Easter Days Out in Devon
including West Dorset and South Somerset
Spring is my favourite time of year with it’s longer days, warmer weather. There are plenty of fun Easter days out in Devon, this year Easter weekend is 3-6th 2026 and there are lots of events being advertised over the school holidays.
Browse the list below and you will not be short of things to do this Easter in Devon and just across the borders into Dorset and Somerset there’s also loads of choice.
Outdoor & Countryside Fun Ideas
Seaton Wetlands
Seaton Wetlands is a lovely place to explore and can be a fun day out for the family. With bird spotting huts and accessible trails around the reserve, there is plenty to see for a few hours and you can now combine it with a trip on the Seaton Tram.
More details about Seaton Wetlands here.
There’s a Family Explorer Day at Offwell Woods on 15 Apr 2026 – book your place in advance.
Also at Seaton Wetlands enjoy the Spring Trail. Collect your prize from the Discovery Hut! £3 per trail.
Other Nature Reserves
There are a number of fantastic nature reserves in the area run by Wild East Devon and Wildlife Trusts. Take part in the Family Day on Trinity Hill. Knapp Copse and Bystock Pools, offer great outdoor areas to explore with marked walks and fun nature trails, so there’s sure to be something that suits your family.
Check the Wild East Devon Countryside page for updates and more events and how to book.
Haldon Hill
The Forestry Commission run Haldon Hill near Exeter has two different activity trails to help you get the kids on a walk around the woods. Enjoy the latest interactive Room on a Broom trail., activity packs are £4.
Also try the Gruffalo orienteering challenge with a certificate and map for just £1.50.
At home download free Gruffalo Spotters activity sheets.
At Haldon there are graded bike trails and bikes to hire. There are fabulous well marked accessible trails as well as longer walks off the beaten track. Don’t forget also Go Ape which does cost more but is great fun with two different courses depending on age and ability.
Cannonteign Falls
This beautiful outdoor attraction is on the edge of Dartmoor. Cannonteign has 90 acres of open space to explore, 7 lakes and 2 magnificent waterfalls. Children will enjoy adventure playgrounds, trampolines and paved Labyrinth. Find out more on my review here.
Open from 11th March then 7 days a week over Easter, Join in with the hunt for eggs on the Easter Trail, feed the ducklings on the lake and hunt for the willow dinosaurs.
For more information on the Easter Events or to Book Your Tickets visit the website www.canonteignfalls.co.uk
Wildlife Themed Days Out
Wildwood Escot
We’ve enjoyed great days out with the children at Wildwood Escot, so can recommend it as a good place to visit. Holiday activities include Saxon crafts and an Easter trail in the beech maze.
Explore the grounds and spot fabulous native European wildlife including wolves, artic fox, brown bears, red squirrels, lynx, wild boar and more. There’s lots of outdoor woodland space for imaginative play, a drop slide and a very confusing beech maze, this is a fun day outdoors.
There is also an indoor toddler soft play and a lovely cafe. Take a look at our day out on this post (it’s a few years old but still gives you a good insight).
Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Based just outside Chard in beautiful countryside on the Devon Somerset border, this animal sanctuary is a lovely place to spend a few hours. There is a good path all the way round making it ideal for pushchairs or wheelchairs. You can enjoy watching ducks and wildfowl, see rabbits, cats and some other larger animals.
Sunday 5th April – Ferne Animal Sanctuary are hosting a Spring Festival. There’s fun for all the family with children’s activities and great traders along. There will be Easter activities and meet and great with the Easter bunny.
With a small play area and a cafe you can visit here knowing that your money will be put to good use looking after the animals that have been rescued.
Check their website for details. More in my review here – Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary
The Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary is a local favourite, a lovely attraction with the donkeys at it’s heart.
Follow clues from the trail sheet for the Spring Trail around the sanctuary. Trail sheets cost £5 each and include a prize on completion.
Perfect for all ages and abilities you can explore or walk as far as you feel able to. A short walk around the main centre will bring you up close with some of the donkeys that are being cared for, or stretch your legs out into the fields for a longer walk and enjoy the views. You can join the South West Coast Path if you walk all the way through the woods and even down to the beach (only try this when it’s dry underfoot!). There is also a fun maze and an excellent café. Entrance is free (donations appreciated).
Vurlands Animal Farm near Abbotbury
Head into Dorset near Abbotsbury to Vurlands Farm. There are lots of animals, indoor and out door play areas, a willow maze and tearooms.
Check back to confirm dates for an Easter trail.
Paignton Zoo
Back in South Devon this popular zoo has many fabulous animals and lots more. Check for events nearer the time.
Country Houses and Gardens
National Trust Easter Egg Trails
Great news from the National Trust is that many locations will be offering Easter trails and the chocolate eggs are back (now Rainforest Alliance certified, £3.50 per person). Most start on 21st March
In Devon we love Killerton House, and Castle Drogo. There’s also events at Knightshayes and most of the big properties in Somerset and Dorset too. You can check which locations have Easter trails in the South West guide The National Trust CLICK HERE.
