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May Half Term and beyond in Devon 2026

The summer is getting warmer and there is more and more to do for families in Devon.  Check out our details below of things to do this May half term and beyond.

Don’t forget that you can also see our frequently updated general listings here

 

 

Step Into the Age of the Dinosaurs

Travel back millions of years and uncover the secrets of the prehistoric world at the Age of the Dinosaurs exhibition.

Running until 31st October, this exciting experience transforms Kents Cavern into a journey through time. Explore winding chambers and dramatic rock formations as you encounter incredible dinosaur displays, ancient fossils, and immersive prehistoric stories.

Discover how these awe-inspiring creatures connect to the deep history preserved within one of Devon’s most iconic natural landmarks. Perfect for families, explorers, and dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages, this exhibition offers a unique and memorable adventure.

Even better… entry is included with general admission, so you can enjoy the full cave experience while stepping into the age of giants.

Take time to relax and refuel before or after your tour at the Firestone Kitchen, serving delicious breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon teas.Open every day from 9am. See their website for available tour times. Booking is strongly recommended to guarantee your place.

Book your tour at kents-cavern.co.uk

Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, 91 Ilsham Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2JF

 

Torquay Girls’ Grammar School

Torquay Girls' Grammar School stands as one of the UK's most consistently high-performing grammar schools, offering an exceptional education for bright, motivated students.

The school's impressive results consistently place it in the top tier both locally and across England. The school prides itself on strong pastoral support and a culture that inspires ambition, resilience, and personal growth. A vibrant and inclusive extra-curricular offer is a defining part of the school's ethos, helping students grow into well-rounded, ambitious, and socially conscious young people.

For families seeking high achievement, exceptional guidance, and limitless opportunity, Torquay Girls' Grammar School is a standout choice.

Find out more at www.tggsacademy.org

 

Summer Fun at World of Country Life in Exmouth
Come and enjoy a full day out. There’s always so much to do and enjoy, both under cover, and outside in the 30 acre park. It’s a day out for the whole family.

Ride the Deer Train and hand feed the Red Deer, watch the awesome Birds of Prey Display, and cheer on your favourite Ferret in the daily Ferret racing show. Don’t forget to pop along and meet the new Pygmy Goat kids….. All this and loads more – can you do it all in a day?

See www.worldofcountrylife.co.uk for exact days/times.

 

Exmoor Zoo

A truly special place nestled in the rural countryside with animals you know, like Cheetahs, Red Pandas to their prehistoric looking Shoebill! On your journey you’ll see carefully planted flora providing their animals with natural enclosures like the Clouded Leopard, Tapirs, Painted Dogs and Sitatungas. Remember to be on your toes as some of the bigger animals like the Grey Wolves, Puma and Black Leopard are likely stalking you on your adventure.

Exmoor Zoo is slightly different neither a wildlife park or city zoo, there you’ll see lush grasses and native flowering plants giving it that wild feel!

Visit at www.exmoorzoo.co.uk                                                                                            

 

 

Torquay school scoops pioneering mental health award

St Cuthbert Mayne School’s progression from Bronze to Silver in the Carnegie School Mental Health Award marks a significant step forward for whole-school wellbeing. This is not symbolic recognition, but evidence of sustained, strategic action. By embedding mental health into daily practice, through NHS partnerships, resilience training, peer support and staff-focused initiatives, the school demonstrates what meaningful provision looks like. At a time when pressures on education continue to grow, this achievement reinforces a vital message: schools must prioritise mental health not as an add-on, but as a core pillar of effective, responsible education.

 

Find at more at www.st-cuthbertmayne.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

Take a walk on the wild side at the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary

Spring is in full bloom at the Sidmouth sanctuary. Keep an eye out as you stroll along our gardens and walkways; you might stumble upon some of their wildlife! The perfect excuse to get out with the family to explore the sanctuary and combine exercise and brainpower, just £5 per trail, including a treat on completion. Plus, play park, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, a bat beacon and friendly donkeys, there’s so much to explore! Open daily from 9am, admission and parking are free. Dogs welcome on a lead.

Find out more at www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/sidmouth

 

 

Make, Create & Play This May at House of Marbles!

Looking for something to do this May Half-Term? Their Modelling Clay and Sand Art workshops are hands-on and creative that offer a simple but fun activity for children. Each session costs £5.99 and lasts up to an hour – ideal for keeping busy without a big spend.

