Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
October Half Term and Halloween in Devon 2025
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Family Activities in Cornwall This October Half Term & Halloween
Looking for the best family activities in Cornwall this October half term? From spooky Halloween events to cosy coastal adventures, Cornwall offers endless fun for families during the autumn holidays. Enjoy pumpkin picking, Halloween trails, and family-friendly days out at Cornwall’s top attractions. Whether you’re exploring the local attractions, meeting animals on a local farm, or walking along windswept beaches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the best things to do in Cornwall with kids this October and November half term — and make unforgettable memories in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.
Find out more about local activities for families at our frequently updated listings here
Coming to Exeter Phoenix
Exeter Phoenix is celebrating this most frightening time of year with a scarily good programme of theatre, films and workshops for the whole family! Throughout October, half term and beyond you can meet friendly aliens, watch your favourite cat videos up on the big screen or get creative in their workshops!
Don't forget to look ahead to Christmas with the return of Quirk Theatre’s much-loved Ernie And The Sea Of Ice — a penguin-packed festive adventure not to be missed!
Find out more at www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
Join the Hospiscare Reindeer Run this December!
Dash, prance and spread festive cheer while supporting your local hospice. Schools, nurseries and pre-schools can choose any day in December to host their run. Every child receives a fun pack with antlers to make, stickers, colouring-in cards, games and activities. Teachers get free letter templates and lesson plans too. It’s simple, fun and free to sign up.
By taking part, your school community will stay active, celebrate the season and help Hospiscare care to be there for local people facing terminal illness and their loved ones, across Exeter, central and east Devon.
Register today at hospiscare.co.uk/events/reindeer-run.
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This spooky season at Torre Abbey
Torre Abbey once again swings open its ancient garden gates after hours, inviting families to experience a spine-tingling, family-friendly Halloween adventure like no other.
This October half term, step into the eerie world of The Abbey After Dark, where shadows stir and ghostly figures roam. As night falls, brave visitors will journey through a creepy trail filled with interactive scares, haunting illuminations, and hair-raising special effects. From Wednesday 29 October to Saturday 1 November, Torre Abbey’s gardens transform into a chilling spectacle of history, mystery, and horror. Whether your little ones are new to spooky fun or seasoned Halloween thrill-seekers, there’s something for everyone.
Find out more at www.torre-abbey.org.uk
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Celebrate Drizzle’s Birthday at The Donkey Sanctuary this October
Drizzle is having a pumpkin party for her birthday! Collect all the pumpkins around the sanctuary to win a prize! This hide and seek activity combines family fun, exercise and brainpower and is just £5 per trail, including a treat on completion. Plus, with a new play park, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, hedge maze and lots of friendly donkeys, there’s so much to explore! Open daily from 9am, general admission and parking are free. Dogs welcome on a lead.
Find out more at www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/sidmouth
This October half term, head to Tiverton Museum for spooky fun with a Ghost Train theme!
Families can follow the Ghost Train trail all week, enjoy Halloween crafts on selected days, and brave Family Fright Night — searching for ghostly passengers by torchlight among the galleries.
Alongside the Halloween activities, explore the museum’s hands-on displays year round: climb aboard the Tivvy Bumper steam engine, play with ride-ons, try on costumes, and follow trails through Mid Devon’s history.
Halloween Half Term runs from Saturday 25th October – Saturday 1st November (closed Sunday)
Booking is open now — don’t miss out!
https://www.tivertonmuseum.org.uk/event/halloween-half-term-2
It's moving into a local home, not leaving all they know
Right now, one in five children in care are being moved more than 20 miles from home due to a shortage of local council foster carers. These moves can mean losing touch with friends, family, and school — connections that shape a child’s sense of belonging.
Fostering locally helps children stay rooted in their communities and hold onto the memories that matter most. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time. Your care could keep a child close to everything they know and love.
Find out more at www.fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org.uk
Orchard Month at Killerton: 4 October – 2 November
This month we are celebrating Killerton's heritage orchards. Learn how the Killerton team are managing them and planting new ones to create havens for nature and wildlife. Join the ranger team on Saturdays to press apples and learn about traditional methods.