Somerset National Trust
Barrington Court in South Somerset is another popular National Trust site with an Easter trail from. Tucked away in the depths of the countryside with a beautiful house and gardens to explore. Also in Somerset try Fyne Court for a good country walk and Easter trail with a difference in the woodland of Fyne Court, One of our favourites is Stourhead just off the A303.
On the Devon ~ Somerset border you can enjoy the views from the restored Wellington Monument on selected tour days from April. There are no other facilities. TA21 9PB
Montecute House is just off the A303 and if you are feeling fit head up St Michael’s Hill for great views of the surrounding countryside. There’s an Easter activity trail here.
Entrance fees will apply at most of the main NT sites. Membership is really worthwhile if you think you might make 3 or 4 visits a year.
Parking only charges apply at Stonebarrow, Golden Cap, Burton Bradstock, Fyne Court and Wellington Monument.
Affiliate link advert
Dorset National Trust
Burton Bradstock & Hive Beach
Enjoy a scenic bracing route for the Easter Trail at Burton Bradstock near Bridport. This hunt is up over the hill and around the beach so wear wellies. dates tbc.
Afterwards have a snack or a meal at the Hive Beach Cafe. These sites offer free parking for NT members. Take a look at these Best Beach Walks in Dorset.
Other Dorset options at NT properties in Dorset include Brownsea Island, Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy in Dorset and The Hardy Monument, where there is a mini explorer trail with brass rubbings.
Powderham Castle, Exeter
Near Exeter this privately owned castle over looks the River Exe. With substantial grounds and a mix of formal gardens and parkland there is plenty of space to explore. The castle is well know for its deer park and is home to 600 fallow deer.
Over Easter weekend and help the Easter Bunny find the missing eggs! book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Bicton Gardens
Near Budleigh Salterton in East Devon, Bicton Park has lovely gardens and also has good playparks. There is a Woodland Railway train ride that travels around the park, indoor play area and rural crafts display. Extend your day out to visit Budleigh Salterton where you can enjoy a walk along the long seafront.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens will be running an Easter Gnome Hunt tbc
Forde Abbey Gardens
Head to the beautiful Forde Abbey in South Somerset and follow paths as you explore the grounds of this former monastery. With beautiful gardens and the stunning abbey as the back drop, it’s a great place a relaxing walk. There’s an Easter Trail between the 28th March – 9th April. Find the clues and follow the tracks on the Easter trail through the gardens. £2.50 extra.
Also 0pen for special seasonal flower displays and much more. From early April visit for the tulip display. There a popular cafe, shop and plant nursery. Garden entry £15 adults and £6 children for the gardens (online). You can also visit the House from April.
Hestercombe Gardens
This Easter 28th March – 12th April enjoy a visit to Hestercombe House and Gardens and don’t miss out on an Easter Bunny trail , just £1 per child.
Hestercombe is just north of Taunton, a great multi generational day out.
Yeovil Country Park
A popular park with lots to explore through woodlands, ponds, waterfalls and meadows following the River Yeo. Many parts are accessible plus there are facilities and a cafe.
Easter Trail
Younger ones can enjoy discovering nature around Yeovil Country Park. TBC Collect a trail sheet from Ninesprings cafe 11am and 2pm £3. .
Train Rides in Devon
Seaton Tramway
A really popular attraction that’s perfect for all ages. Enjoy the gentle tram ride along the Axe Estuary where you can not get off to explore Seaton Wetlands. Even better this dog friendly attraction.
Check out the special event days over the Easter holidays which include Dinosaur Safari Tram: 9th and 16th April and Story Tram: 10th April
TBC: Easter Weekend free Easter EGG-TRAM-AGANZA!
Children 15 and under can pick up an activity sheet from Seaton or Colyton Stations from 18th – 21st April. Find Gilbert the Station Master’s Goose and its Cheeky Chicks, and complete the sheet to win an Easter treat!
Seaton Town
If you are planning a day out in Seaton take a look at Jurassic Discovery with its animatronic dinosaur trail and indoor soft play, Children can enjoy the large play park nearby (near the Seaton Tram car park) or try the fun Jurassic themed adventure golf (crazy golf to me!) at Seafield Gardens near the clock tower.
Explore the range of lovely independent shops, try craft sessions and stroll the seafront esplanade for an easy walk. There are more details about Seaton on the my guide to the town.
Yeovil Railway Centre
Easter special Steam Train Days run on start on 5th and 6th April 2026.
Tickets will need to be pre-book and entrance includes a steam train ride with seats allocated.
At Yeovil Junction Station -check for more details here.
South Devon Railway
Join the Easter Family Fun Weekend Bring the family for an Easter Egg Hunt, children’s activities and steam trains running all day..
More Events and Ideas for Easter 2026
Thelma Hulbert Gallery – Honiton
events tbc
Axminster Town Football Club
Easter family fun Sunday 29th March 1pm – 4pm. Stalls, games, Easter trail, crafts and refreshments. Face painting.
