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February Half Term Days Out in Devon 2025

In Devon the West Country is slowly waking up from hibernation. The February half term school break is nearly here and I know you are probably looking for ideas to get out and about.  I’ve put together this February what’s on for half term events guide and a reminder for you to look through my archive of posts for more inspiration!

This year half term week in Devon is 17th –  21st February. Check back for more as events are advertised and please confirm all details direct with the businesses.

Places to see Animals and Wildlife in Devon

Ideas for half term days out where you can see animals and birds.

Wildwood Devon

Between Exeter and Honiton, Wildwood Devon near Escot has something for all ages. There’s the red squirrels and wolves as well as bears and a new artic fox. There’s indoor and outdoor play areas and lots of out exploring to do. Be sure to check the timetable for feeding and display times

If you want to try and loose the children you leave them in the stocks in the Saxon village or try the impossible maze!  You can read about our visit on my blog here.

Half Term Wildwood Escot Family Day Out Devon

Axe Valley Wildlife Park

Enjoy a visit to this wildlife park near Axminster which reopens for half term.  Enjoy the animal talks and animal handling sessions. Join in with the quiz which takes you around the park searching for clues. There is also a new outside seating area and new enclosures. The cafe will be open too if you need to warm up with a hot drink!

Ferne Animal Sanctuary

This lovely animal sanctuary near Chard is home to rescued farm animals, pets as well as ducks and wild fowl.  There is a visitor centre and gift shop as well as a nice cafe and it’s perfect for a short walk.  Here’s a review of a visit to  Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

THE SIDmouth Donkey Sanctuary

As well as plenty of grounds to walk around, gardens, play park and a maze, there is also a small visitor centre at the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary . This includes interactive exhibits to explore which is very interesting and a gift shop. You can go into the donkey barns to groom the animals, there’s a new children’s play area and a lovely cafe.

Head to The Donkey Sanctuary and follow the Spring Trail around the sanctuary running from mid February.

 It combines family fun, exercise and brainpower and is just £5 per trail, including a prize when you complete the trail.

Main entry is free, donations appreciated. Dogs on leads welcome.

There are also lots of walks around the area if the weather is being kind!

The Donkey Sanctuary - Donkeys grazing Half Term Days Out

Dartmoor Zoo

This popular zoo near Plymouth has many animals to see and this Spring has a Dino Egg Trail for children to enjoy.  Check times for daily talks and feeding sessions, check out the big cats and enjoy the gardens.

Paignton Zoo

As well as exploring the grounds to see the many different animals, visitors can also join Bing, Flop and one of Paignton Zoo’s Rangers for storytime sessions. Children can learn about the many wonderful animals Paignton Zoo is home to, including African lions and Rothschild giraffes. The sessions run over half term on selected dates and times.

Outdoor Fun for Half Term in Devon

 Lots of fun activites to do outdoors in Devon.

Tunnel Tree Tops – near Charmouth

This great high rope adventure is hidden away but is very accessible just off the A35 between Axminster and Charmouth. With wobbly bridges, zipwires and tightropes this is a great activity for all ages. Not as big as the well known Go Ape facility near Exeter, but more affordable which makes it a great for families. You stay attached the whole way round so no clipping on and off  required. Open for half term and through out the season until the end of October. Book tickets online here. From age 6+ and 1.2 metres tall. Under new management for 2025.

Vivary Park Adventure Centre – Taunton

Tucked away in the middle of Taunton in the lovely Vivary Park.  Here you can enjoy high ropes, climbing and mini golf. There are two high rope sections,  one which is suitable for younger children.  Even the high one is not as hard as some other systems and there are less weight and height restrictions.

There’s a cafe and the chance to have a nice walk around the park and feed the ducks as well.

What’s On Half Term Events Guide Vivary Park High Ropes

Seaton Wetlands – Wild East Devon

Seaton Wetlands is a lovely place to spend a few hours, pond dipping, bird watching and enjoying the fresh air. Events such as organised bird watching or making a bird box are very good value.  You can now combine it with a ride on the Seaton Tram and get off at the Wetlands. Check for other events and what’s on here.

FOssil Hunting and Rock Pooling

Why not head to Sidmouth or Exmouth for rockpooling. If it’s fossils you love try Charmouth to see the amazing Sea Dragon that is on display in the Charmouth Heritage Centre and also book in for some fossil hunting.

Lyme Regis Museum also organises fossil hunting and there are more ideas for things to do for a day trip in Lyme Regis here.

Active Days Out play area and Gruffalo trail at Haldon Forest

new stick man Trail at Haldon Forest 

Haldon Forest near Exeter has guided well mark routes perfect for youngsters and will certainly encourage them to keep walking!

Haldon Forest Park has a new Stick Man trail on the short accessible 1.5 miles trail, as well as the walkies with Wallace and Gromit trail. Enjoy a walk in the woods and children will find out more,  about forests interact with the Gruffalo and some of his friends! 

Activity trail packs include lots of fun things to do on your forest adventure (from the Info Pod 9.30am – 4.30pm £5).  You can also download free colouring sheets at home from the Forestry Commission website.

At Haldon you can explore the woods under your own steam, hire bikes and follow the graded bike routes or have fun at Go Ape.  Haldon has two courses so there is something suitable for all ages and abilities. See our review here.  There is also a play area and an orienteering course.

