Brrr! There’s no mistaking that autumn chill. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to snuggle up in front of the telly box in your favourite slippers. There’s still plenty of exploring to be done! If you are wondering what to do with the kids now the days have turned cooler, here’s my guide to the best things to do in Devon in October 2025.
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In this post you’ll discover what events are on this month as well as where to find pumpkin patches and some of the less spooky half term happenings.
If you’re after the frightful stuff I have a guide to that too. Read on!
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What’s on in Devon in October
Know of an event I can add to my monthly guides? Submit a listing!
Here’s a round up of the family-friendly events happening Devon this October:
Treasures of North Devon exhibition at Barnstaple Museum – daily until 11 October 2025
Explore a family-friendly exhibition of North Devon’s Treasures, some of which are usually on display at the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Admission to the museum is free.
Find out more about what’s on at the Museum of Barnstaple.
Caterpillar at Soapbox Children’s Theatre – selected dates until 11 October 2025
Fun loving Caterpillars, Bob and Bob wriggle out to explore the big wide world. Join them on their adventures discovering food, getting up to mischief and escaping from the cheeky chicken before transforming into beautiful butterflies.
This original show, which has been created by Stiltskin Theatre Company will delight young audiences from six months up to eight years and their parents.
Find out more and buy tickets.
England’s Seafood Festival in the English Riviera – every day until 12 October 2025
A two-week celebration of Devon’s world-renowned seafood is returning to the towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.
Throughout the celebration the English Riviera towns all showcase some of the best seafood in the world, right where it’s landed. Highlights include everything from fine dining to street food and seafood celebration suppers to guest chef events.
Find the full programme on the English Riviera website.
Stranger Folk interactive adventure at Kingshayes National Trust in Tiverton – until 30 November 2025
Step into a world of folklore, mischief and old magic this autumn, as the National Trust launches Stranger Folk, an immersive Halloween-inspired adventure game, available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Using a mobile phone, players are drawn into a spirited tale of ancient folklore where sneaky goblins, cunning boggarts, and mysterious Stranger Folk as they explore the gardens and woodlands of Knighthayes in a whole new way.
Find out more about Stranger Folk.
Pumpkin Festival and Pumpkin Nights at Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh – daily until 2 November 2025
Find out more and book tickets on the Pennywell Farm website.
Cockington Court Sculpture Trail 2025 – daily until 2 November 2025
Listen up art lovers, explorers and history enthusiasts! The Cockington Court sculpture trail has returned for 2025 and this year is inspired by the theme ‘pre-historic’. This free trail features more than 30 different sculptures created by 24 local artists and sculptors.
This year’s sculptures can be interpreted broadly, including anything from fossils and cave paintings to dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures.
To take part collect a free map from inside the Manor House between 10.30am and 4.30pm daily.
Find out more about this free sculpture trail in Torbay.
Spiney vs Slimy at National Marine Aquarium – daily until 2 November 2025
National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth has an interactive activity trail taking place this October.
Spiny vs Slimy explores the fascinating world of spiny shellys, slimy scales and everything in between – which ties wonderfully with their latest residents, two spiny lobsters.
Explore each of the aquarium’s zones and discoverdifferent slimy and spiny animals in each of the zones.
Find out more and book tickets to the aquarium on the NMA website. Visit once and validate your ticket for a whole year of return trips.
Drizzles Pumpkin Party Halloween Trail at The Donkey Santuary in Sidmouth – daily until 3 November 2025
Help Drizzle the Donkey celebrate her Halloween birthday by completing this fun trail to find hidden pumpkins around the sanctuary.
Find all the pumpkins to discover Drizzle’s age and win a prize.
Entry to the sanctuary is free. Trail sheets cost £5 each and can be bought in the gift shop.
Find out more about what’s on at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Free storytelling for toddlers at The Box, Plymouth – 3, 10, 17 24 and 31 October 2025
Join students from the University of Plymouth for a free storytelling and craft session under the figureheads at The Box every Friday this month.
