Half-term and the bank holiday are right around the corner, and that means planning how to occupy the week off school. Thankfully, in beautiful South Devon, there are plenty of things to do to keep children of all ages entertained. Mixed in with the homework and revision, here are some of our suggestions on what to do out and about in South Devon in May half-term.
Dinosaur Birthday Celebration at Torquay’s Dinosaur World
At Torquay’s Dinosaur World over half-term, 24 May to 2 June 2019, there will be a week full of birthday celebrations, for the 9th anniversary. Children and adults alike can explore the various exhibitions and find out about the million-year-old dinosaurs. All the dinosaurs have been given presents, and the explorers will get presents too – a fossil and expert certificate. For children who love dinosaurs, this week-long event is one to put on the list!
Golden Carrot Hunt at The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is celebrating its Golden Anniversary, and from 29 April to 11 July 2019 it is providing lots of family entertainment. Visitors can take part in the Golden Carrot Hunt, finding clues around the sanctuary to find the golden carrots and discover facts about the sanctuary’s history. Throughout the quest, children will have the chance to meet the hundreds of donkeys at the sanctuary. The sanctuary also holds talks and demonstrations daily so visitors can find out about the residents and what work the sanctuary does to help them.
Exmouth Festival
Exmouth Festival is held on the last May bank holiday each year, this year 24 to 27 May 2019, and one of the biggest free festivals in the South West. The festival brings many visitors to Exmouth, and is family friendly too, making it the ideal place to introduce your children to festivals. There will be musical entertainment over the whole weekend, but there is more than just music that the whole family can enjoy. There will be comedy workshops, circus skills, clowns and a stunt show.
Half-term Activities at Killerton
The Killerton estate is a National Trust property, and over May half term it is the perfect place to go for a day out in South Devon. With over 6000 acres to explore, you can choose from several walks, letting the children burn off some energy! Killerton has a collection of ancient and rare trees, and neighbouring Ashclyst Forest has butterflies, flowers, birds and animals to spot – including deer! There are also guided walks through the parkland every Tuesday and Thursday so you can learn more about the history, wildlife and landscape of the parkland – just remember proper footwear.
Pirate Week at World of Country Life
At the World of Country Life in Exmouth, half-term is Pirate Week! There are pirate-themed activities every day along with the usual at the park: goat walking, animal handling and the falconry display. The pirate-themed activities include nail-biting sword fight displays and a Pirate Ship Play Area. Also at the World of Country Life is the Museum of Farming and Hall of Transport with the amazing collection of vintage cars and bikes.
Medieval Madness at Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle’s half-term activities on 29 to 31 May 2019 invite visitors to step back in time to experience medieval life. The Knights of Royal England will be jousting one another, and the Pocketwatch Theatre Company will be performing medieval plays throughout the whole week. In addition to the Medieval Madness events, you can also explore Powderham Castle itself and wander the extensive grounds and gardens.
Join Crealy Theme Park & Resort this May half-term for Mayhem
With the most theme park rides in Devon and over 60 attractions to choose from, Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the place to be for the whole family this May! Take a spin on the Twister as you tower over 12 metres high and make your way around the track at a blistering 30mph! Or why not take on the Tidal Wave Log Flume? You’ll be taken above the tree line, to a sudden 40 foot drop into the water below, you’re sure to get wet on this one!
If that’s not enough, you will be able to jump on the Aqua Blasters where you zoom around the lagoon in your own bumper boat and fire your water cannon at anyone in your way! For those rainy days, you and the family can head over to over 75,000 square feet of indoor play area across Buddy Bear’s Kingdom, the Adventure Zone and the Lost World of Atlantis, which has indoor rides including Dolphin Drop, Neptune’s Sea Cups, Super Subs and Shark Bay.
Crealy also homes hundreds of animals of many different varieties including meerkats, crocodiles, alpacas and your favourite barn animals. There are petting sessions available throughout your visit to the theme park, with special VIP Animal Experiences available to be booked in advance of your visit.
At our private school, Devon, we want to make sure our pupils make the most of their time during the school holidays and take every opportunity to discover and learn new things where they can. When it comes to half term homework and revision too, we offer online resources which can be accessed at home too!