Ranger apple pressing demonstrations on Saturdays 17 & 25 October at 11am and 2pm.
Daily, throughout Orchard Month, follow the red apple trail to one of the orchards to harvest apples for the rangers to press or pick your own to take home. Please bring a bag if you would like to take the apples home.
Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/killerton/events
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Paignton BOO: Frights…camera…action!
This half-term, Paignton Zoo is getting spooky with a brand-new Halloween event for the whole family!
Embark on a spine-chilling quest with their Zombie Zookeeper to find their favourite tiger, Sayang, who's mysteriously vanished! Gather your little ones and set off on a wild journey through the zoo, collecting chilling clues and meeting cackling characters along the way. Finish the trail with an interactive show packed with spooky songs and ghoulish dances.
Plus, unleash your inner witch or wizard at their new Spook School! Learn to brew bubbling potions that could bewitch even the scariest Halloween creatures, carve your own petrifying pumpkin* and more.
Don’t miss out on the ultimate Halloween experience: book your tickets online…if you dare.
Visit www.paigntonzoo.org.uk.
*Please note, all activities are included within your ticket price, except for pumpkin carving which requires a small charge
Spooktacular Fun Awaits!
Keep busy this October half-term at House of Marbles! With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities like their Brass Rubbing Trail and Penny Press, we’re the perfect all-weather destination.
Join their Halloween Modelling Clay workshop, fun for all children of all ages.
Looking ahead to Christmas, don’t miss their Santa’s Grotto and Santa Paws – book your tickets early! While you’re here, why not enjoy a festive Christmas lunch and dinner in our restaurant?
Fun, creativity, and festive magic await the whole family!
Find out more at www.houseofmarbles.com
Looking for a fun-filled family day out this autumn? Head to Exeter Racecourse on Sunday 23rd November for a fantastic Family Raceday in support of Devon Air Ambulance.
Alongside the excitement of live jump racing, families can enjoy a range of free children’s entertainment, including glitter artists, a traditional Punch & Judy show, and a creative arts & crafts area, perfect for keeping little ones entertained.
Even better, under 18s go free, making it a great-value day out for all ages.
Book your family ticket now and enjoy a day of fun and fundraising!
Find out more at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Join the Halloween Fun at Affinity Devon This Half Term!
This October Half Term, Affinity Devon is hosting a week of spooky fun and creative activities for the whole family! Children can make their own slime, craft creepy clay monsters, enjoy Halloween themed face painting, and take part in their Trick-or-Treat trail. Don’t miss the World of Wonder Halloween parties or animal encounters with Really Wild Planet for even more excitement. With so many activities to enjoy, there’s something for everyone. A week of thrills, creativity, and family entertainment awaits!
Visit affinitydevon.com to find out more and plan your visit.
It’s Panto Time in Torquay – “Oh Yes It Is”!!!
Sleeping Beauty: Fri 12 Dec – Sat 3 Jan – various performance times
TV soap favourite and Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Emma Barton stars as the wickedly enchanting Carabosse, the witch who is craving revenge.
Emma will be joined by Torquay’s favourite dame Michael Neilson, who returns for his third year, this time as Nurse Nellie who is on the hunt for love (especially in the two front rows!). Back by popular demand is the hilarious Matthew Curnier as Chester the Jester, who is in search of an audience to laugh at his daft jokes. Lotti Brogan will be joining the cast as the beautiful Princess Aurora, whilst Charlie McCullagh is the swashbuckling Prince Valiant who is on a mission to save her from an evil curse. Lucy McClusky is the spellbinding Fairy Fortywinks, on a mission to help the Prince save Aurora…if only she could stop falling asleep!
From the team behind last year’s smash hit production of “Jack and the Beanstalk”, don’t miss this enchanting pantomime, that’s suitable for all the family, which promises toe-tapping songs, breathtaking special effects, lots of slapstick silliness and a ton of surprises.