The session takes place between 10.30am and 11am.
Find out more on The Box website.
Hennock Barn Dance, near Bovey Tracey – 4 October 2025
Beechleigh Farm in Hennock near Bovey Tracey is hosting a family-friendly Barn Dance again this autumn.
Renowned ceilidh band Spinach for Norman will be bringing the tunes the cattle barn for an evening of authentic farm entertainment in aid of the village school. There will also be activities for children including colouring, football and badminton. Even better under 11s can attend for just £1.
There will be a bar to quench the dancers’ thirst, a grand draw with many local business donations, family games and a BBQ serving local meats plus veggie options.
For more information and discounted advance tickets visit the PTA’s web page.
Powderham Food Festival near Exeter – 4 to 5 October 2025
Set in the grounds of Powderham Castle, this award-winning food festival showcases more than 130 South West food and drink producers.
Explore the stunning grounds and sample a diverse range of food, from delicious locally farm-
reared beef burgers to sweet cookie sandwiches.
Throughout the day, there will be demonstrations from local suppliers, expert-led talks, and family entertainment. Tickets also include entry to the Castle, enabling you to enjoy the full Powderham experience.
Adult tickets cost £5 and kids under 16 go free, and dogs are welcome.
Find the full event programme and buy tickets on the Powderham Food Festival website.
Festival of Flavours at RHS Rosemoor – 4 to 5 October 2025
Tuck into street food from around the world, pick up ideas from cookery demos, expert talks and garden tours, and shop for treats in the food and craft market.
Get in the festival mood with live music and campfire cooking. Normal entry prices apply.
Find out more on the RHS Rosemoor website.
Six at Princess Theatre in Torquay – 7 to 11 October 2025
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a celebration of 21st century girl power.
This multi award-winning show has plenty of family appeal but is best suited to children aged 10 and up.
Find out more and buy tickets online.
Tavistock Goose Fair – 8 October 2025
This traditional fayrer is back in 2025 a local and national exhibitors, street food, fun fair and markets. Entry is free and the fun continues from 9am into the evening so is perfect for an afterschool visit.
Find out more about Tavistock Goose Fair.
Community Scarecrow Trail at Arlington Court near Barnstaple – 8 to 31 October 2025
The annual Community Scarecrow Trail returns to Arlington Court this autumn with a special trail sheet to help you find them all while exploring the gardens.
Pick up a free trail sheet from visitor reception and spot scarecrows created by local schools, community groups and volunteers along the way. Normal admission charged apply.
Find out more about Arlington Court.
Lydford Gorge Viking trail – 8 October to 2 November 2025
Did you know that in 997AD the Vikings advanced on Lydford in search of plunder. Follow in their footsteps this autumn on a family-friendly trail around the orchard.
This trail is included in the standard admission charge.
Find out more about visiting Lydford Gorge.
Sidmouth Science Festival Super Science Family Day – 11 October 2025
Experience a free action-packed 10 day of scientific discovery and hands-on fun, perfect for the curious minds of all ages.
Some of the activities on offer include making motors, projectiles, bubbles, chemistry, physics and maths.
Events take place at Kennaway House, the Parish Church, the Sid Vale Association HQ and All Saints’ Church and Hall. There’s no need to book.
This day is part of a longer festuval taking place from 10 to 19 October.
For more information visit the Sidmouth Science Festival website.
Rock pooling safari at Wembury in South Devon – 11 October 2025
Join the South Devon National Landscape Estuaries Officer, a marine biologist, for an introduction to the struggles and tribulations of life in the intertidal zone.
Explore and discover the variety and adaptions of marine life found along this rocky shore.
Find out more about visiting South Devon National Landscapes website.
Festival of Discovery in Exeter city centre – 11 to 12 October 2025
The University of Exeter is running a free, immersive event giving families the chance to delve into its fascinating research in topics from science to culture.
