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!
Devon Star Awards 2024
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Primary Times Devon is proud to reveal the highly anticipated Primary Times Star Awards, which will celebrate the very best family-friendly attractions, activities, and services across Devon. Voted for by families of primary school children, these awards highlight the businesses and organisations that go above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for local families.
After a five-year hiatus, Primary Times Devon is delighted to announce the return of their hugely popular Awards, which aim to celebrate the best of what local tourism and family-orientated businesses have to offer. The awards are distinctive due to their authenticity and winners are chosen by the readers of Primary Times, namely local families with primary school-aged children. The questions in the survey were constructed to provide an honest and authentic insight into what our readers value most from local businesses, providing information and recommendations to local families at a time when personal budgets are tighter than ever.
BELOW ARE THE 2024 WINNERS:
🌟 Best Family Full Day Out 🌟
Winner:
Crealy Theme Park and Resort
Joint Runners up:
Woodlands and World of Country Life
🌟 Best Family Half Day Out 🌟
Winner:
North Devon Wake Park
Runner up:
Occombe Farm
🌟 Best Value For Money 🌟
Winner:
Crealy Theme Park and Resort
Runner up:
The Donkey Sanctuary. Sidmouth
🌟 Best Indoor Play Venue 🌟
Winner:
Ocean, Exmouth
Runner up:
Crealy Theme Park and Resort
🌟 Best Party Venue / Entertainer 🌟
Winner:
Crealy Theme Park and Resort
Runner up:
i-Bounce, Exeter
🌟 Best Family Event of The Year (2024) 🌟
Winner:
Devon County Show
Runner up:
The Polar Express at South Devon Railway
🌟 Best Family-Friendly Dining Venue 🌟
Winner:
Greendale
Runner up:
Cat & Fiddle Inn, Exeter & Ullacombe Farm
🌟 Best Recommendation to Your Friends 🌟
Winner:
Crealy Theme Park and Resort
Runner up:
High 5 Sports and Activity Camps
Linda Edwards, Publishing Editor at Primary Times said:
"Thank you to all the readers who have taken part in the 2024 survey, these results will help local families choose fun activities and places to visit. Each winner should be proud of their success in offering exactly what our readers want, and I particularly congratulate Crealy Theme Park and Resort for being our overall winner, winning four categories. We’d also like to applaud Crealy’s ability to connect with visitors and keep improving, setting a high standard for family-friendly attractions in the area. We look forward to seeing what the next twelve months will bring and how the local attractions and venues will evolve and develop.”
Representatives of Crealy Theme Park and Resort were presented with a unique trophy for winning the Which activity, attraction, entertainer, or venue would you most recommend to your friends’ category along with a framed certificate and all other winners and runners-up received a framed certificate.
Overall winners Crealy Theme Park and Resort had this to say about their success in the Awards:
"We are delighted to have won the Devon Primary Times Star Awards 2024 for 'Overall Winner' as well as 'Best Family Day Out', 'Best Value For Money', 'Best Party Venue Provider', 'Best Recommendation to Friends/Family' and runner up for 'Best Indoor Play Centre'. We strive to improve our guest experience every year therefore, these results mean a great deal to us and to the whole team. These awards are real recognition of their hard work and commitment. Winning these awards is a great achievement, and we would like to thank all the Primary Times readers who voted for us. 2024 was a fantastic year at the park; we have hosted some amazing shows, which have all proven to be a real success throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning guests to Crealy Theme Park & Resort in 2025.”
> Crealy Theme Park and Resort
Near Exeter is a renowned family destination offering over 60 rides and attractions, live shows, indoor and outdoor play and a variety of animals. The Park also launched Sooty Land in 2022 which has themed rides, shows, eateries, play areas and a store based around the beloved character and his friends. For those looking to extend their visit, Crealy Meadows provides various lodging options, including camping and caravan pitches, themed tents, luxury lodges, and glamping experiences. Tiered memberships are available and there are themed events and opportunities for discounted entry throughout the year
Find out more at www.crealy.co.uk
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Located near Exeter is a popular destination stocking a wide variety of items including fresh meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, cakes and local specialties. In addition to the shop, Greendale has a cafe and fish and chip concession, a drive-through eatery, a trail around the farm animals and a play area. They also host frequent events for families that include craft workshops and film screenings.
