What’s on in North Devon this May Half Term

15th May 2019

The year is flying by, and it’s almost time for another half term. With the kids off school and no-doubt brimming with excitement, you’re going to want to keep them occupied - luckily, here in North Devon, we’ve got plenty of activities to keep them busy.

Whether you're a local or visiting the area for a well-deserved holiday, keep reading to discover North Devon’s top events and attractions for the half term break.

Ilfracombe Aquarium

A firm family favourite, Ilfracombe Aquarium is a fantastic day out with the kids. Designed to follow a unique, zoned journey from the source of an Exmoor stream right out to Lundy, there are over 75 species of aquatic life to discover.

Especially designed with little ones in mind, children are offered exciting quizzes throughout the exhibits, along with interactive opportunities and feeding demonstrations to provide the perfect balance of fun and learning.

From the start of half term, the aquarium will be open from 10am until 5pm.

The Milky Way

Main holiday hours will be in place at the Milky Way Adventure Park, open between 10am and 6pm daily.

Now that the main season is in full swing, the park will be busy and packed out with exciting activities. From soft play and attractions like roller coasters, dodgems, and their brand new Ziggy’s Blast Quest, there’s plenty to do - as well as outdoor adventures such as golf, or creative tasks like pottery. Plus with a range of interactive shows focussing on science, birds of prey and magic acts, there’s absolutely something for all ages and interests.

Clovelly

A privately owned village, offering insight into a world gone by - even without cars - Clovelly offers the perfect day out. Take pictures with the resident donkeys, enjoy the children’s rides or take a tour of the museums and village itself, there’s something for each member of the family to enjoy.

In addition, the Clovelly Seaweed Festival will be taking place on the 26th May at the very beginning of half term. An educational day, packed full of workshops and talks from experts, there will also be a fair share of crafts, live music and street entertainment. It’s ideal for something a little bit different.

Rosemoor

Help your children embrace a touch of the green thumb this half term with a trip to Rosemoor. Get Set Grow is a full week’s worth of family fun to pack out the holidays, offering a variety of activities.

As well as the bloom of the late-spring gardens, which are perfect for exploring, there’s drop-in craft workshops for the kids to get creative, as well as a series of fun workshops ranging from creating a mini vegetable garden to crafting your own hedgehog cress play pots. View the full timetable here.

Quince Honey Farm

If you love wildlife, then Quince Honey Farm is another must-visit destination here in North Devon. Based in South Molton, the attraction offers learning opportunities as well as hands-on fun and play.

With beekeeping talks, honey tasting, the chance to meet creepy crawlies or try your hand at beekeeping yourself, there’s sure to be an activity to peak everyone’s interest. The day is always ideally finished with a purchase of some yummy honey from the on-site shop, or for the kids to get their energy out in the play hive.

Quince Honey Farm has only recently reopened for the season following a huge site refurb. Now bigger and better than ever, don’t miss the chance to experience it.

The Big Sheep

Things are getting mystical down at the Big Sheep, with a dedicated Unicorns and Dragons week taking place all over half term!

Dress up in your best unicorn or dragon fancy dress to be in with a chance of winning prizes - or, join in the magical unicorn hunt and see how you fair. What’s more, the Big Sheep unicorn and Dreckly the Dragon will be on site to meet the kids and even take a selfie or two.

With all the usual attractions and live shows available as normal all week - including lamb feeding and sheep racing - it’ll make for a fantastic day out.

Lee Spring Fair

Speaking of thematic events, the village of Lee is hosting another memorable spring fair this year - this time with an exciting superheroes and supervillains theme.

Situated in the memorial hall and meadow, the fair will be open between 2 - 4.30pm on the 27th May. With stalls and crafts, live music performances of the guitar and ukulele, as well as games - including welly wanging, a raffle or tombola - it’s a great way to get involved in the local community.

Children’s Science Workshops

If your kids love getting creative - and hands-on with some fun-filled yet educational workshops - then they’re in luck, with a couple of different science workshops available across various locations.

Over at St Anne’s Community Centre, children will be getting a bit messy making rainbow bath bombs - as well as at least 2 colourful, glittery slimes - to take home with them.

Meanwhile, at Barnstaple library, a special family workshop will provide a great opportunity to spend some time together. Working as a team, you’ll receive a top secret mission brief at the start of the workshop - then you’ll have just 45 minutes to work on your project, with prizes up for grabs for successful teams.

With a range of different family attractions on offer - as well as our beaches and Areas of Natural Beauty, of course there’s no shortage of things to do this half term. But what are your plans?

Make sure to let us know what you’re planning to get up to over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and have a fantastic time!