If you SNOOZE, you LOSE! So book your tickets now – visit ATGTICKETS.COM/Torquay
Spooky Fun For All Ages Underground
This Halloween, there’s something for everyone at Kents Cavern. Families can enjoy A Very Batty Half Term, with glowing bats to spot on tours of the cave, plus hands-on activities and plenty of bat facts to discover. For something unique, step into the caves for our Silent Discos, with glowing headphones and two channels of music designed for all ages. Movie lovers can head beneath the surface for their Halloween Cave Cinema, while adventurers can join an epic Dungeons & Dragons© campaign set in the depths of the caves. Spooky, fun and totally unforgettable - join in this October.
Find out more at www.kents-cavern.co.uk
eat:Festivals
Meet over 80 local food and drink producers at this one day celebration of some of Devon's finest in Exmouth on Sunday 26th October. eat:Festivals specialise in one-day, free to attend food and drink festivals across the south west and have two amazing festivals planned this autumn and winter.
Exmouth Gate to Plate is taking place on The Strand. Alongside the makers, growers, farmers and street food, you will find free entertainment too.
Just along the coast in Dawlish they are getting an extra helping of eat:Festivals this year, with a new festive addition on Saturday 13th December that will see the festival stretch along the road alongside The Lawn in the town centre with added Father Christmas (no charge to meet Santa).
Both events run 10am - 4pm.
Visit Santa at Bow Garden Centre!
There’s nothing quite like the magic of Santa at Christmas, and Bow Garden Centre has been voted one of Devon’s best Santa experiences. Bow’s Magical Winter Wonderland Grotto is now open for bookings via their website.
Bring the children along to meet Santa and enjoy festive activities, including Santa’s Treasure Trail, a snowy surprise from the snow machine, and a Christmas craft session with your very own personal elf.
Visit Santa’s Grotto on the dedicated SEND Day, Sunday 23rd November, available for anyone who needs a calmer experience with quieter noise levels and reduced lighting.
Make a day of it by booking Christmas lunch at Bow’s award-winning Waterside Café. You can view the special Christmas menu online.
Santa and his elves can’t wait to welcome you!
Find out more at www.bowgardencentre.co.uk
Santas on the Run
Start December with a magical 2k festive fun run at the Eden Project!
Dress in your favourite Christmas outfit (and maybe win a prize!) and enjoy 4 Christmassy stops, including a snow station, selfie with the elf, sweet treats and festive songs in the biome.
This untimed event is perfect for all abilities, and entry includes full-day access to the Eden Project.
Help raise vital funds for families supported by our 3 hospices, including Little Harbour.
They ask individuals to raise £30 or £86 as a family. Spaces are limited to 400 per wave, and dogs are not permitted.
Find out more at www.chsw.org.uk
Gary – I think this might be being used to track – so can we try to do a QR code
Your New Christmas Tradition!
Escape The Game's Christmas Themed Escape Room Is Back!
Each year Escape The Game create a new themed Christmas game with a new story and puzzles! This year's theme is Santa Escape - The Runaway Sleigh. 'All the presents are ready to be delivered, but there’s a problem, Santa’s sleigh has runaway! Can you and your team track it down and guide it back to Santa in time to save Christmas?'
This 60 minute, family friendly escape room is suitable for adults and children aged over 7 years and for groups of 2 - 8 people (please contact us for larger groups). Santa Escape is open from the 8th November 2025 - 4th January 2026. To book online please visit the website via the QR code or 01626 833250.
Keeping our children well this winter
Flu vaccines are now available for children aged 2 to 3 years and school-aged children (Reception to Year 11).
Each winter in the UK, thousands of children who do not have a health condition need hospital care because of flu.
Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also helps protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, such as babies, anyone who's pregnant, and older people.
The children's flu vaccine is quick and easy to receive and is usually given as a painless nasal spray in each nostril.
If you have a child of school age, you should get an invitation from your child's school or the School Age Immunisation Service to get their vaccine. If your child misses their vaccination at school or if they are home-schooled, they should be offered a flu vaccine at a community clinic.
If you have a child who is aged 2 to 3 you should get an invitation from your GP surgery. Alternatively, your child may be able to have their vaccine at a participating pharmacy as some are now able to offer children’s’ flu vaccinations.
