If you want to soak up all the joy of the season, from fresh buds to bouncy lambs, I’ve got a blooming wonderful list of the best places to visit in Devon this Spring.
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Spring is a fantastic time to explore Devon as the weather improves yet the best beaches, attractions and beauty spots are quieter than in the busy summer months.
There’s also things to see and do between February and May that you won’t experience at any other times like seeing Spring flowers, the arrival of baby animals and, of course, lots of fun in the first two school breaks of the year.
If you are planning a holiday here then take a look at some of the stunning places to stay in Devon with Classic Cottages.
Make the most of you family time by check out my guide to things to do in Devon at the start of the year as well as these specific suggestions for your Spring bucket list:
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Places to visit in Devon this Spring half term
If you are itching to get out and about in Devon this February half term then I have a huge list of events and activities to keep the whole family entertained.
From the new Gruffalo activity trail at Haldon Forest to seeing Luke Jerram’s Mars: War & Peace at Exeter Cathedral, there’s oodles going on.
Take a look at my full guide to February in Devon.
Best place to visit in Devon for snowdrops: The Garden House
One of the very best places to visit in Devon this Spring is The Garden House, which has one of the most diverse collections of named and naturalised snowdrops in the UK.
There are 350 varieties in total making it a joy to explore after a harsh winter.
The gardens also put on children’s trails at half term and Easter giving families extra reason to explore this hidden gem in Yelverton.
Find out more about visiting The Garden House.
Where to see baby animals in Devon: Pennywell Farm
Pennywell Farm is a joy to visit with young animal lovers at any time of year – Christmas is particularly fun. But Spring trumps every other season as this is when barn-fulls of babies are being born.
This year you can expect to meet young guinea pigs as well as Pennywell’s newest piglets.
We recommend arriving as the farm opens so that you can enjoy all of the activities laid on during the day including cuddles with smaller animals, feeding larger residents, a tractor ride and Pennywell’s famous pig races.
Find out more about visiting Pennywell Farm.
Where to see Spring flowers: Coleton Fishacre
The gardens of this National Trust property near Brixham burst into colour in Spring time.
There are parades of blossom trees, daffodils and crocuses all around the Art Deco house that once belonged to the D’Oyly Carte family who found fame in 20th Century opera circles.
For kids there’s a den building area in the woods and a nature explorer trail sheet to pick up from the visitor entrance. You can also do a design trail in the house.
The National Trust cafe is a great place to fuel up with a hearty soup or slab of cake.
Find out more about visiting Coleton Fishacre.
Where to see lambing live in Devon: The Big Sheep
If you want to see the season’s new arrivals one of the best places to visit in Devon this Spring is The Big Sheep.
This popular farm attraction in North Devon has plenty of young animals to meet. You might even see some being born here.
As well as farmyard fun The Big Sheep has live shows, the county’s biggest rollercoaster ‘Rampage’ (open from Easter) and one of the South West’s largest all-weather attractions, EWEtopia. This is where you’ll find soft play, drop slides and ball pits.
There’s also a baby sensory room with plenty of activities for pre-schoolers to enjoy.
Find out more about visiting The Big Sheep this Spring.
The best place for daffodils: Hartland Abbey
Somewhere to admire a cast of bobbing daffodils is Hartland Abbey in North Devon, which is home to the Stucley family.
The Spring blooms here were planted more than 150 years ago. As well as daffs there’s camellias, hellebores, mimosas, wild primroses and violets.
You can also follow winding woodland paths to find the walled gardens and summerhouse.
The house and gardens are open for a single day for visitors to admire the Spring flowers – March 19 2023 – before the Abbey’s official opening for the season in April. So don’t miss out!
Find out more about visiting Hartland Abbey.
Best place for bluebells in Devon: Gallants Bower
For miles of views along the South Devon coast accompanied by a carpet of Spring flowers a hike up Gallants Bower in Dartmouth is a must.
This ancient fort site sits in prime position above Dartmouth Castle. From here you can see down the River Dart, across to Kingswear Castle and the Daymark navigation tower.
Visit from March to May for the best chance to see bluebells.
Tie in your visit with a walk to Little Dartmouth or into the Medieval port town of Dartmouth where you’ll find plenty of things to do.
Places to visit in Devon for Easter egg trails
As long term National Trust members, we always have its properties on our list of places to visit in Devon at Easter.
Here’s the National Trust places where you’ll find Easter trails with a prize at the end:
- Arlington Court, near Barnstaple
- Buckland Abbey, Dartmoor
- Castle Drogo, near Exeter
- Coleton Fishacre, Brixham
- Greenway, Churston
- Killerton, near Exeter
- Knightshayes, near Tiverton
- Lydford Gorge, West Devon
- Saltram, near Plymouth
If you want to find more egg-cellent events happening this year take a look at my full guide to Easter egg trails in Devon.
And for more ideas for things to do Classic Cottages have some inspiration for your Spring-time Devon holiday.
What’s you favourite season to visit Devon?
Disclosure: this is an advertorial feature with Classic Cottages.