With free entry and free parking, House of Marbles is a hassle-free, budget-friendly option for your May half-term. Afterwards, why not stay a little longer? Enjoy a relaxed meal in their restaurant and explore our shop, museums and marble runs!

Find out more at https://visit/houseofmarbles.com

 

 

Coming soon to Princess Theatre, Torquay

Ahoy, mateys! A swashbuckling pirate adventure awaits…Grab the whole family and climb aboard the good ship Lubbery Jubberly for the ultimate summer pantomime. Join our fearless hero, Robinson Crusoe, as he voyages across the Seven Seas in search of buried treasure. Bursting with spectacular sets, dazzling costumes, toe-tapping tunes, and slapstick comedy, this brand-new show is packed with everything you love about panto - with a tropical twist! Expect waves of laughter, deck-loads of fun, and barrels of panto mischief that’ll shiver your timbers. So, gather your shipmates and don’t miss out - or you’ll be walking the plank!

Find out more at www.atgtickets.com/torquay

 

Coming to Exeter Phoenix

It's non-stop entertainment at Exeter Phoenix this half-term with breathtaking magic, sensational (and hilarious!) circus antics in Rabbits Out of a Hat, plus an interactive fun-filled comedy gameshow for older children called WiFi Wars.

The Sheep Detectives (PG) brings eagerly-awaited fluffy charm to the Studio 74, their independent cinema, while their workshops are jam-packed with creative activities for all the family, from jewellery making to 2D animation... there is no excuse for boredom!

Of course, the action continues all year round. Why not learn how to bring your plastic characters to life in their regular Young & Animated Saturday Clubs?

Find out more at https://exeterphoenix.org.uk/genre/family/

 

South Dartmoor Community College

“South Dartmoor Community College is overwhelmingly recommended by parents, evidenced in the Ofsted Inspection Sept 2024 (‘Good’ in all categories). Students feel safe, happy and make excellent progress. Our ambitious, academic curriculum is supported by an enriching extracurricular offer. We highly value the Arts, Performing Arts and Physical Education, as well as other creative, design and vocational subjects, recognising the importance these have in supporting students’ individuality, interests and wellbeing. Our strong student academic outcomes are achieved through providing high quality Teaching and Learning every day and by caring for our students as individuals.”

Find out more at www.southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk

 

 

 

                                                                    Have Fun Outside When School's Out!

Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre

Are you looking for fun outdoor activities for your children during the school holidays? Look no further than Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre’s  central Exeter location! They host multi-activity programmes for 8–14-year-olds, alongside courses like sailing and coasteering. For 5–8-year-olds, they host little adventurer mornings. All courses are available to book now for May, and their week-long Summer holiday programme is also available to book. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram - @havenbanksOEC - or sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of their homepage.

Find out more at www.haven-banks.co.uk

 

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”

 

The ultimate half-term adventure!

Enjoy the ultimate holiday adventure at Clip ‘n Climb Exeter! Whatever the weather, Clip ‘n Climb is the perfect place for a family day out! With over 25 exciting climbing challenges, there’s something for everyone —from first-time climbers to fearless adventurers.

No experience? No problem! Their auto-belay system lets you clip in and climb, with no ropes or technical skills required. It’s a fantastic way to get active, burn off some energy, and try something new together.

With sessions running all day, every day throughout half term, every weekend throughout the year and a host of youth clubs in term time, it’s easy to fit in some climbing fun. What’s more, as a fully indoor centre, it’s the perfect activity for keeping the kids entertained rain or shine!

Book your climbing adventure today!
🌐 Visit: www.quayclimbingcentre.co.uk or www.clipnclimbexeter.co.uk
📞 Call: 01392 426 850
📍 Find us: Haven Road, Exeter, EX2 8AX

 

Unforgettable Summer Adventures with Dynamic Adventures

Looking for an exciting way to keep your children active and engaged this summer? Dynamic Adventures’ Summer Holiday Adventure Club in Dartington offers action-packed days for children aged 6–12.

From kayaking and canoeing to SUP-ing, rock climbing, abseiling, archery, and bushcraft, every day is a new adventure in the great outdoors. It’s the perfect opportunity for children to build confidence, make friends, and try something new.

Running Monday to Friday throughout August, spaces are limited—so don’t miss out!

