dog show 10am-4pm on Sunday 26th May.

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House of Marbles
​This one is on our list as friends have raved about it. It won’t occupy you all day and you may end up spending money on marbles but it is free to enter. Watch glass blowing demonstrations and have a go at the marble runs. House of Marbles is close to some other attractions including Dartington Hall whose extensive estate is free to explore. 

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Beautiful beaches
Take a look at our guide to East Devon beaches to find out where to go. You may need to pay a little for parking and ice cream but take a picnic and a trip to the beach can be a very good value day out. You can also venture further afield to the beaches of North Devon for some surfing or even the English Riviera of Torbay and the South Hams should you wish. 

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Paddle in a river
I go on about Culmstock a lot and that's because I love it. 15 minutes away from us is a river beach on the River Culm where you can paddle, pond dip, dam build and even swim. If you are lucky you might spot the rare white-clawed crayfish. Grab a picnic from Strand Stores, drinks or food from the Culm Valley Inn and relax. Check out my blog about Culmstock for info. 

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