Haldon Forest has a cafe and facilities but you do have to pay for parking if you are not a member from £5.

River Dart Country Park

Advance tickets for half term. Day Admission ONLY £3 per person (must be pre-booked at www.riverdart.co.uk)

Plus CRS Adventures offer dare devil activities including high ropes, zip wire, climbing and caving.

River Dart Rumble 2025 is a family event with 20+ obstacles over approximately 5km combining natural features with manmade challenges. Advance registration – Event date 16th February

Pre-booking essential at www.riverdart.co.uk

Country Houses and Gardens

If we get some fine days there’s outdoor fun to be had searching for spring flowers. Follow one of my lovely walks or head for a country house.

National Trust Gardens

At Killerton National Trust near Exeter this Spring take part in the wild flower trail or look around the house at the new fashion exhibition. 

A little video of Killerton House and park taken over Christmas.

At Castle Drogo on the edge of Dartmoor has fine views. If you are fit and able you can combine this with a lovely walk from Fingle Bridge.

A little further afield near Salisbury is Stourhead, one of our favourites. Check the National trust sites for children’s trails.

At Barrington Court National Trust in South Somerset kids join in different activities

At Corfe Castle in Dorset this half term take explore the castle ruins and  to learn about the royal residents who lived there and discover what life was like at Corfe Castle hundreds of years ago.

Forde Abbey in Somerset  has flower walks and Hestercombe Gardens near Taunton is running a muddy boots nature trail.

Snowdrop Hunting

Pretty snowdrops are the first real sign of Spring and there are many places t see them across Devon, Somerset and Dorset.

Take a look at this guide to the best places to see snowdrops.

RHS Rosemoor  – North Devon

This wonderful garden is a place to see snowdrops and this half term has a family trail from 15th  -23rd Feb based around the children’s classic book Guess How Much I  Love You.

Devon Children’s Attractions open for Half Term

Crealy Theme Park

Take advantage of the special entry price (£x per person over 92cm) at Crealy near Exeter over half term which also gives you entry to enjoy the Superstars of Wrestling’ live show in the Crealy Arena. Note water rides will not be open. Book online.

World of Country Life

Reopening after a winter break, World of Country Life in Exmouth is a lovely day out with animals, indoor and outdoor play areas and more.

Pennywell Farm

Over half term you can buy a ticket to Pennywell Farm and return again for free later in the week.  Lots of animals to cuddle plus bottle feeding and other animal encounters every day. Near Buckfastleigh.

The Big Sheep

North Devon’s popular family day out combines rides, indoor and out door play areas as well as an extensive petting zoo. It will be lamping time so head along for feeding time.

Half Term Days Out Rainy Day Ideas near Exeter

RAMM

Another favourite of ours is the RAMM  (Royal Albert Memorial Museum) in Exeter. This world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities. Learn about Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections, see exotic animals, birds and insects to as well as the World Cultures galleries which display stunning items from all over the world.  Great for all ages.

This half term check mask making and rain sticks.  More details RAMM events here

Exeter Cathedral

A beautiful and fascinating Cathedral in the heart of the city which is worth a visit at any time.

Until 1st March the Cathedral is hosting the Museum of the Moon (previoulsy featured in 2022). The giant moon is a dramatic display. Entrance charges apply to see it.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery – Honiton

The gallery is currently closed but runs many courses across the year for all ages. 

Seaton Tramway

Even on a rainy day, a gentle tram ride along the Axe Estuary on the iconic Seaton Tramway is a lovely day out. Check out event days over half term with the special Story Tram running on 21st Feb. Check ahead for even more fun from Easter.

Devon Theatre Productions February 2025

Another great activity for half are children’s theatre. There are lots of great places to see shows.

Exeter Northcott – 8th/9th Feb The Smartest Giant in Town
                                   20-22nd Feb Five Little Monkeys
Theatre Royal in Torquay, 23rd Feb The Dinosaur Pooped
Barnstaple Theatre 19-22 Feb North Devon Gang Show performances
Exeter Phoenix – Tues 18 The Enchanted Cinema  22 Feb Family Animation Workshop
The Palace Theatre Paignton – 21 Feb The Frog Prince

Arts and Crafts in East Devon

There are lots different arts and crafts activities to help entertain on a rainy day or just when you need some quiet time. Take a look at drop in or sessions to book at Honiton Pottery or Something Lovely in Sidmouth.

You can take a tour of the Town Mill in Lyme Regis with it’s restored water mill and take home a baking kit with stone ground flour from the mill.

Coastal Creative in Seaton runs various arts and crafts sessions through out the year. If you want to get crafty at home and you can also by lots of supplies and craft project kits from the well stocked craft shops Devon Art Supplies in Seaton and Axminster Printers.

Imagine Design Create Arts and Crafts
Have Fun This February Half Term

That’s lots of ideas for fun in the school holidays.  I’ve also written a Rainy Days Out in West Dorset and Rainy Days in Devon posts for even more suggestions.

I hope there is something here to inspire you.  Even if you don’t want to spend any money, there are lots of lovely walks, woodlands to explore and other ideas for days out on the blog.  So please take a look at some of those posts and also the Events listings and ideas posted on my Facebook page.

Thank you for reading Flip Flops or Wellies blog.

Clare

P.S. For more ideas across Devon for half term and other days out take a look at  Tin Box Traveller for some great suggestions.

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