Summer holiday activities in Devon/Plymouth
With things returning to normality this summer after long last, there are lots of fantastic things for families to do in Devon for the 2022 summer holidays.
See below for a selection of fantastic ways for kids and their adults to spend their time this summer, some of which are free.
Summer In Full Swing At Pennywell Farm .jpg)
It’s a fantastic time of year at Pennywell with bumper summer fun every day of the school holidays.
There is no excuse for boredom with a full day of animal activities, farm rides, shows and displays there’s something to keep the whole family happy at Devon’s award-winning farm.
Begin your day with some piggy cuddles, milk a goat, feed the lambs, pamper a pony and cheer on your favourite racing pig, and that’s all before midday!
Pennywell is open 7 days a week, tickets must be booked online and in advance at www.pennywellfarm.co.uk.
Exeter's Underground Passages re-open to the public
After a closure of two-years, visitors can once again explore this fascinating network of Underground Passages beneath Exeter’s streets!
Explore the interactive exhibition and watch a film presentation before heading underground for a guided tour to discover what lies beneath Exeter’s High Street.
Guided tours have taken place here since the 1930s and they remain one of Exeter’s most unusual visitor attractions.
Open Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Prices: Adult £7.50; Children £5; Concessions £6.00; Family (two adults and up to three children) £22.00.
For further information, visit www.exeter.gov.uk/passages
Occombe Farm
This is an all-weather family destination with unique play spaces. Kids can enjoy the freedom of outdoor play; indoors and run, jump and climb on outdoor adventure play too. Meet the animals, learn about them and watch them play. Follow the animal paddocks trail to see donkeys, cows, goats, sheep, chickens and more. There’s Occombe Farm Shop and Café for pit stops and stock-ups. A visit to Occombe is family fun that contributes towards caring for Torbay’s most beautiful green spaces; supporting local conservation charity, Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.
Find out more at www.occombe.co.uk
Go on a Great Garden Adventure at RHS Garden Rosemoor this summer
Get ready to discover the great outdoors as never before on a daily explorer quest across the spectacular summer setting of RHS Garden Rosemoor. Plus, a packed schedule with everything from interactive theatre performances to welly walks and even a visit from the zoo.
Activities take place on selected days and times, check the website for full details: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/whats-on/summer-holidays
Find out more at the RHS Garden Rosemoor website
Summer bra.jpg)
ys at The Donkey Sanctuary
Test your knowledge and claim a reward with the sanctuary's exciting new ‘Who wants to be a Donkey Guardian’ summer quiz trail. Plus, with a NEW play park, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, hedge maze and, of course, hundreds of friendly donkeys, there’s so much to explore with your herd. Open every day from 9am, general admission and parking are free. Dogs welcome on a lead.
Find out more at www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/sidmouth
Build a Brilliant Summer at RAMM
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM) in Exeter has a busy summer ahead with a packed programme of hands-on learning and fun activities, cleverly built around Brick by Brick: A LEGO® brick history of Exeter exhibition
Open from 18 Jun – 11 Sep the LEGO® brick exhibition will catapult you back in time, from erupting prehistoric volcanos through to the leafy green sustainable Exeter of the future. With build stations, trails, adventures, masterclasses, as well as regular relaxed sessions great for people with autism, anxiety and associated conditions to enjoy, there’ll be something for all the family.
Find out more at www.rammuseum.org.uk
.jpg)
Exeter's Underground Passages re-open to the public
After a closure of two-years, visitors can once again explore this fascinating network of Underground Passages beneath Exeter’s streets!
Explore the interactive exhibition and watch a film presentation before heading underground for a guided tour to discover what lies beneath Exeter’s High Street.
Guided tours have taken place here since the 1930s and they remain one of Exeter’s most unusual visitor attractions.
Open Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Prices: Adult £7.50; Children £5; Concessions £6.00; Family (two adults and up to three children) £22.00.
For further information, visit www.exeter.gov.uk/passages
Head to Paignton Zoo this summer for a real adventure!
