What's On in Devon

A Mini Winter Wonderland Trail

Venue: Donkey Sanctuary

Website: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Learn about the miniature herd in their super new paddock. This entertaining family activity combines fun, exercise and brainpower and is just £5 per trail. Open daily from 9am, general admission and...

Christmas Escape Room

Venue: Escape the Game

Address: Bovey Tracey

Website: www.escapethegame.co.uk

Can you and your team restore the elves belief in the magic of Christm so that Santa's star can shine bright. Suitable for adults and children aged 7+

Plymouth Winter Wonderland 2024

Venue: Central Park in Plymouth

Website: www.plymouthwinterwonderland.co.uk

Real ice rink, Santa's Grotto, big top with live music, festive food stalls and rides and attractions

Plymouth's Winter Wonderland

Venue: Central Park in Plymouth

Website: www.plymouthwinterwonderland.co.uk

Real ice skating rink, meet Santa in his Enchanted Forest Grotto, refreshments, love music, character appearance, rides and family-friendly activities

Exeter Winter Wonderland

Venue: Northernhay Gardens

Website: www.exeterwinterwonderland.co.uk

Rides and attractions, festive refreshments, Santa's Grotto and Naughty Elf Workshop

Christmas at the Castle

Venue: Powderham Castle

Website: www.powderham.co.uk/christmas

Festive experience with Christmas illuminated light walk and Festive House Experience featuring rooms decorated with seasonal décor

Cinderella

Venue: Exeter Northcott

Website: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Production of the classic story from Le Navet Bete with laugh-out-loud fun, great music, stunning costumes and sets and amazing special effects. Audio described, BSL interpreted, relaxed and captioned...

Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas

Venue: Theatre Royal Plymouth

Website: www.theatreroyal.com

Adaptation of Raymond Briggs' story recommended for ages 3 to 7 years. Accessible performances available on selected dates

800 Years of Christmas

Venue: Torre Abbey

Website: www.englishriviera.co.uk

Projection event celebrating the rich heritage of the abbey and the festive spirit of Christmas

Bay of Lights

Venue: Torquay

Website: www.englishriviera.co.uk

Illumination trail with 18 large light installations and a Christmas market

Bay of Lights - The Illumination Trail

Venue: Torquay

Website: www.englishriviera.co.uk

Light trail as part of the Bay of Lights - see website for locations

Viking Yule: Christmas at Buckland Abbey

Venue: Buckland Abbey

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/buckland-abbey

Be immersed in Viking traditions and see the Abbey decorated with medieval winter traditions

The Star Who Danced

Venue: Theatre Royal Plymouth

Website: www.theatreroyal.com

Sensory non-verbal show recommended for ages 0 to 3 with dance, live music and light. The performance will end with space for further exploration, play and festive photos

Greendale Christmas Cirus

Venue: Greendale Farm Shop

Website: www.thechristmascircus.com

This family friendly circus event promises a delightful blend of traditional circus acts and holiday themed entertainment, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. Take your family and friends for...

Beauty and the Beast

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Address: Barnstaple

Website: www.queenstheatre-barnstaple.com

Pantomime performance of the classic story

Icescape Westpoint

Venue: Westpoint Exeter

Website: https://westpoint.icetickets.co.uk

Undercover ice rink

Dear Santa

Venue: Barnfield Theatre

Website: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Festive show based around Rod Campbell's book with BSL interpreted and relaxed performances on selected dates

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Princess Theatre Torquay

Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/princess-theatre

Production transporting you to the world of magic beans, a majestic castle in the clouds and a walking, talking and rather bad-tempered Giant. Relaxed perfromance on 2nd January 2025

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Venue: Theatre Royal Plymouth

Website: www.theatreroyal.com

Pantomime brought to life with comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, costumes and stunning scenery. Accessible performance available on selected dates

Zooluminate

Venue: Dartmoor Zoo

Website: www.dartmoorzoo.co.uk

Experience a magical, wintery and festive walk around the site taking in a series of beautiful light installations

Winterwood

Venue: Theatre Alibi

Website: www.theatrealibi.co.uk

Go and visit Winterwood for a special seasonal treat; enter a magical, pine tree filled, snowy land. Explore the gingerbread shop, the Ever-After Emporium, and much, much more. Meet the extraordinary characters...