Find out more at: nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine
We have so much coming up this Autumn at Greendale Farm Shop
Open for the whole of October, come and visit our family-friendly pumpkin patch, choose your perfect pumpkin and meet Billy-Bob the giant Bat, plus lots of photo-opportunities for all ages. Our popular Pumpkin Trail is also back with spooky clues that lead you round the farm shop and animal trail, spotting numbered pumpkins along the way to a sweet reward.
We've even got Santa booked in for a visit in December! - keep an eye on our socials for more info coming soon.
Head to greendale.com/events to book your tickets!
Preston Bridge School is a specialist school with two sites in the beautiful town of Paignton, supporting students aged 6-19 with EHCPs.
“We take pride in our approach, 'Enterprise Learning’, which places children as active participants in a well-structured, project-based process answering real-world questions. Our curriculum enables students to achieve qualifications from functional skills to GCSEs and is celebrated by key stakeholders, including Ofsted.
We have in-year spaces available, as well as spaces for 2026-2027. Please contact us at referrals@prestonbridgeschool.co.uk or call 01803 926555. For more information head to our website https://www.prestonbridgeschool.co.uk
Sixth Form Open Evening – Thursday 16th October 2025 at Kingsley Devon
“Discover Kingsley’s Sixth Form at our Open Evening. Explore our unique Core and Expansive Curriculum, featuring partnerships with FC Devon, specialist Rugby Scholarships, and the UK’s leading school Surfing Academy. Meet our passionate teachers, chat with current students, and learn about our wide range of A-Level and BTEC options. We are proud of our best-ever results: one third of A Level grades were A or A*, BTEC students averaged Distinction, and our +0.2 Value Added score shows students achieve beyond expectations.”
Tel: 01237 426200 or email admissions@kingsleydevon.com
The pantomime you’ve been wishing for in Barnstaple!
The son of a humble washerwoman, Aladdin Twankey dreams of a better life and fabulous riches. When an mysterious Wizard offers him the chance of the adventure of a lifetime, Aladdin jumps at the chance to prove his worth. Will he survive the journey and return a rich man? And will Widow Twankey ever shift those stubborn stains? You’ll have to book to find out!
This classic rags-to-riches pantomime tale is filled to the brim with Queen Theatre’s genie-us comedy, mayhem, magic and more!
12 – 31st December 2025
Find out more at Queenstheatre-barnstaple.com or call 01271 316523
Pom Stitch Tassel
Join Pom Stitch Tassel for a magical half term of craft & sewing workshops PLUS their very own Halloween party!
From creating Gingerbread Haunted Houses to sewing Monster Softies, there is something for every child to enjoy this half term.
Their sessions are suitable from age 2+ right the way up to adults.
Find out more at www.pomstitchtassel.com
Query with kirsty
Protect your child from flu this winter
“Flu is more than a sniffle – it can cause serious illness, hospitalisation, and complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Children under five are among the most likely to be admitted, and as “superspreaders” they can easily pass flu to vulnerable relatives. The NHS offers a free, painless nasal spray flu vaccine for all children aged 2–3 (via GP surgeries) and for primary and secondary school children (via schools or the School Age Immunisation Team). Parents should return consent forms promptly or arrange catch-up appointments if needed. Vaccinating your child protects them and helps stop flu spreading to others.”
For client to approve
All Steps Formation Riding Christmas Show
This year’s All Steps Show, taking place on Saturday 20th December at Bicton College from 6pm to 8pm has the theme ‘Christmas and Inclusivity’. The show will have performances from lots of different performers and horses of all different breeds and sizes with the aim to promote inclusivity in the equestrian world and offers something for everyone, from grass roots to grand prix.
The demo team will be performing in their trademark tails and fairy lights and the new mascot ‘Golden Nugget’ will also be making his debut.
To add to the excitement, a ‘Meet and Greet’ will follow the parade presenting you with the opportunity to get your picture with your favourite horses.
The regular ticket prices will be £24 for adults and £16 for kids with carer options available.
