Salcombe Crabfest 2024: All You Need to Know
Salcombe’s crab fishing industry is coming out of its shell from 10am on Sunday 5th May to celebrate Crabfest...
by Jenny Rendell / Events
May half term is nearly upon us and there are lots of exciting events taking place in South Devon during the school holidays.
If you’re yet to book your May half term break, Coast & Country Cottages have a fabulous range of holiday cottages available, with great savings on last minute breaks.
To help you enjoy your May half term break in South Devon, we’ve collated a list of activities happening throughout the region. Read on to find out more.
Use the quick links below to navigate to a particular event or read on for our full guide to May half term in South Devon.
Possibly one of the biggest events in the South Devon calendar – English Riviera Airshow.
This year they’ve extended the event over the entire bank holiday weekend. Expect four days of action-packed displays, live music, and family fun in the event village.
Visit their website for the full event itinerary.
Get the chance to meet a real-life unicorn when visiting Pennywell Farm during May half term. These majestic creatures will be filling the farm with magic and sparkle.
Enjoy some extra special events including a magical unicorn trail around the farm, discover your own unicorn name and enter our many competitions to win prizes and stickers!
What’s more you’ll still get to enjoy a full day with all your favourite farm animals.
Tickets are limited, book online via their website to guarantee your place.
Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth always hosts a range of fun events, from concerts to educational activities.
During May half term, for one day only, Titan the Robot is taking a break from his busy schedule and is visiting Woodlands Theme Park.
He is planning on entertaining everyone he meets with a jaw-dropping show that blends comedy, street theatre and music.
Book tickets via their website and check out more of their May half term events, with visits from Peppa Pig, Richie the Raptor and Emily Bronty the Brontosaurus.
Head to Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary this Spring. Follow the nature trail around the farm and discover what animals you can find.
This entertaining activity combines family fun, exercise and education. Simply find the habitats along the trail and use the stickers provided to match the animal to its home.
Once you’re done, head to The Shed to claim your prize, and a free bag of seeds to create your own wildflower meadow at home. There’s so much to explore whatever the weather.
No booking is required, and it is £5 per trail. All proceeds help the fund the work of the Donkey Sanctuary Worldwide. Visit their website to find out more.
The Flavel Arts Centre in Dartmouth brings you three days of music and craft workshops this May half term.
Keep your little ones creative with:
Workshops are aimed at children aged 5-13. Visit their website for prices and timings.
The Sea Change Festival is back! Enjoy three days of truly unique events in Totnes town.
Many of the artists are coming ‘home’ to perform including Devon natives, Pale Blue Eyes.
Music, art, film and culture can be found inside Totnes’ Grade I-listed Church, the Bull Inn, the Barrel House, the 17th century Birdwood House, the restored cinema and many other venues.
For the full itinerary visit their website for more information.
Exmouth Festival one of the biggest free festivals in the South West. Enjoy live music, theatre, circus, art and food in the Imperial Recreation Ground.
Their 2022 programme has the whole family covered with activities, shows, crafts and workshops.
What’s more on Sunday 5th June 12-5pm they are hosting The Big Jubilee Lunch. Pack up your picnic blanket and purchase some tasty treats from local producers whilst Exmouth Festival provide the entertainment.
Visit their website for full details.
Picnic at the Park is back for 2022! River Dart Country Park is set in 90 acres and hosts another fantastic line-up. Enjoy a day of music, dancing, displays, a dog show, a charity duck race and much more.
Summer’s biggest family picnic awaits your arrival along with some Roarsome Dinosaurs!
Tickets cost £6 per person and under 3’s go free. Book your tickets via their website.
Celebrate the Royal weekend at The Flavel’s Jubilee Art Fair.
They will be showcasing a variety of artwork for you to enjoy and purchase including paintings, photography, sculptures, ceramics and much more.
Admire the local artists work and then relax in the Flavel’s newly refurbished café for a sweet or savoury treat!
The event is free to attend, and booking is not required. Pop along between 10am – 4pm each day. For more details visit their website.
Join in with the Jubilee celebrations in Dartmouth this bank holiday weekend.
