As the nights are drawing in many of you will be thinking about how to entertain the children during half-term. We’ve put together a list of 10 things to do in East Devon this autumn half-term.
Spooky events feature heavily on the list as well as pumpkin picking and getting back to nature.
We’ve put links to all events, and as ever please check availability with the organisers before venturing out. Many require pre-booking.
10 things to do this autumn half-term in East Devon
1. Halloween Hunt – Seaton Tramway
Take a ride on the Seaton Tramway and hunt down some escaped ghouls that have been let loose around its stations and trams. You can track them down on an activity sheet and once complete can exchange it for a sweet treat.
The activity is free for children to take part but as the ghouls are around all stations and trams a ticket will have to be purchased to complete the sheet.
The hunt runs between 23-31 October and activity sheets can be collected from Seaton or Colyton Stations.
There will also be Halloween-themed activities at Colyton Station on selected dates, between 24-31 October.
Tickets available from Seaton Tramway
The Bear Trail is Devon’s muddiest family-friendly assault course. With 30 obstacles on a 10-acre site, the aim is to get as muddy as possible.
There are bear nets to scramble over, zip wires to fly down and tunnels to tumble through. You can tackle the assault course as many times as you like. Remember the muddier the better.
Afterwards you can relax in the Bear Cave Cafe.
There are two time slots each day, which need to be pre-booked: 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. The Bear Trail is open daily during the October half-term.
It’s advised to wear older clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and bring along a change of clothes too. There are two outdoor showers and two wash-off areas alongside indoor changing rooms with cubicles.
Booking and more information at The Bear Trail
3. Spook-Fest – Crealy Theme Park & Resort
There’s a host of fang-tastic activities at the Crealy Theme Park this October half-term. Everything from new spook-macular attractions and creepily live shows and entertainments.
Have you the courage to escape the Creaky Hotel (that’s under new management and they’re just dying to meet you)? Can you find your way around the Scarecrow Scare Maze, or explore the Witches of the Wilderness Trail?
Be entertained at the Book of Spells show that tells a tale of a young witch who finds a book of spells that can the world upside down. Boogie on down at Buddy and Blossom’s Halloween Bash, and pick up your free pumpkin at Pumpkin Patch’s Plot.
All Halloween attractions are included in the theme park ticket price. There’s limited availability so booking is advised at Crealy Theme Park & Resort.
4. Autumn Crafts – Seaton Wetlands
Join the Seaton Wetlands education rangers for a morning of crafting. The autumn and Halloween-themed activities will get children creative by using natural materials and small tools. They will also be cooking treats over the campfire.
The session takes place on 27 October, between 10am-12pm. Tickets cost £5 per child and need to be booked in advance via Wild East Devon.
5. Autumn Half-term Halloween Fun – Pecorama
Ride the Beer Frights Light Railway – if you dare.
Join the Halloween Puzzle Trail at Pecorama by riding the spooky trail through the creepy tunnel. Win a prize by following the clues around the site to spell out a special Halloween phrase.
If you come in fancy dress you can claim a free treat on arrival.
Booking online in advance is advised at Pecorama
6. An Adorably Curious Adventure – The Donkey Sanctuary
If you’re curious and love donkeys then this adventure is for you.
This entertaining activity combines family fun, exercise, and brainpower. Fun donkey facts are scattered around the sanctuary. Complete the trail activities as you go and claim a prize and sticker on completion.
Costs £3.50 per trail and sheets can be picked at the gift shop. While you’re there wander around scenic walks and award-winning gardens and meet hundreds of adorable donkeys.
More information from The Donkey Sanctuary
7. Half-term Spooky Activities – World of Country Life
There’s a fun-filled week of Halloween spooky goings-on, games, shows, and a Halloween trail to entertain the family at the World of Country Life.
The schedule is:
25-31 October Halloween Trail
26-28 October Halloween Show
29-31 October Pumpkin Carving
More information and tickets from World of Country Life
8. Printmaking and animation workshops – Creative Cabin / The Thelma Hulbert Gallery
There will be two creative workshops run during the week from the Creative Cabin, supported by The Thelma Hulbert Gallery.
25 October – Harpford Woods Half-Term Printmaking Workshop:
Double Elephant printmaker Rosie Stiling and Simon Ripley will run hour-long printmaking sessions at Harpford Village Hall. Participants will be able to make collagraphs and monoprints using found and textured materials, inspired by some of the amazing butterflies, moths, trees, and birds found along the East Devon Way.
Four sessions will run throughout the day between 10am and 4pm.
Booking at the Thelma Hulbert Gallery
27 October – Code Red Animation:
Have a go at making a rotoscoping animation (using live-action footage stills to create the animation) with expert Izzy Wild. They will be working with archive footage to create a collaborative animated film to highlight the climate emergency.
There are sessions between 11am-2pm. Suitable for ages 7+.
Booking at the Thelma Hulbert Gallery
9. Exmouth Miniature Railway – Queen’s Drive Space
Miniature railway with two carriages holding up to 16 people running along a track in the Queen’s Drive events space.
Open between 10am-6pm, tickets cost £2 per person, per ride until 31 October.
More information at Queen’s Drive Space
10. Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins – Darts Farm
Darts Farm’s second Pumpkin Festival takes place during the autumn half-term where you can pick your own pumpkins to take home to carve.
Running between 20-31 October, head to the gazebo by the Hen House and await instructions. Booking is not required but the price will vary depending on the size of pumpkins you pick.
There are a number of pumpkin varieties available, all perfect for carving. These include Harvest Moon, Gladiator, Atlantic Giant, Racer, and Magic Lantern.
More information from Darts Farm
If you’re staying in East Devon for a few days don’t forget to check out the rest of the East Devon Excellence website for inspiration on places to visit, eat, or places to explore further