With over 2000 animals and countless amazing plants across 80 acres, you’re in for a fantastic day at Paignton Zoo. Home to your favourite species from red pandas to tigers to gorillas, Paignton Zoo is part of Wild Planet Trust, a conservation charity aiming to help halt species decline. Throughout the school holidays, they’re celebrating #SustainableSummer, so join them for fun activities to find out how you can help the planet!
Book your tickets online at paigntonzoo.org.uk for the best price and keep an eye on Paignton Zoo’s social media for updates.
Summer at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.jpg)
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is the place for people who want to make a difference to the lives of horses, ponies and foals. They rescue equines, offer advice to owners and provide equine assisted learning and activities to people in the community. They also run fun, friendly horse care sessions for children of all ages at our Happy Hooves and Horse Wise events during the school holidays. All year round they offer open days and special events.
To find out more or to book a place on one of their events, visit www.mareandfoal.org
.jpg)
There’s something for everyone at this year’s Totnes & District Show on 31st July!
This year’s show includes animal attractions such as cattle, sheep, horses, hawks, owls, rabbits and a pets corner. There will also be a family dog show, vintage cars and tractors combined with a Music Stage, Food and Drink Village, trade stands, Lifestyle Pavilion as well as cookery demonstrations and crafts making a varied, fun event. Entertainment and attractions include Flyball and dog agility, Dartmoor Hill Pony displays, terrier racing, a Grand Parade of Livestock, a car gymkhana and more as well as a free park and ride. Check the website for up-to-date details
Discounted tickets in advance via www.totnesshow.com
Summer at Miniature Pony Centre
Summer will be a sizzler at the Miniature Pony Centre this year! They have their popular Unicorn Day back on 10th August plus entertainment from Dan the Hat and Professor Bumble throughout the school holidays. Pony rides are back and perfect for first time riders! Go and meet their gorgeous fluffy foals and fall in love with their American Mammoth Donkeys. It’s a “Pony-tastic” day out for you and your family, which is not to be missed!
Find out more at www.miniatureponycentre.com
Summer at House of Marbles
Summer is officially here! Come rain or shine, House of Marbles is the place to be. With fascinating marble runs, a brass rubbing trail and an outdoor games garden, there is something to discover around every corner. For curious minds, their three museums are abundant in local history, and live glassblowing demonstrations are eye opening to the wonder of molten glass. Their restaurant is fully equipped with a varied children’s menu, and afternoons are well spent overlooking the games garden with a cream tea while the children play. With free parking and no entrance charges we are a great stop on the gateway to the moors.
Find out more at www.houseofmarbles.com
There’s acres of fun throughout the summer holidays at World of Country Life!
Dig on Dougie the Digger, their NEW full-size excavator! Meet the pigs, walk a goat, feed the calves, pet the rabbits, enjoy a Deer Train Safari, watch a Bird of Prey display, try the Ninja Challenge, experience the Ferret Total Wipeout show, bounce on the Air Bouncer, go back in time in their Museums, meet ‘Appy Angus – so much fun for all the family, whatever the weather!
Find out more at www.worldofccountrylife.co.uk
A season of inspiration at Bernaville Nurseries
Bernaville is celebrating 65 years of gardening expertise this year and they have a huge nursery of inspiration for any young growers out there! From seeds and sit mats, to spades and soil, they have everything you need to get growing and make your garden a haven for both yourself and the local wildlife! Find them just outside Exeter on the A377, they're open 7 days a week.
Find out more at www.bernaville.co.uk/
Family Fun Whatever The Weather at China Fleet Country Club
Looking to keep your little ones entertained during the Summer Holidays?
There are plenty of fun-filled and exciting facilities on offer at China Fleet Country Club in Saltash, Cornwall to help you do just that!
Crazy Golf, Woodland Fairy Trail, Toptracer Driving Range, Woodland Play Park, Funzone and Birthday Party Packages, we have something for everyone.
Open to all! Let the kids explore what they have to offer…
Find out more at www.china-fleet.co.uk
