What’s On in Devon?

For a fun-filled experience, visit the Babbacombe Model Village & Gardens, including an immersive indoor Mythical Kingdom, 13,000 miniature residents, 400 models of houses, stately homes, factories, shops, and entertainment venues, alongside 4½  acres of award-winning gardens with streams and waterfalls.

The Model Village also includes indoor attractions, crazy golf, a miniature bug trail, a puzzling perch, and even a fire-breathing dragon! Don’t miss out on the Illuminations, every Friday evening until 25th Sept., Halloween Frightnights 26th to 31st Oct. and various Christmas dates: end of Nov. to beginning of Jan.

Additional Information: Babbacombe Model Village & Gardens

Dartmoor Zoological Society in Sparkwell is a fantastic zoo with lots of mammals like wild cats, monkeys, otters, meerkats, and zebras, as well as birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians for you to marvel at and learn about. There are plenty of experiences you can enjoy, such as feeding otters, being a keeper for the day, meeting meerkats or tigers, and more.

Check out the following events: Sizzle & S’mores (28th August), Yoga (6th September), Night of the Dead – Zombie Survival Challenge (23rd, 24th, 30th & 31st October), and many more!

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens are worth a visit to explore over 60 acres of stunning gardens, plus indoor & outdoor play areas, a railway, farmland, museum, glasshouse, nature trails, restaurant, garden centre, and gift shop – perfect for all the family.

They also have Hermitage Open Days, which allow you to view inside their Hermitage Summerhouse (9th September, 8th October). Plus, don’t miss out on Botanical Yoga on various dates up to 16th September and a Mushroom Foraging Tour on 10th & 11th October.

Haldon Forest Park is an exciting place for the whole family. It features a variety of clearly marked walking trails, including the Room on the Broom magical adventure, Gruffalo Orienteering and the Discovery trail, ensuring there is a suitable walk for everyone.

The park is also popular among cyclists, offering paths that cater to different levels of experience, including off-road cycling options. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a Go Ape course with zip wires, horse riding, play areas, a café, and picnic areas.

Additional Information: Activities at Haldon Forest Park

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is free to visit and an award-winning attraction for all the family, including gardens, coastal path walks, and exhibits to explore.

Don’t miss out on getting your tickets for the Curious Coastal Quest, which is on all day until the 30th of September. You’ll discover lost pieces of the coast, along with Jurassic Coast boards. As you find each item and meet donkeys along the way, you’ll get a sticker, as well as a prize once you’ve filled your trail sheet!

Additional Information: The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth

Set in the 1950s aboard a train, this murder mystery will transport you back in time to solve a murder that takes place during the journey. As the story unfolds, you will be able to listen for clues, ask the cast questions, and enjoy a hot pasty.  

Plus, the buffet car will also be available to purchase a selection of drinks.  

Click the link below to learn more and read a sneak peek of the story about how gambling leads to murder.  

Additional Information: Murder Mystery – 1950s  

At the House of Marbles’ Old Pottery Restaurant, you’ll have the opportunity to taste wild game meat, including Wellington, pan-fried pigeon, and game terrine, alongside seasonal sides and accompaniments.

This evening promises a rustic and wild experience that foodies will love.

Click the link below to learn more and book your table.

Additional Information: A Taste of Game

At Pennywell Farm, you can discover over 150 animals, including Alpacas, Tortoises, Guinea Pigs, Horses, Goats, Ferrets, Deer, Miniature Ponies and Donkeys. In addition to the animals, there are many attractions, such as Indoor Soft Play Areas, Indoor Inflatable Bouncy Castles & Slides, Pig Races, Goat Feeding, Old MacDonald’s Tractor Ride, Crazy Golf, a Play Village, Miniature Piggy Cuddles, the Red Rocket Ride, and the Rainbow Railway, among others.

 Don’t miss out on the Pumpkin Festival from 26th September to 1st November!

Additional Information: Pennywell Farm

Craft your own glass pumpkin at the House of Marbles’ workshop throughout October on the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, or 25th.

Forget about messy pumpkin carving and create your glass pumpkin in your choice of colours, using an optic mould for the ridges, blowing air for a round shape, and pulling & rotating for the stalk. Click the date links above to book your session and learn more about crafting your pumpkin, what makes this workshop special, the dress code, and booking tips.