Complimenting the national celebrations Dartmouth and Kingswear have put on many local events in honour of Queen Elizabeth meeting Prince Philip at the Royal Naval College in 1939.
Enjoy live music in the Royal Avenue Gardens every afternoon with refreshments served by a local charity in the tea hut.
For more details of what’s happening in Dartmouth visit the town council website.
As part of the Jubilee celebrations in Devon, the Paddle Steamer are inviting you onboard for an evening cruise. Enjoy music from Missin’ Tackle.
Pick up is from Kingswear Castle at 5.45pm or Dartmouth town jetty at 6pm.
Tickets are £20 per person and all proceeds go to the Jubilee Bell Fund, St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Kingswear. For more information visit the town council’s website.
East Prawle, Devon’s most southerly village celebrates The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Returning after 2 years, prepare for lots of activities and events as well as traditional fairground rides, refreshments and live music.
Take part in the fancy dress competition in a bid to win a prize, head to the tea tent for a delicious Devon cream tea or throw wet sponges at the local Councillor. There’s plenty of fun to be had by all!
For more details and timings visit the Prawle Fair website.
Miss Ivy Events and Ivybridge Town Council have joined forces to host the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Fete.
Enjoy live music, Punch and Judy shows, bouncy castles, gift stalls, cream teas and even a Pimm’s bar!
The event is free to attend, to find out more visit their website.
Brixham’s seawater pool has just opened its doors again for the summer season. They are hosting a day to remember this bank holiday weekend to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Expect live music, inflatable races, 1950’s fancy dress parade, seaside games and a competition for the best dressed beach hut!
For the full itinerary head to Visit South Devon’s website.
To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee South Devon Railway are hosting a special garden party (and beer festival) at Staverton Station.
There will be a whole host of entertainment for all the family including a memorable train ride along the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.
Enjoy a selection of food stalls including pie and mash, cream teas and a BBQ. Or why not try one of the 40 real ales, cider, wine, spirits, or Pimm’s in the beer festival.
There will be a Royal themed quiz, DJ and picnic tables with plenty of undercover seating should the British weather turn bad!
Tickets are available to purchase on the day or in advance via their website. Find out more here.
Dartington Hall are hosting a three-day fiesta of fun and it’s not-to-be-missed!
There will be a line-up of great bands from across the land, a family theatre, bouncy castles, children’s games, gin making and amazing grub.
The main party takes place on the Great Lawn and is free to all. However, there are a few ticketed events over the weekend should you wish to frolic in more fun. Including afternoon tea and jazz in the Private Garden as well as a live comedy night.
For full details of the big Jubilant Jamboree visit the Dartington Hall website.
To celebrate the marking of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Babbacombe Model Village are hosting a miniature beefeater hunt.
They have hidden 18 miniature beefeaters around their grounds, can you find them? All successful explorers will receive a union jack flag to take home.
You can now also enjoy their 9-hole crazy golf course which is included in the admission.
For more details on the event visit their website.
A holiday to Devon wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of South West’s most exciting visitor attractions – Paignton Zoo.
Come rain or shine the zoo is the perfect place to visit for all the family. With over 2,000 animals across 80 acres, you’ll need the whole day to see it all.
To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee if you visit over the bank holiday weekend you can indulge in an array of tasty Jubilee themed treats. Including boxed cream teas, Victoria sponge cake and Coronation chicken sandwiches.
What’s more throughout the day there are fun events and talks to see. Enjoy a fun game with our rangers at 11am, head to the giraffe enclosure for a dedicated giraffe talk at 12pm or join in the fun at 3pm to make your own super seed sprinkler.
To book tickets and get the latest news on events, visit the Paignton Zoo website.
We hope that whatever you choose to do in South Devon this May half term you have plenty of fun!
For more inspiration take a look at our blog the best things to do in South Devon for all ages. There are many exciting activities to enjoy in our region.
At Coast & Country cottages we have a wide range of coastal cottages, country escapes or sea view properties to accommodate all the family this May half term.
Celebrate the jubilee celebrations in Devon, with a last minute break. Your family adventure awaits…
by Jenny Rendell / Events
Hi, I'm Jenny! I joined the Sykes family in October 2021. Devon born and bred I have a huge love for the South West. The West C...
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