The FUTURES festival will include a pop-up curiosity shop in Princesshay where you can work with real scientists, a treasure trail weaving around the city centre, and guided walking tours to explore the area in a fascinating new way.
Find out more about what’s on over the weekend.
Comic Con & Gaming Festival at Westpoint Exeter – 11 to 12 October 2025
If you and the kids are into the world of comics and gaming, Exeter has just the day out for you. Expect prop exhibitors, activities, cosplay and special guests at Comic Con & Gaming Festival at Westpoint.
Find out more and get tickets.
Autumnfest at Arlington Court near Barnstaple – 11 October to 2 November 2025
Step into Autumn at Arlington Court where you’ll find a harvest table laid in the dining room and seasonal floral displays throughout.
Outside, head to the garden to see the Atlantic giant pumpkin and gourd display. Wander through the grounds and follow the fairytale-themed scarecrow trail, created by local schoolchildren, community groups, and volunteers.
For younger adventurers, there’s a special children’s spotter trail.
Plan your visit and find out more on the Arlington Court website.
Freight Train Experience at South Devon Railway – 12 October 2025
Jump aboard South Devon Railway for a great day out. Enjoy steam-hauled heritage train on the open veranda of a 1930s ‘Toad’ or 1950s ‘Shark’ rides.
Your ticket also includes unlimited travel on our other passenger services during the day, perfect for exploring the local area.
Find out more about this offer on the South Devon Railway website.
Cockington Apple Day – 12 October 2025
Cockington Court’s free annual Apple Day returns this month with plenty of family fun planned including arts and crafts, live music, apple-inspired fun, a service at Cockington Church and more than 40 market stalls selling food, drinks and crafts.
The on-site Seven Dials Café will be serving food and drinks all day. There will also be some new additions to this year’s event, including a Craft Bus, Angel Heart Theatre and Elfic the comedy juggler.
See apples being pressed and bring your own to be turned into juice for a small donation.
Find out more about Cockington Apple Day.
Titanic Exhibition at Westpoint in Exeter – 15 to 31 October 2025
This immersive Titanic showcase brings the story of the RMS Titanic to life, from its design and construction to its tragic sinking on 15 April 1912. The exhibition will also explore the ship’s enduring legacy, including its influence on film and television.
Among the highlights is a collection of artefacts from Titanic’s past, including what is believed to be the largest surviving fragment of the aft Grand Staircase. Personal belongings of passengers and crew will also be on display, offering a deeply human perspective on the tragedy.
Find out more and book tickets to see the exhibition at Westpoint.
Beyond Van Gogh exhibition at Westpoint Exeter – 16 to 31 October 2025
Another immersive experience coming to Westpoint this month brings the masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh thrillingly to life in one unforgettable cinematic multimedia experience.
Experience over 300 masterpieces, including iconic classics such as The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Café Terrace at Night, now freed from their frames.
This exhibition takes you on a journey through the artist’s world from darkness to light, enhanced by his own dreams, thoughts and words set to a stirring symphonic score.
Find out more and get tickets for Beyond Van Gogh.
Earth Photo exhibition at Forestry England Haldon – 17 October 2025 to 19 March 2026
Forestry England’s outdoor exhibition showing images from Earth Photo shortlisted works is coming to Devon.
Created in 2018 by Forestry England, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and Parker Harris, Earth Photo is a world-leading programme engaging with still and moving image makers to showcase the issues affecting the climate and life on our planet.
The outdoor exhibition is free to explore will display a selection of the images submitted by photographers from around the world including the melting sea ice of Greenland and the vanishing oases of Morocco.
Find out more about Earth Photo at Haldon Forest.
Piskies vs Trolls Trail at Buckland Abbey in Yelverton – 18 October to 2 November 2025
Piskies caused mischeif at Buckland Abbey during the Spring and now they are back, but this time they’re squabling with the resident Buckland Trolls!
