Hop straight into the Easter holidays with Visit South Devon’s super-six Easter events
South Devon is a hive of fun-filled events for all the family to enjoy during the Easter holidays. So, if you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained and the parents stress-free, Visit South Devon’s super-six Easter events could be just what you’re looking for. There’s everything from lamb feeding, pig cuddling and goat walking, to steam festivals, superhero racing and survival in the wild days, not to mention Easter Egg hunt extravaganzas.
- 50th Anniversary Gala at the South Devon Railway (6th – 14th April)
Celebrate South Devon Railway’s 50th Anniversary in a fun-fueled steam gala! South Devon Railway is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the re-opening of the Ashburton Branch from 6th – 14th April.
Said to be the biggest and best celebration the railway has ever put on, the week is jam-packed with exciting activities ranging from an exhibition at Buckfastleigh that includes displays showcasing fifty years of steam trains, to the opportunity to drive a diesel locomotive.
The opening weekend will kick off with a re-enactment of the first passenger train operated by the Dart Valley Railway in April 1969, and will close with the locomotives operating an intensive timetable of trips.
The anniversary gala is also proudly playing host to a number of visiting locomotives including 6430 from Llangollen Railway, 1450 from the Severn Valley and many more surprise guests.
Tickets for one round trip start from £16 (adult) and £9 (Children 9-15). Or opt for a rover ticket to extend the experience, prices start from £20. Deep link: https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/whats-on/50th-anniversary-gala-at-the-south-devon-railway-p2646743
Where to stay: Royal Seven Stars Hotel, Totnes. This pretty former coach house Inn is located just a stone’s throw away from the lovely River Dart and the South Devon Railway. Double rooms are available from £105 per night including breakfast. https://www.royalsevenstars.co.uk/
- Super Hero Family Fun Day at Exeter Racecourse (16th April)
Exeter Racecourse is hosting its first ever Super Hero Family Day, packed full of activities for you and the children to enjoy!
Have the ideal family day out at the racecourse with a behind the scenes tour, two superhero themed horse races and the opportunity to meet your favourite jockey superhero! To add to the fun, the racecourse is offering on-the-spot prizes to those who are best dressed, so be sure to dress your little one in their favourite superhero outfit.
The event takes place on Tuesday 16th April from 12pm. The first race begins at 2.05pm and the last race at 5.35pm.
Tickets cost just £15 and children aged 17 and under are free. Alternatively, buy your tickets in advance and make the most of the 2 for £15 offer on Grandstand and Paddock tickets. Deep link: https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/whats-on/super-hero-family-fun-day-exeter-racecourse-p2655063
Where to stay: Refurbished in 2017, The City Gate Hotel boasts 15 boutique individually designed bedrooms. Set in the heart of Exeter city, just a 5-minute walk from the quay, the hotel is a real favourite with the locals and city visitors. A double ensuite bedroom for one-night costs £100, breakfast included. https://www.citygatehotel.com/
3. Easter Weekend at Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh (19th – 22nd April)
There’s so much to see and do at Pennywell Farm this Easter! Make the most of the holidays and pay a visit to the farm where kids can meet the brand-new spring arrivals, feed the lambs and cuddle the piglets, all while taking part in the exciting Easter quiz with lots of prizes to be won.
Alongside the farm’s usual shows, rides and displays, there will also be two extra Easter-themed performances in the Pennywell theatre from the top family entertainer, Poco Dom.