Tickets for this memorable evening of equestrian entertainment and celebration are available from https://gala.allstepsformationriding.uk/christmas-show24
Halloween at Babbacombe Model Village
Visit Babbacombe Model Village any day from October 24th–31st for spooky Halloween scenes, eerie illuminations, soundscapes, and fire effects!
Enjoy the full Model Village experience, including indoor attractions, crazy golf (included free with admission), and spooky illuminations.
Kids aged 3+ can take part in a Miniature Pumpkin Hunt and win a Halloween treat.
Enjoy a FREE return visit within 7 days. No booking needed—regular admission applies.
Find out more at ww.model-village.co.uk
Kingsley Devon
“Join us for Kingsley School’s Whole School Open Day in November, from 9.30 AM to 11.30 AM. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore our vibrant community, tour our outstanding facilities, and meet the staff and students who bring Kingsley to life. Discover how academic excellence, sporting ambition, and personal growth combine across every stage of school life. Explore our Heart and Earth Centres, science labs, art studios, performance spaces, and sports academies. With guided tours, subject insights, and the chance to ask questions, you’ll see why Kingsley is such a special place for your child’s future.”
Book your place at www.kingsleydevon.com. To find out more, call Admissions on: 01237 426200
Exeter School
Exeter School’s Stringed Instrument Scheme offers every child in junior school the opportunity to learn an instrument weekly, free of charge, with one other pupil. The start of the new academic year has seen lessons kicking off well and pupils are excited that instruments in the woodwind strand have now been added. This is a result of seeing fewer children picking up instruments like these during the pandemic years. Lessons lead up to a summer concert supporting teamwork, giving every child the chance to experience the power of music.
Find out more at (Gary – can you access the actual webpage – ive only got the weird link – don’t know if its just the Exeter school webpage or a specific one)
Unlock your child’s potential with Blundell’s 11+ Scholarships & Awards.
This is more than entry testing — it’s an invitation to join a school where academic ambition, artistic creativity, and strong character are equally celebrated. At age 11, candidates can compete for academic and music awards — and successful applicants may also be eligible for means-tested bursaries to help meet school fees.
With a deep heritage of scholarship, Blundell’s supports pupils to lead, inspire and flourish in every area of school life. Explore the possibilities today.
Find out more at www.blundells.org/scholarships-and-bursaries
October Half Term Fun: The Secret Life of Pumpkins, 25 Oct -2 Nov
This October half term RHS Rosemoor bringing some frightfully good family fun to our gardens with a spine-tingling celebration of all things pumpkin. Explore the trail to discover scarecrows, spooky surprises and the secret life of pumpkins beyond the patch. Watch artists from Sand In Your Eye bring bugs to life through a live pumpkin carving session and come face-to-face with creepy-crawlies who love to munch on a pumpkin banquet.
Get ready for some hands-on autumnal magic the whole family can get their claws into.
Gary – please can you make the section in yellow bullet pointed, I can’t seem to do it
Make this Christmas extra magical with Sunday Lunch with Santa!
Bring the whole family together for a festive treat:
A delicious two-course Christmas lunch
An afternoon of fun, entertainment, and a lively family disco
A small gift for every child to take home
Plenty of opportunities for those all-important photos with Santa
Date: Sunday 7th December
Prices: £29.95 per adult | £15 per child
Timings: 12pm – 4pm
Make it a getaway!
Stay the night from just £99 bed & breakfast (based on double or sole occupancy, subject to availability).
Book Here - letsdochristmas.com/event/sunday-lunch-with-santa/
Buy once, visit FREE for 12 months.
Visit the National Marine Aquarium, home of the Ocean Conservation Trust, and be fascinated by over 5,000 marine animals. With an exciting themed activity trail, and daily talks and shows from their Ocean Discovery Rangers, there will be fun for whole family. All entrance tickets come with a FREE 12-month pass, so pay once and return as much as you like throughout the year!
Want a deeper dive to your visit? Book onto their Behind the Scenes Tours for an exclusive look at how they feed their marine animals and view animals that aren’t on display!
Find out more at www.national-aquarium.co.uk
Join Santas on the Run at Plym Valley Railway!