The Trolls have just woken up from their summer slumber. Come and see what these guys have been up to! Playing pranks, tricks and hoaxes on each other.
Find out more about visiting Buckland Abbey.
Toddler Takeover at The Big Sheep near Bideford – selected dates from 18 to 24 October 2025
Dig out your best Halloween costumes and take your little monsters along to The Big Sheep’s exclusive toddler Halloween event, pre-half term.
There will be a monster ball with Jiggy Wrigglers, seasonal forest play with Barnwood Bears, pumpkin picking, animal feeding and all the usual attractions, just without those pesky big kids about.
Find out more about what’s on at The Big Sheep.
Magic, Mystery & Illusion at Knightshayes in Tiverton – 18 October to 2 November 2025
Visit Knightshayes for a Halloween experience full of interesting illusions and mystery.
Enter the House and find that not everything is always as it seems as you discover optical illusions of the Victorian era. Venture into the gardens to discover more mysteries.
Find out more about visiting Knightshayes.
October half term in Devon
Check out my full guide to October half term and Halloween fun for spooky happenings at attractions around the county.
But that’s not all.
Here’s some of the other family-friendly, less frightful things to do in Devon this October half term:
Dartmouth Food Festival – 24 to 26 October 2025
This delicious free event in Devon is packed with food and drink to suit all taste buds. Dartmouth Food Festival comes with three days packed with cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, talks with food writers, and cookery workshops for adults and children.
A whole day of the festival is dedicated to children, with events and activities to get kids excited about cooking. Don’t miss the free story telling sessions with tales of funny food and even ginger bread man making.
Some activities must be booked and paid for in advance.
Take a look at the Food Festival website for more information.
Ministry of Science Live at Princess Theatre Torquay – 25 October 2025
Direct from London’s West End, join the presenters of this live science show as they take a dive deep into how science shapes the world we live in. Expect loud bangs and lots of stealth learning made fun.
Find out more and book tickets online.
Fun For Little Ones – A Tribute To Ms Rachel at Exeter Northcott Theatre – 25 October 2025
The Northcott Theatre bring the viral sensation Ms Rachel to life in a fun, interactive, live on stage performance with lots of participation for little ones.
The biggest thing to wow the internet since Baby Shark!, Ms Rachel has five billion views and more than eight million subscribers on YouTube.
Fun for Little Ones Live encapsulates her bubbly personality, sweet singing voice and educational content.
Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Northcott website.
Harvest Weekend at Buckland Abbey – 25 to 26 October 2025
Help celebrate the harvest of autumn fruits and other crops at the ancestral home of Sir Francis Drake. Activities are included in the usual entrance fee.
Find out more about what’s on at Buckland Abbey.
Baggy Point autumn trail – 25 October to to 2 November 2025
Embrace autumn and go for a scenic walk at the National Trust’s Baggy Point headland in North Devon.
This is a free trail.
Find out more at the Baggy Point car park.
Time trail at Castle Drogo – 25 October to 2 November
This half term the Castle Drogo trailis all about time. From working out the time from the position of the sun to the newfangled electric clock in Mr Drewe’s room, there is plenty of time to explore at Castle Drogo.
This event is included in the usual entrance price.
Find out more about what’s on at Castle Drogo.
Silent disco beach cleans at Woolacombe – 28 October 2025
Join the National Trust’s Woolacombe rangers for their monthly beach clean with a added bonus of a silent disco.
All equipment is provided. Meet at Mill Rock at 10.30am.
Find out more about silent disco beach cleans at Woolacombe.
The Colour of Dinosaurs at Theatre Royal Plymouth – 28 October to 1 November 2025
The Colour of Dinosaurs brings the story of Jakob’s extraordinary science to life. Find out how he came to identify what colours dinosaurs were while celebrating everyone’s identities, including disability, cultural identity, and of course, how much we all love dinosaurs!
Find out more and book tickets.
Sharpham Family Nature Detectives near Totnes – 29 October 2025
Learn how to find and identify the tracks and signs left by animals living on Sharpham Estate during this event guided by wildlife expert Mike Langman.