Find out more and book now:
www.dynamicadventurescic.co.uk/summer-holidays-adventure-club

 

The Furry Stowaway

A wave of celebration swept the neighbourhood when the long-lost parcel was finally discovered at the airport. For everyone, the find was a heartwarming reminder of why it's so important to protect the rare and wonderful animals we share our world with. This enchanting new book is available from Austin Macauley, Waterstones, TG Jones, Foyles, Hive, Amazon and other major retailers.

 

Exmouth Festival is back, and this time, it’s getting wild!

The much-loved family-friendly and FREE festival happens throughout the town, with wonderful surprises at every turn. The 2026 theme Wild Things celebrates our native flora, fauna and fungi, and the human spirit. Alongside a broad musical line‑up there are dance and theatre performances, poetry and writing workshops, art and craft activities and nature games woven throughout the programme.

Lively, thoughtful, and bursting with creative energy, Exmouth Festival invites you to step outside, tune in, and embrace your inner wild thing.

Exmouth Festival, 9-12 July:  www.exmouthfestival.co.uk

 

Cirque De Crealy - A New Unmissable Spectacular Show This May Half Term

Get ready to be amazed as the magic of the circus meets the excitement of your favourite Theme Park. Packed with incredible circus tricks, high-energy performances & stunts, Cirque de Crealy promises fun, thrills, and wow-moments for the whole family. A Devito's Circus production.

Between shows, enjoy everything Crealy has to offer – from rides and attractions for all ages to outdoor adventures and animal encounters. And just in time for warmer days, they are thrilled to announce the reopening of the Soak Zone - a family water playground.

Book tickets in advance and save £££'s - visit Crealy.co.uk

 

Plymouth College

“Plymouth College Prep offers a vibrant, nurturing environment where young children embark on inspiring learning adventures. With wraparound care, small class sizes, subject-specialist teaching and exceptional pastoral support, every pupil is known and valued. A rich programme of enrichment activities encourages children to discover new interests and develop their talents. From a play-led Early Years curriculum to specialist teaching, trips and performance opportunities, learning is enriched at every stage. Come and experience the people, places and moments that make Plymouth College Prep so special.

 Contact our Admissions team at admissions@plymouthcollege.com or call 01752 505120.”

 

Pokémon trail at Saltram

Calling Pokémon fans new and old! From 23 May, head to Saltram in Plymouth to get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Whether you’re new to the world of Pokémon, you’ve already got fans in your family, or you’d like to introduce the next generation, join us to step away from screens and get active outdoors. Team up as a family to search the garden for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges. There’s no need to book and trail sheets will be available to collect on the day. The trail is free but normal admission applies (free for National Trust members). 

If you prefer to explore the parkland at Saltram on foot or by bike, try our newly resurfaced paths. There’s now a smooth, accessible surface from the entrance at Merafield, along the old A-road running parallel to the main drive, and out through the woodland just before you reach Stag Gates. The path that links the trail to the car park has also been resurfaced. These routes will soon link with Saltram East's new 2.5km multi-use trail, due to open this summer and designed to provide a smooth surface for everyone to enjoy.

Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram

 

Half Term at The Box

Do you love picnics? The Box will be having lots of fun and taking inspiration from Beryl Cook's vibrant 'Picnic at Mount Edgcumbe' painting for its May half term activities. Come and make pasties from air dry clay and learn how to crimp them in the Simmons Learning Room. Create colourful sandwich and cake collage pictures in the 'Explore More' area. Activities run from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm from Tuesday 26 until Friday 29 May, with last entries at 12.15pm and 3.15pm. They’re free with no need to book, although a £3 donation per child is really welcomed!

Find out more about half term and other family-friendly activities from www.theboxplymouth.com

 

 

Royal Cornwall Show: 4th to 6th June

As anticipation builds for this June’s Royal Cornwall Show, excitement is growing for what promises to be a standout event in the agricultural calendar. Renowned for celebrating the very best of Cornish farming and rural life, the Show brings together top-quality livestock, leading producers and a vibrant showcase of local food and innovation. With new features, high-profile competitions and a strong focus on supporting the farming community, it remains a must-attend occasion for all ages. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this iconic celebration, and enter now for the opportunity to enjoy it in style with a VIP experience.

Find out more at www.royalcornwallshow.org