Dayzee and the World of Tomorrow

Venue: Exeter Phoenix

Website: www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

21st festive show from Quirk Theatre and Exeter Phoenix. Join Dayzee and her dad in the not-so-far-off future where bicycles fly, flies talk and mangrove forests sing. A festive treat for all ages

The Elves and the Shoemaker

Venue: Barnfield Theatre

Website: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Brand new version of the beloved fairytale from Exeter Northcott Theatre and Paddleboat Theatre Company

Exmouth Christmas Village Events

Venue: Exmouth

Website: www.facebook.com/exmouthchristmasvillage

Carols, community showcase, comedy night, Christmas quiz and more

Christmas Holidays at The Big Sheep

Venue: The Big Sheep

Website: www.thebigsheep.co.uk

Winter admission includes mega indoor play zone, sensory room and the opportunity to grab a festive snack and dirnk. Indoor play only - no rides, animals or shows

Sleeping Beauty

Venue: Palace Theatre Paignton

Website: www.palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk

Performance of the classic story from the Paignton Panto Productions

The Polar Express

Venue: Ullacombe Christmas Barns Cinema Nights

Website: www.ullacombefarm.co.uk

Screening of the classic Christmas film in the barn with refreshments available

Gingerbread Workshops

Venue: Pom Stitch Tassel

Website: www.pomstitchtassel.co.uk

2 different sessions - make and decorate a gingerbread wreath (age 7+) or Gingerbread Family and Scene (ages 2 to 6)

Reindeer Food Activity in soft play

Venue: Ocean

Website: www.oceanexmouth.co.uk

Enjoy 90 minutes of play followed by a magical 30 minute session creating a festive bag of reindeer food

Its Snowtime - Christmas Eve Party

Venue: Ocean

Website: www.oceanexmouth.co.uk

Live entertainment with the in-house entertainers - interactive games, surprises, goody bag and festive treats

Boxing Day Barbecue

Venue: Clovelly Harbour

Website: www.clovelly.co.uk

BBQ with live music

Paddington in Peru

Venue: The Plough Arts Centre

Website: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Screening of the new and much awaited Paddington sequel

Beauty and the Beast

Venue: Barnfield Theatre

Website: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Production of the classic story from Wonder Pantomimes

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Barnfield Theatre

Address: Exeter

Website: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Pantomime performance from Wonder Pantomimes

New Years Eve Play

Venue: Ocean Exmouth

Website: www.oceanexmouth.co.uk

Evening of fun, music and soft play

New Year's Day

Venue: Coleton Fishacre

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/coleton-fishacre

Take in the sea views from the garden, snap up treats from the shop in the Christmas sale and soak up the festive decorations in the house

Puss In Boots

Venue: Shaftesbury Theatre

Website: www.shaftesbury-dawlish.co.uk

Annual family performance with laughter, magic and heartwarming moments for all ages from Dawlish Repertory Company

The Last Baguette present 'A Winter's Tail' (ideal for 2 to 7 years

Venue: The Plough Arts Centre

Website: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Relaxed play-along theatre adventure for ages 2 to 7 and their grown ups with younger and older siblings welcome

Mummers Play and Wassail

Venue: Buckland Abbey

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/buckland-abbey

Take part in the annual tradition to bless orchards to ensure a good harvest for the year to come

Luxmarlis Times

Venue: Exeter Cathedral

Website: www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

Sound and light experience featuring dazzling light, dynamic soundscapes and multiple project installations

The Three Musketeers

Venue: Barnfield Theatre

Website: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Swashbuckling adventure adapted from the classic novel performed by a team of professional actors aged 11 to 65 from around South Devon

Beauty and the Beast

Venue: Palace Theatre Paignton

Website: www.palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk

Production of the classic story from Wonder Pantomimes

The Dreamer

Venue: Exeter Phoenix

Website: www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Magic show from James Phelan

The Three Musketeers

Venue: Torquay Royal Lyceum Theatre

Website: www.southdevonplayers.com

Performance of the classic story from the South Devon Players

Swan Lake

Venue: Princess Theatre Torquay

Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/princess-theatre

Performance of the world's most popular ballet

The Pirate Princess

Venue: The Institute, Ottery St May

Website: www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/ottery-st-mary/the-institute/the-pirate-princess

Pantomime of swashbuckling fun and adventure with songs, action and laughter from Ottery Community Theatre

Rapunzel

Venue: Broadclyst Victory Hall

Website: www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/exeter/broadclyst-victory-hall/rapunzel-the-panto

Pantomime performance of the classic fairytale from Broadclyst Theatre Group

Protest

Venue: Theatre Royal Plymouth

Website: https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/protest/

For ages 7+. Running is Alice’s happy place – you might even say it’s in her DNA. She’s the best runner at her school but is struggling to prove her worth. Jade is slowly coming to realise that...