You’ll need to practice patience and use detective work to hunt for evidence and then analyse what you find before you can identify which creature has left its clues behind.
This event is ideal for children aged seven years and older. Babes in arms are welcome but activities are not accessible for pushchairs.
Children can attend for FREE and there is a reduce price for adults on a low income. Booking is essential.
Find out more and book your family’s places.
Anton du Beke at the Musicals at Princess Theatre in Devon – 29 October 2025
Strictly fans will love this evening with the King of Ballroom as he performs songs and dances from some of his favourite musicals.
There will also be plenty of behind the scenes chat from the BBC One hit show.
Find out more and buy tickets online.
Alpaca experiences at Canonteign Falls – 29 October 2025
Meet Canonteign Falls’ adorable alpacas and join them on a magical alpaca walk through the autumn scenery.
Each 45 minute Alpaca session is perfect for families or friends and is suitable for children aged six and up with adult supervision. Booking is essential.
More seasonal activities are happening at Canonteign Falls across the half term holidays.
Find out more and book on the Canonteign Falls website.
Nature explorers at Coleton Fishacre near Kingswear – 29 October 2025
Find out about Barn Owl habitats and conservation with the The Barn Owl Trust during this nature explorers event.
This talk is included in your entrance fee and will uncover how the extreme weather and climate change can affect owls as well as exploring their feeding habits with pellet analysis. Yes, that means examining poo!
Find out more on the National Trust website.
Family fun day at Lorna Doone – 29 October 2025
Join the team at Lorna Doone Valley for a day of free crafting and nature discovery
Find out more about visiting Lorna Doone.
Family sauna experience at Wilder at Dartmeet – 30 October 2025
Try something different this half term and try a family sauna session at Dartmeet. Wilder have a few 50 minute slots available for families with children aged six to 16 to warm up in the sauna and enjoy the riverside site including a dip in the River Dart as it flows from the moors.
Private bookings area also available seven days a week.
Find out more and book online.
Volunteer for Bash and Burn at Morte Point, Woolacombe – 30 October 2025
Join the rangers at Morte Point for a day of family volunteering as they cut back gorse and overgrown vegetation to create more space for nature to flourish.
This opportunity is most suitable for children aged six and upwards. All tools and training will be provided. The event is free and will run between 10am to 3pm.
To find out more please visit the National Trust website.
Know of an event I can add to my monthly guides? Submit a listing!
Halloween in Devon
Of course, October half term in Devon often coincides with Halloween. Halloween is one of my kids’ favourite times of year, along with Easter and Christmas – they have inherited their mum’s sweet tooth!
Here’s my guide to what’s on in Devon this Halloween including spooky days out.
Where to pick pumpkins in Devon
Last year this was one of our autumn highlights.
The kids dressed up in their Halloween finery and we headed to our local pumpkin patch where there was an astonishing collection of gourds in all shapes, sizes and colours – perfect for decorating our doorstep.
Check out my post about where to pick pumpkins in Devon to find out the latest open days.
Which Devon attractions are open in October?
Opening times for Devon attractions tend to vary in the off season but you can still find some that will welcome you all week through! Devon zoos and steam railways are my top suggestions.
Most attractions will also reopen for the October school holidays.
Check out my guide to things to do in Devon in Autumn to see a list of Devon attractions that are open daily and those that are open on the weekends only.
More things to do in October
If you’re looking for more ideas for things to do in October then here’s some ideas for entertaining the kids:
- What’s on in Devon this weekend
- Things to do in Devon on a rainy day
- Free things to do in Devon
- Where to find soft play centres in Devon
- Adventure playgrounds in Devon
- Easy walks to do on Dartmoor
What’s your favourite things to do in Devon in October? Do you know of an activity or event not on this list? Drop me a line or comment below.
Got a while to stay? Check out my full guide to family holidays in Devon.
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