Find out more at www.greendale.com
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Located near Bideford offers a variety of water-based activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. These include wakeboarding, kneeboarding, an inflatable obstacle course, paddleboarding, Ringo Rides and Open Water Swimming. The park also features a wooden clubhouse, providing a comfortable setting to relax between activities
Find out more at www.northdevonwakepark.co.uk
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> The Donkey Sanctuary. Sidmouth
A local charity that cares for donkeys and mules in need, opening up its doors for visitors to meet the donkeys, learn about their stories and interact with them in a relaxed and friendly environment. The sanctuary also educates the public about animal welfare and the important role donkeys play in the lives of people around the world. They offer free entry to visitors, though donations are encouraged, as the sanctuary is entirely funded by donations and sponsorship. Alongside walks around the site, there is an extensive cafe open all year round and themed activity trails available at a small costs
Find out more at www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
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A family-friendly attraction offering a variety of activities to enjoy including a large soft play facility, bowling and an amusement arcade. You can also dine in one of their restaurants or take part in one of their frequently scheduled events which include live entertainment. Check the website for details of special offers that are running.
Find out more at www.oceanexmouth.co.uk
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Held at Westpoint Arena near Exeter is a celebration of Devon’s farming, food and rural traditions featuring livestock competitions, agricultural displays, craft exhibitions, and plenty of local food and drink stalls. The show also includes live entertainment, shopping, and opportunities for visitors to learn more about rural life. This year’s event takes place from 15th to 17th May 2025
Find out more at www.devoncountyshow.co.uk
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Near Dartmouth offers over 90 acres of attractions suitable for all ages. There are outdoor rides including water coasters and pedal and bumper boats, a Zoo-Farm and Falconry Centre and their expansive five-floor indoor play area with soft play and rides. There are also themed events throughout the year to take part in For visitors wishing to extend their stay, Woodlands offers an award-winning campsite surrounded by Devon's picturesque countryside. Guests staying for two nights or more receive complimentary entry to the theme park for the duration of their stay.
Find out more at www.woodlandspark.com
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Located near Exmouth is a family-owned attraction that has been welcoming visitors since 1978. The park offers a diverse range of activities and exhibits suitable for all ages, making it an ideal destination for a family day out. One of the key activities that they offer include animal interactions such as bottle feeding lambs, goat walking, ferret racing and goat walking as well as a Deer Train Safari for hand-feeding red deer and llamas. There is also a museum of farming and an extensive vintage vehicle collection providing a variety of classic vehicles as well as play areas and themed seasonal activities on selected dates. Annual pass memberships and family tickets are available.
Find out more at www.worldofcountrylife.co.uk
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A trampoline park that has been open since 2017. Visitors can launch themselves into a giant airbag, enjoy the activity and stunt zones, light chaser games, foam pit and an interactive football target game. Alongside regular themed events, there is a café and the opportunity to enjoy one of their birthday party packages
Find out more at www.i-bounce.co.uk
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Located near Bovey Tracey, it offers a popular farm shop and café with a children’s area both inside and out with swings, a slide and even a real vintage tractor to play on. They also have plenty of mischievous farm animals to see! There is also a regular schedule of child-friendly events held in the barn including themed drama and craft workshops.
Find out more at www.ullacombefarm.co.uk
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A popular mix of farm attractions with animals and play, a farm shop, a farm cafe and a nature trail. Their Farm Park and Play is a mix of indoor and outdoor play, activities and farm animals. They also frequently host child-friendly experiences such as workshops and 'Farmer for a Day' activities.
Find out more at www.occombe.co.uk
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> The Polar Express at South Devon Railway
An annual festive event that theatrically recreates the film and book aboard a train. The journey includes hot chocolate and singing chefs who show pages from the story for the whole carriage to follow. During the journey, Santa and his elf with present everyone with their very own “First Gift of Christmas”, a silver bell from his very own sleigh. Tickets for the 2025 event will be available soon.
Find out more at www.southdevonrailwaythepolarexpressride.com
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A family-friendly establishment offering traditional pub fayre, fresh fish and carvery every day with frequent meal deals. Under 5s can enjoy their indoor soft play area and ball pool and older children can take advantage of their large outdoor playground and grass area
Find out more at www.catandfiddleexeter.co.uk
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> High 5 Sports and Activity Camps
Providing action-packed holiday, sports and activity camp experiences for young children and teenagers in Plymouth and Devon. For over a decade, they have been providing camps full of creative challenges, sports and outdoor activities across their popular and easily accessible venues. They also host parties and run weekly football and tennis coaching masterclasses.
Find out more at www.high5sportscamps.co.uk