A Picture of Health: Exeter's Medical History

Venue: Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM)

Address: Queen Street, Exeter

Website: www.rammmuseum.org.uk

Exhibition focusing on the stories and experiences of real people associated with Exeter’s medical past to engage audiences of all ages. See elsewhere in What’s On for family friendly half term activities

Autumn Apple Trail

Venue: Lydford Gorge

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/lydford-gorge

Follow the trail around the orchard to get stuck into some apple activities

Autumn Spotter Trail

Venue: Knightshayes

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/knightshayes

Pick up an Autumn Spotter Trail and go on an adventure around the gardens and parkland. See if you can find all of the colours on the colour wheel and match the leaves you find on the Autumn leaves guide....

Autumnfest celebrations at Arlington Court

Venue: Arlington Court and the National Carriage Museum

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/devon/arlington-court-and-the-national-trust-carriage-museum

Discover displays around the grounds, visitor reception, tea rooms and gardens, as they celebrate the autumn colour. Family crafting and activities

BEAR HUNT SCULPTURE TRAIL

Venue: Various locations in North Devon

Website: www.chsw.org.uk/event/bear-hunt-sculpture-trail

Find 25 5 foot bears painted by a local artist around Bideford, Barnstaple, Great Torrington and Ilfracombe. Use the Bear Hunt app or download the trail map and make a donation to support Children's Hospice...

Big Schools' Birdwatch

Address: Everywhere

Website: www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/ for-teachers/schools-birdwatch/

Count birds in your school grounds and submit results online. See the website for helpful ID resources

Catapult Building at Powderham

Ch

CHINESE ZODIAC TRAIL

Venue: Torquay Museum

Address: 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay,

Website: www.torquaymuseum.org.uk

Find all the Zodiac animals around the Museum

Coat of Arms Explore and Find Trail

Venue: Exeter Cathedral

Website: https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/whats-on/events/coat-of-arms-explore-and-find-trail/

The Coat of Arms Explore and Find Trail is an exciting new children’s activity arriving at Exeter Cathedral in time for the Easter holidays.  Coats of Arms have been used since Medieval times...

Easter Activities at World of Country Life

Time: 1080624:00

Venue: World of Country Life

Address: West Down Lane, Sandy Bay, Exmouth

Website: https://www.worldofcountrylife.co.uk/event/easter-holiday-family-fun/

Special Easter arts and craft sessions, Easter Egg Trail as well as their programme of daily activities and play areas

Fantazy

Venue: Babbacombe Theatre

Website: www.babbacombe-theatre.com

Variety show with comedy, illusion, vocalists and dance

Follow the Sensory Trail at Seaton Wetlands

Venue: Seaton Wetlands

Website: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/wildeastdevon/wild-east-devon-events/february-2023/follow-the-sensory-trail-at-seaton-wetlands/

New sensory trail - follow the trail and each board highlights an activity to help you connect to nature

Guess Who Adoption Donkey Trail

Venue: The Donkey Sanctuary

Address: Slade House Farm, Sidmouth

Website: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/events

Put your knowledge about the Sanctuary's adoption to the test in their new summer trail combining fun, exercise and brainpower - £5 per trail. Open daily until 9am, general admission and parking is free....

Hell's Bells

Hide and Sheep AR trail

Venue: Powderham Castle,

Address: Kenton, Nr Exeter

Website: www.powderham.co.uk

Explore this historic Estate with an Augmented Reality Trail. See the website for details on how to access the app before arrival

Hollywood Rome Trail

Venue: Torquay Museum

Website: 530 Babbacombe Road, Torquay

Explore the Hollywood Rome: Reel Life in the Ancient World exhibition and fill out the trail sheet. Also take part in an activity sheet called My Favourite Roman.

https://www.powderham.co.uk/events/view/medieval-month-1

I Am The Seed That Grew The Tree Exhibition

Venue: Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum

Address: Arlington, Nr Barnstaple

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arlington-court-and-the-national-trust-carriage-museum

Outdoor exhibition with nature scenes and poems for every month of the year

INCREDIBLE INSTRUMENTS TRAIL

Venue: Torquay Museum

Address: Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, TQ1 1HG.