Hop aboard the Lord Oliver Brown Locomotive for a festive journey to the start of a 3K fun run.
Enjoy Christmas entertainment, sweet treats and snowy stops along the way.
This untimed event is perfect for all abilities. Collect stamps on route to earn your medal at the finish!
Help raise vital funds for families supported by their 3 hospices, including Little Harbour, with a fundraising goal of £30 per person or £86 as a family.
There are just 120 places available per wave. Spectators and dogs are welcome at the start line.
Find out more at www.chsw.org.uk
Keeping our children well this winter
Flu vaccines are now available for children aged 2 to 3 years and school-aged children (Reception to Year 11).
Each winter in the UK, thousands of children who do not have a health condition need hospital care because of flu.
Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also helps protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, such as babies, anyone who's pregnant, and older people.
The children's flu vaccine is quick and easy to receive and is usually given as a painless nasal spray in each nostril.
If you have a child of school age, you should get an invitation from your child's school or the School Age Immunisation Service to get their vaccine. If your child misses their vaccination at school or if they are home-schooled, they should be offered a flu vaccine at a community clinic.
If you have a child who is aged 2 to 3 you should get an invitation from your GP surgery. Alternatively, your child may be able to have their vaccine at a participating pharmacy as some are now able to offer children’s’ flu vaccinations.
Find out more at: nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine
Scrooge the Musical! – Devonport Playhouse
Wednesday 3rd December to Saturday 6th December
In this timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.
In 1970, renowned writer/composer/lyricist Leslie Bricusse, adapted the classic Charles Dickens tale ‘A Christmas Carol’ into the hit screen musical Scrooge! Now available as a charming stage musical, Scrooge! has enjoyed a hugely successful tour of England and a season at London’s Dominion Theatre starring the late Anthony Newley. Included are six new songs not performed in the film.
Evenings at 19:30
Saturday Matinee at 14:30
Find out more at www.plymouththeatrecompany.com
Seasonal fun for everyone
There are some brilliant seasonal events at The Box over the next few weeks! Plymouth’s award-winning museum, art gallery and archive will celebrate Halloween on Sunday 26 October with an evening of music, dancing, craft activities and science experiments. The Box Kitchen & Bar will also be open with a tasty Halloween-inspired menu. During half term drop-in workshops will take their inspiration from the latest exhibitions. A new autumn trail that helps you explore the galleries is also now available and free storytelling sessions continue each Friday morning from 10.30-11am.
Get full details from www.theboxplymouth.com.
Paignton BOO: Frights…camera…action!
This half-term, Paignton Zoo is getting spooky with a brand-new Halloween event for the whole family!
Embark on a spine-chilling quest with their Zombie Zookeeper to find their favourite tiger, Sayang, who's mysteriously vanished! Gather your little ones and set off on a wild journey through the zoo, collecting chilling clues and meeting cackling characters along the way. Finish the trail with an interactive show packed with spooky songs and ghoulish dances.
Plus, unleash your inner witch or wizard at their new Spook School! Learn to brew bubbling potions that could bewitch even the scariest Halloween creatures, carve your own petrifying pumpkin* and more.
Don’t miss out on the ultimate Halloween experience: book your tickets online…if you dare.
Visit www.paigntonzoo.org.uk.
*Please note, all activities are included within your ticket price, except for pumpkin carving which requires a small charge
Advertiser Feature
It's moving into a local home, not leaving all they know
Right now, one in five children in care are being moved more than 20 miles from home due to a shortage of local council foster carers. These moves can mean losing touch with friends, family, and school — connections that shape a child’s sense of belonging.
Fostering locally helps children stay rooted in their communities and hold onto the memories that matter most. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time. Your care could keep a child close to everything they know and love.
Find out more at www.fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org.uk
Popular Exeter Photography Competition Returns
Exeter’s much-loved Tree Photo Competition is back for its 6th year ready for the autumn colours to come out! All participants need to do is take a photo of their favourite tree in the city
There a prizes available for both adults and under 16s, including a tree photography book and your image professionally framed.
Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/TreePhoto25
Message from Torquay Reads
“In 2024, over 13% of 5- to 8-year-olds did not have a single book of their own. This figure is higher in areas of increased deprivation, like Torquay. Yet, children who own books are six times more likely to read above the expected level for their age and four times more likely to enjoy reading*. Reading for pleasure has ongoing benefits throughout adulthood.
We set up Torquay Reads, a new charity, to ensure Torquay’s children all have brand new books of their own and can enjoy the benefits that book ownership brings.
We’d love your help. Whether it’s donating or fundraising, whether you’re an individual or a business, your support will be invaluable. You can contact us or donate from our website at www.torquayreads.org
We would love Torquay to become Britain’s first ‘Reading Town’, where businesses, residents and visitors all celebrate reading and it is ingrained in the culture of the town. That way, our children will grow up with a love of reading being a normal part of their lives.”
*All figures from National Literacy Trust research
World Book Day 2026 announcements
It has been announced that the next World Book Day event will happen on 5th March 2026. In addition, the team behind the much-loved event celebrating books for children have announced the UK list of books that are available for £1 or free with the World Book Day token:
Beginning
Peppa Pig: One Big Family
The Big Bang by Rose Ayling-Ellis
Early
Unicorn Academy: My Secret Unicorn Diary
Funny Factopia by Christopher Lloyd and Kate Olesin
Pablo and Splash: The Castle Quest by Sheena Dempsey
Pia’s Pet Club: Iguana Escape written by Serena Patel and illustrated by Emma McCann
Fluent
Bear Rescue by Hannah Gold
Bunny vs Monkey: Total Chaos by Jamie Smart
Skandar and the Secret Element by A.F Steadman
Chaos at the Chocolate Factory written by Sibeal Pounder and illustrated by Emily Jones
Independent
Against All Odds by Nathanael Lessore
In addition, home educators can register to receive their digital token and information pack for World Book Day by signing up to the newsletter
Find out more at www.worldbookday.com
Dates announced for 2026 English Riviera Airshow
The much loved English Riviera Airshow returns from Friday 29th May to Sunday 31st May 2026, marking its 10th year.
Organisers hope to welcome back iconic RAF display teams, with confirmation expected in spring 2026.
Have your say on services and life in Torbay
Torbay Council are inviting to have their say about what they think about local services. Running until 2nd November, the Your Say pop-up roadshows provide opportunities to meet Councillors and council officers in-person to give your views and complete a survey. There is also an online version which is running until 2nd November.
Find out more at www.torbay.gov.uk/council/consultations
Pinhoe children enjoy upgraded football pitches
Improvements have been made to pitches in Pinhoe after an upgrade at Pinhoe Station Playing Fields to prevent waterlogging. Major improvements were carried out on the playing surface thanks to Section 106 money from the developers of a local housing development at Monkerton and Tithebarn. In addition, the size of the senior pitch was increased to meet FA requirements.
New Cranbrook Leisure Centre project moves to next stage
Plans to build a new leisure in Cranbrook town centre have taken major steps forward, with aims for construction to being in 2027/ The Centre is expected to include a 25 metre pool as well as a learner pool, fitness studio, two studios, spin studio and soft play, supported by a café.
Heavitree Junior Parkrun celebrates its 10 year anniversary
A junior running event in Exeter has just celebrated a decade of being active. Heavitree Junior Parkrun marked this milestone with its latest 2km run in the setting of Heavitree Pleasure Ground. Paralympian David Hill was there to mark the occasion and assist with a warm-up, along with Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services & Healthy Living, before the run got underway. Also in attendance were representatives from Exeter Chiefs.
These free runs, which have been taking place on Sundays in Heavitree since 2015 are open to children aged four to 14.
Find out more about your nearest Parkrun at www.parkrun.com/about/join-us/junior-parkrun
Holiday activities clubs to continue
Thousands of children and young people across Devon will continue to benefit from summer holiday activities clubs after the Government announced that it would continue to fund them for the next three years.