The Tar Barrels tradition is hundreds of years old, dating back to the 17th century, and takes place on Guy Fawkes Night each year. This exciting carnival features barrel rollers who run through Ottery St Mary with flaming barrels filled with tar on their backs and a huge crowd cheering them on while they move between pubs. The evening concludes in the town square with the largest barrel, the Midnight Barrel.  

This is a truly unique way to celebrate Bonfire Night, and not to be missed!  

Additional Information: The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary 

If you want to see the thousands of birds that migrate to the area during the winter months, don’t miss out on the Guided Bird Watching Cruises with Stuart Line Cruises in Exmouth! You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the species, habitat and behaviours of the birds on the Exe Estuary and East Devon Coast.  

Plus, you can pre-order the award-winning Chunk of Devon steak or vegetarian pasties or enjoy the organic soup, which is available on board. Either option is tasty!  

Keep an eye out for dates in January, February & March 2027.

Additional Information: Guided Bird Watching Cruise 

At the Crux Craft Fair, you’ll be greeted by beautiful, unique crafts handmade by local designers, all from the Southwest. As every piece is personal, the makers love to share more about their creative process in making these exquisite handmade works, so feel free to ask questions, don’t be shy!

Additional Information: Crux Craft Fair

Get ready for Christmas at the House of Marbles with a Christmas Bauble Workshop, available on various dates & times on the 14th – 15th, 18th – 22nd, 25th – 29th November and 2nd – 6th, 9th – 13th, 16th – 20th December.

What better way to create your own personal touch for your Christmas tree or give a unique present to your loved one? At the glass studio, you’ll have the chance to craft your own handmade glass bauble by adding frit (the colours), shaping the molten glass at the end of a rod, and breathing into a tube to shape it into a sphere, along with an extra loop for hanging.

Don’t miss the chance to board The Polar Express™ at South Devon Railway!

This magical experience is a recreation of the 2004 motion picture “The Polar Express”, picking you up at South Devon Railway before whisking you off to the North Pole. You’ll have a chance to meet characters from the film, including Father Christmas, the conductor, the singing chefs, and the hobo. Plus, you and your family can dress in your pyjamas, enjoy a tasty cookie and hot chocolate, and receive a lovely gift; a Silver Sleigh Bell, just in time for Christmas.

There are ample Christmas markets where you can get into the Christmasy mood – drinking mulled wine, eating yummy treats, enjoying the lights, and finding unique and crafty gifts!

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market: 13th November – 13th December; Plymouth Christmas Market: 27th November – 21st December; Newton Abbot Charity Christmas Market: 2nd December; Bicton Christmas Craft Fair: 4th December; Totnes Christmas Markets: 8th, 15th & 22nd December; Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market: 26th – 28th December … and many more! Check out the websites for more details.

You’ll certainly be spoilt for choice with the number of Christmas markets you can enjoy in Devon.

Paignton Zoo is always bustling with activity! There are daily talks, seasonal activities, and special events to enjoy. Throughout the day, visitors can participate in ranger-led activities at the Flamingo Deck, Ape Centre, and Amphibian Ark. Feeding times are scheduled at Baboon Rock and Monkey Heights, and ranger talks take place at both Giraffe House and Rhino House. There’s something happening at every corner of the zoo!

Additional Information: Paignton Zoo

At Devon’s only whisky distillery, you will have the opportunity to learn how single malt whisky is made and the history of Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, including a 30-minute video presentation. And of course, you can enjoy three whisky tastings and gin, along with a free glass of wine, beer, gin & tonic or soft drink with every ticket.

Additional Information: Dartmoor Whisky & Gin Tasting Experience

Why not try out pottery painting or pot throwing at China Blue in Totnes?

There are lots of workshops you can attend at their ceramic studio, such as painting your own pottery (or choose from their vast range of products), slab build/altered wheel throwing, clay modelling & sculpting, personalised plaques and more. You can also enjoy afternoon tea while you’re there at the Wild Thyme Deli & Kitchen!

Plus, take a look at their events page to find out what’s on.