Website: www.torquaymuseum.org/events

Explore the Made To Be Played: A Festival of Musical Instruments exhibition and answer the questions on your trail sheet and get a prize on completion.

Mail Trail 2023

Venue: Various locations across Exmouth

Website: www.hospiscare.co.uk/events/mail-trail-2023

Find over 40 decorated postboxes with maps available in aid of Hospiscare

make a

Orchard Fortnight

Venue: Killerton

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/killerton

Learn how the Killerton team manage a traditional orchard to reverse the decline in nature, follow an orchard trail, pick your own apples and play games. Demonstrations of apple pressing

Paddington TM The Story of A Bear

Venue: Torre Abbey

Address: The King's Drive, Torquay

Website: www.torre-abbey.org.uk

Touring exhibition from the British Library with books, documents, film clips and original artwork and more associated events to be announced

Read to a Dog

Session to encourage children and teenagers to read - book onto a session with Rafa who has been assessed and is registered with Pets as Therapy.

Rediscover Church - Family Easter Trail - Cranbrook

Venue: Younghayes Centre

Address: Cranbrook

Website: https://www.rediscoverchurch.com/cranbrook-eastertrail

Organised by Rediscover Church and starting and ending at the Younghayes Centre.  Free to take part but booking essential.

Remedies, Reasons and Resilience

Venue: Torre Abbey

Website: www.torre-abbey.org.uk/whats-on

Exhibition exploring what wellbeing means to individuals

Spirit of Sanctuary Winter Trail

Venue: The Donkey Sanctuary

Address: Slade House Farm, Sidmouth

Website: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/events

Discover the true spirit of the sanctuary in their wonderful winter trail. Find your donkey spirit word this winter. This entertaining family activity combines fun, exercise and brainpower and is just...

Spring Wildlife Hunt

Venue: The Donkey Sanctuary

Address: Slade House Farm, Sidmouth

Website: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Spot the wildlife that has thrived thanks to the stewardship of the land, aided by the donkeys. Seek out some of the many species by finding the wildlife boards located around the sanctuary and matching...

Stories of Sanctuary Spirit Trail

Venue: The Donkey Sanctuary

Address: The Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth,

Website: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Uncover the spirit of the sanctuary in their wonderful winter trail. Reveal your donkey spirit word this winter. This entertaining family activity combines fun, exercise and brainpower and is just £5...

Sublime Symmetry: The Mathematics Behind De Morgan's Ceramic Designs

Venue: Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM)

Address: Queen Street, Exeter

Website: www.rammuseum.org.uk

Exhibition investigating the use of mathematical principles in William De Morgan's beautiful ceramic designs

Superhero Insect Trail

Venue: Torquay Museum

Website: 531 Babbacombe Road, Torquay

Wherever you find them, insects are carrying out vital jobs that make healthy ecosystems and help us by pollinating our food and cleaning up our environment. Follow the Superhero trail of these incredible...

THIRSTY FOR FASHION EXHIBITION

Venue: Killerton

Address: Broadclyst

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/killerton

Exhibition exploring circular fashion from the 18th Century to the present day highlighting the techniques used to repair and reuse clothing throughout history

Vineyard Nature Trail

Venue: Sandridge Barton,

Address: Stoke Gabriel

Website: www.sandridgebarton.com

Family friendly nature trail set on the edge of the River Dart

Winter Fun at Woodlands

Venue: Woodlands

Address: Woodlands, Blackawton, Totnes,

Website: www.woodlandspark.com

Indoor areas and selected rides open

Winter Sculpture Exhbition

Venue: RHS Rosemoor

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor

Return of the annual exhibition with sculptures situated round the grounds

ZOG ACTIVITY TRAIL

Venue: Haldon Forest Park

Address: Bullers Hill, nr Exeter

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/haldon-forest-park

Brand new family activity trail and free app. See website for details