Open daily from 10am – 5pm, arrive before 11am and receive a free hot cross bun with every hot drink purchased. Tickets cost £14.95 for adults, £13.95 for seniors and £12.95 for children aged 3-16, children aged under 3 go free. Deep link: https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/whats-on/easter-bank-holiday-weekend-at-pennywell-farm-devon-p2630733
Where to stay: An alternative approach to accommodation, Lower Cobberton offers the unique opportunity to stay the night in a yurt or enjoy bed and breakfast at the Farmhouse. Opt for a night’s stay in the tranquil comfort of the 300 year old Farmhouse for just £35 per night per person, or if you’re feeling adventurous, book in for a week’s stay in the Mongolian self-catering Yurt at prices starting from £295. http://www.south-devon-bed-breakfast.co.uk/index.html
4. Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Coleton Fishacre (2nd – 21st April)
Pop over to the National Trust’s Coleton Fishacre in Kingswear, and let your kids loose on a fun packed Easter egg hunt.
Discover the beauty of the 1920s country retreat and admire the luxuriant garden overlooking the sea, while your little ones search high and low for the carefully concealed clues that lead to scrumptious treats hidden around the stunning estate.
Starting on 2nd April, the great hunt lasts until the 21st April; 10.30am – 4.30pm. Booking not required, tickets cost £2.50 per child and normal admissions apply. Deep link: https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/whats-on/cadbury-easter-egg-hunt-at-coleton-fishacre-p2196033
Where to stay: Marina View is situated in the picturesque village of Kingswear, overlooking the River Dart and neighbouring town Dartmouth. This holiday home offers a spacious living area, two double bedrooms and two balconies with panoramic views across the sweeping countryside. Book a week for four people at the Marina View from £490.
- Survive in the Wild, Slapton, South Hams (11th April)
Put your bush craft skills to the test with a unique day out exploring all that the wonder of nature has to offer at Slapton Ley Field Centre and National Nature Reserve, set in the stunning South Hams.
Survive in the Wild is an educational day out that allows you to get stuck in to what life is like in the wild as you explore the woods for materials, build a shelter and learn how to light a campfire. The experience is provided by the field studies council to provide an insight into the animal wildlife that lives in and around the largest natural lake in south west England. It’s also just a stones throw away from Slapton’s beautiful beach and coastline.
Booking is essential and sensible outdoor clothing and footwear is required. The event is free and is available on 11thApril from 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Deep link: https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/whats-on/survive-in-the-wild-p2656743
Where to stay: Just a 10-minute drive from Slapton Ley, Dittiscombe Holiday Cottages provides a home from home feel with a nature trail ripe for exploration on your cottage doorstep. Dittiscombe is a hamlet of six self-catering holiday cottages and one farmhouse, all tucked within the gentle rolling landscape that surrounds the private valley. A three night stay for four guests and one infant costs from £340. https://dittiscombe.co.uk/
- Easter Holiday Family Fun at World of Country Life, Exmouth (6th – 22nd April)
There’s something for all of the family to enjoy at World of Country Life in Exmouth. Keep the kids busy in the variety of outdoor play areas, or get stuck in with some hands on bottle feeding of the lambs, hand feeding of the deer or even a spot of goat walking, yes goat walking!
Over the Easter Holiday, there’ll be a whole host of additional activities to enjoy such as Easter arts and crafts sessions or a tasty Easter Egg Trail.
Alongside all of the farm fun, there’s an educational Museum of Farming giving an insight into vintage working farm machinery. There’s even a Hall of Transport with a vast collection of cars, bikes and steam engines to learn about.
Opening from 10am – 5pm. Adult tickets cost £14.45, children (3-17) £11.95 and children under three go free. Deep link:https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/whats-on/easter-holiday-family-fun-at-world-of-country-life-exmouth-devon-p2661573
Where to stay: The ideal accommodation for a family getaway in Exmouth, The Devoncourt Resort & Apartments is nestled within four acres of landscaped land, overlooking miles of golden sandy beaches. There’s a bundle of facilities to enjoy ranging from a full fitness suite and tennis court to a swimming pool and whirlpool spa; perfect for unwinding after a jam-packed day exploring. A family bedroom for one night starts costs between £79 – £119, breakfast included. https://www.devoncourt.com/
For more information on South Devon’s Easter holiday events, go to https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/whats-on/easter