The funding secures the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme until 2029. The scheme provides activities and nutritional meals over the holidays for children aged five to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Advertiser Feature
It's moving into a local home, not leaving all they know
Right now, one in five children in care are being moved more than 20 miles from home due to a shortage of local council foster carers. These moves can mean losing touch with friends, family, and school — connections that shape a child’s sense of belonging.
Fostering locally helps children stay rooted in their communities and hold onto the memories that matter most. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time. Your
Find out more at www.fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org.uk
First pieces of Armada Way play village arrive
One of the most anticipated features of the new-look Armada Way is starting to take shape with the arrival of the first pieces of equipment for the play village.
The rock play area is now installed for young explorers to clamper over, with one peak to have a slide, while the other will have a hand water pump for children to send water through the play rill.
The mini mountain and toddler play equipment are the first of many features due to arrive in the coming months ending with around 30 pieces.
When completed, the play village will be one of the biggest city centre play areas in the country – running form the corner close to Mayflower Street right down the east of Armada Way to Barclay’s.
The play village will be themed into zones – desert, mountain, aquatic, forest and grasslands to encourage young explorers to use their imagination.
Summer Reading Challenge Success
Plymouth Libraries have shared that a massive 3,291 children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge this summer. A range of fun activities took place throughout the duration of the Challenge, which was well supported by a wide range of volunteers, families as well as the library staff.
World Book Day 2026 announcements
It has been announced that the next World Book Day event will happen on 5th March 2026. In addition, the team behind the much-loved event celebrating books for children have announced the UK list of books that are available for £1 or free with the World Book Day token:
Beginning
Peppa Pig: One Big Family
The Big Bang by Rose Ayling-Ellis
Early
Unicorn Academy: My Secret Unicorn Diary
Funny Factopia by Christopher Lloyd and Kate Olesin
Pablo and Splash: The Castle Quest by Sheena Dempsey
Pia’s Pet Club: Iguana Escape written by Serena Patel and illustrated by Emma McCann
Fluent
Bear Rescue by Hannah Gold
Bunny vs Monkey: Total Chaos by Jamie Smart
Skandar and the Secret Element by A.F Steadman
Chaos at the Chocolate Factory written by Sibeal Pounder and illustrated by Emily Jones
Independent
Against All Odds by Nathanael Lessore
In addition, home educators can register to receive their digital token and information pack for World Book Day by signing up to the newsletter
Find out more at www.worldbookday.com
Developer donation for Plymouth’s group.
Plymouth based developer Persimmon Homes Cornwall and West Devon have donated £2,500 to PEM Disability Children’s Club at a basketball session at Plymstock School earlier this month as part of its Community Champions scheme.
Founded by two Royal Navy veterans, the Club has grown into a thriving volunteer-led sports club specifically for youngsters with pan disabilities can come together to play a range of sports and take part in other activities, having fun in a safe environment twice a month. The volunteer-run club also puts on fun-packed events such as bouncy castle play days, BBQs and visits to recreation centres such as soft play, swimming pools and adventure parks.
Still time to apply for 2026 school transfer places
If your child is due to start primary or secondary school next year, then make sure that you are aware of the deadlines for applications.
- The deadline for applying for primary schools is 15th January 2026
- The deadline for applying to secondary schools is 31st October 2025
- You will find out which school your child has been allocated on 16th April 2026 for primary and 2nd March 2026 for secondary
Find out more at www.plymouth.gov.uk/school-admissions
Children’s writing competition open for entries
500 Words, the UK’s largest story writing competition is open for entries until Friday 7th November.
With two age categories (5 to 7 and 8 to 11), young participants are encouraged to write original stories that are 500 words or less that they would like to read themselves.
Each of the 50 shortlisted finalists will be invited to a glittering grand final hosted by Her Majesty The Queen where the bronze, silver and gold winners will be crowned and the six winning stories will be read out by celebrities. The gold, silver and bronze winners of both categories will receive a huge bundle of books with the gold winner’s schools also receiving 500 books each for their school library.
All winning stories will be illustrated by children’s illustrators and published in a special 500 Words winners’ book.
See the website for entry details and for tips and resources on how to get involved.
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