Town Mill Lyme Regis
Easter activities for children – Mini Millers – 31st March, 1st, 7th, 8th April
Children can have a go at milling their own flour, using hand milling machines, then take their own bag of wholemeal flour away, along with an easter biscuit kit to bake at home.
Tickets are £12.50 per child and sessions run at 11:00am, 12:30pm & 2:00pm daily, we advise pre-booking to secure your place. Suitable for school age children.
Thursday 2nd April
11am – 3pm The easter bunny will be making easter egg deliveries for children in a very unique way at the Mill, using the ancient sack hoist to transport the eggs through the mill! Running throughout the day and free of charge.
West Bay Discovery Centre – Dorset
TBC Pop in and enjoy FREE activities throughout the school holidays at this small award winning Jurassic Coast attraction.
Over Easter extra activities are held alongside permanent hands-on interactive activities, which are always popular with all members of the family. Open every day except on Mondays from 11am – 4pm, (excluding Bank Holidays). Admission is free, donations welcomed.
Lyme Regis Easter Bonnet Parade – Sunday 5th April
see Events Calendar for details
Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury Easter Egg Hunt
3rd – 6th April. Collect stamps around the farm (cards from Cherries Cafe at Abbey Farm) £3 pp.
Colmer’s Hill
– Friends of Symondsbury School annual Easter Egg Hunt. Saturday 4th April. Enjoy a family walkup Colmer’s Hill and help the Easter Bunny search for carots. Back at the school enjoy Easter games and refreshments. Tickets in advance for the egg hunt.
Theatre and Performances
The Barnfield Theatre – Exeter –
The Northcott Theatre – Exeter
The Beehive Honiton –
Ticket details here.
Stonebarrow Hill (Charmouth)
A favourite walk, Stonebarrow Hill is part of the the Golden Cap estate, on the cliffs above Charmouth (in West Dorset). What a fabulous place to be.
Follow the permanent trails around the beautiful countryside at your own pace. At all times you can enjoy the fun Smugglers Trail – download a map here. Suitable with a sturdy pushchair. It’s National Trust owned with free parking for members.
Even More Ideas for Easter Days Out in Devon
Why not also have a browse through my archives and find a walk or local place that you have not been to before. If you enjoy the outdoors take a look at my post on rock pooling in Devon and Dorset or one of my days out reviews.
There are always lots of fun Easter days out in Devon and all year round. Thank you for taking a look at Flip flops or Wellies and don’t forget to tell your friends and family.
Clare
More Easter Events
I am really happy to share posts with days out across the UK for Easter.
Check out Down Somerset Way for lots more ideas of places to visit over Easter which covers more of Somerset.
If you are struggling to get out past your garden or fancy planning events with friends or family, Emma and 3 has a range of printables and clues to make an Easter hunt at home.
Have a great holiday and enjoy your Easter Days out in Devon, Dorset and Somerset
Also have a good look around the website for ideas to combine them with such as country walks, where to find the best ice cream and places to go rock pooling. Why not make up your own Easter Egg trail, something all ages can enjoy.
I hope you find something fun and different to do here over the Easter break whether you are local or visiting the area on holiday.
Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
Join me in finding new places to explore in the West Country as well as further afield.
I hope you enjoy reading and taking inspiration from this website. 
So much to see and do, not a part of the world we know well at all, but my son would be sold on the steam trains! #countrykids
Wow, what a choice to pick from. I think we’d go for the quarries and underground passage. Mysterious!
Wow sounds like spring is going to be fun and busy! #kcacols
This is a great roundup of Easter events and days out. We always enjoy doing National Trust Easter egg trails and it sounds like there are plenty in your area to choose from. Wildwood Escot sounds like a great place to visit. I love the photo of the red squirrel – I would love to see them in the wild. The fairy tale trail at Forde Abbey gardens is something that Sophie would really enjoy. Good to have some suggestions for indoor days out too – you can never rely on the weather to stay dry for the holidays. The Beer Quarry Caves sound like a fascinating place to visit as does the House of Marbles. Thank you for sharing with #CountryKids.
This is a great roundup of family days out in your part of the world! Without hesitation, my gang would go for the Yeovil steam train, and I’d be interested in the Beer Quarry – I know the stone used to build the Fastnet lighthouse off the southwest coast of Ireland were quarried in Cornwall. Could it be there?
#CountryKids
There is lots of choice. We are in East Devon so if the stone came from Cornwall then that is different and would probably be granite.
Wow, there are so many things going on in your area! The only problem would be narrowing down what to do!
Oh, my boys would love the trains!! Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing!
Oops! Forgot #KCACOLS
Fantastic post, so many fab things to see and do!! Makes me wish we were closer! Thanks so much for linking up with #KCACOLS, hope you come again next time x
Thank you for sharing these ideas – we’re due to visit Devon next week and had no idea what to do. I love National Trust properties so we’ll definitely be visiting Stonebarrow Hill! I’ve bookmarked for next week! Thank you again xxx
Ashley
https://lellalee.com
Thank you I am adding more events as I see them so please do check back.
Aren’t we lucky to have so many brilliant things on our doorstep here in this part of the country!