What to do in Devon this autumn 2021

Grab your woolies, wellies and rain coats because there’s plenty to do in Devon this autumn. While 2021 may still be a little different due to the pandemic, there are still some awesome things to do and events happening as the days draw in. Here’s our guide to what’s on in Devon this autumn.

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Planning a visit to Devon? Check out my big guide to family holidays in Devon.

What’s on in Devon this Autumn?

Take a look at my round ups about things to do in Devon in September, October and November for more information about what’s on in Devon.

You can also plan ahead with my round up of Devon events coming up in 2021.

Halloween in Devon

While a lot of Devon’s usual autumn events have sadly been cancelled this year, there are still some Halloween and half term events planned. Check out my Halloween in Devon post to find out what’s on and where to pick a pumpkin this October.

Devon attractions open this autumn

A host of Devon attractions remain open in the week and on the weekends during the autumn. Always check opening times and whether booking is necessary in advance.

Here’s some of the days out we can recommend check out this autumn:

Devon attractions open every day this autumn

• The Box, Plymouth, South Devon – open Tuesday to Sunday. Book your free entry in advance.
• RAMM museum and art gallery, Exeter – Book your free entry in advance.
• The Donkey Sanctuary, East Devon – open daily all year round.
• Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, South Devon – open daily. Book your free entry in advance.
• Paignton Zoo in Paignton, South Devon – open daily all year round, book in advance.
• Dartmoor Zoo in Sparkwell, South Devon – open daily all year round, book in advance.
• Exmoor Zoo in Barnstaple, North Devon – open daily all year round, book in advance.
• Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park – open daily all year round, book in advance.
• Wildwood Escot in Ottery St Mary, East Devon – open daily all year round, no need to book in advance.
• National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, South Devon – open daily all year round, book in advance.
• Dartmouth Steam Railway in Paignton/Kingswear, South Devon – open daily until 31 October, book in advance.
• The Big Sheep in Bideford, North Devon- open all year, book in advance.
• The Milky Way in Bideford, North Devon – open all year, book in advance.
• The World of Country Life in Exmouth, East Devon – open daily until the end of October.
• RHS Rosemoor in Great Torrington, North Devon – open daily, book in advance.
• Canonteign Falls in Dartmoor, South Devon – open daily until the end of October. There’s no need to book in advance.
• Becky Falls in Newton Abbot, South Devon – open daily until the end of October, book in advance.
• River Dart Country Park in Ashburton, South Devon – open daily, book in advance.
• Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay, South Devon – open Wednesday to Sunday, book in advance.
• House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey, South Devon – open daily, no need to book in advance.
• Beer Quarry Caves in Beer, East Devon – open daily, book in advance.
• Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in Lynton, North Devon – open daily, no need to book in advance.
• Quince Honey Farm in South Molton, Mid-Devon – open daily, no need to book in advance.

Here’s some more ideas for things to do in Devon in October.

What to do in Devon at the weekends and in October half term

• Crealy Adventure Park and Resort in Exeter – open Saturday and Sunday and October half term.
• Woodlands Family Theme Park in Dartmouth, South Devon – open weekends.
• Diggerland in Cullompton, East Devon – open Saturday and Sunday and October half term.
• Kents Cavern in Torquay, South Devon – open weekends and October half term, book in advance.
• The Bear Trail near Cullompton, East Devon – open weekends and October half term, book in advance.

Want to know what’s open from November onwards? Read my guide to winter in Devon.

National Trust and English Heritage days out

National Trust in Devon

National Trust places in Devon are open over the autumn:

• Coleton Fishacre in Brixham, South Devon – open daily until the end of October and then on weekends.
• Saltram in Plymouth, South Devon – open daily.
• Greenway House in Churston, South Devon – open daily until the end of October and then on weekends.
• Buckland Abbey in Yelverton, South Devon – open daily until the end of October and then on weekends.
• Killerton in Exeter – open daily.
• Overbecks in Salcombe, South Devon – open daily until the end of October.
• Lydford Gorge in Okehampton, Mid-Devon – open daily until the end of December
• Castle Drogo near Exeter – open daily until the end of December.

Search for and book your National Trust day out this autumn.

English Heritage in Devon

The majority of English Heritage sites have now reopened and many have lots of outdoor space for you to enjoy with your family this autumn. Booking ahead is essential. Here’s where to find English Heritage sites in Devon that are open this autumn:

• Dartmouth Castle in Dartmouth, South Devon – open Wednesday to Sunday until the end of October.
• Okehampton Castle in Okehampton, Mid-Devon – open Wednesday to Sunday until the end of October.
• Totnes Castle in Totnes, South Devon – open daily for guided tours up to the end of October.
• Lydford Castle and Saxon Town in Okehampton, Mid-Devon – open daily.
• Berry Pomeroy Castle in Berry Pomeroy, South Devon – open Wednesday to Sunday until the end of October.
• Royal Citadel in Plymouth, South Devon – tours can be booked up until the end of October.

Want to know what’s open from November onwards? Read my guide to winter in Devon.

Adventure playgrounds

My kids love an adventure playground and they are great places to visit in the autumn to run off energy. Just remember your flask of tea and a spare pair of trousers for those inevitable wet slide moments!

Here’s some of the best adventure playgrounds in Devon as suggested by members of the Devon with Kids Facebook group:

Read more about each of these free Devon adventure playgrounds.

Pottery painting in Devon

Avoid the chilly weather and get creative indoors at one of these pottery painting centres:

• Something Lovely Pottery Painting in Sidmouth, East Devon
• Honiton Pottery in Honiton, East Devon
• China Blue in Totnes, South Devon
• Poppins Pottery in Torquay, South Devon
• Tarka Pottery at Little Torrington, North Devon

Woodland adventures

Treat yourselves to lungfuls of fresh air with a woodland walk. We particularly like woodlands and forests that come with adventure trails, family-friendly cycle paths and a good cafe. 

Here’s some of the best to try with kids in Devon:

• Haldon Forest Country Park near Exeter
• Stover Country Park in Newton Abbot, South Devon
• Cockington Country Park in Torquay, South Devon

If your favourite woodland or forest isn’t listed let me know!

High ropes

You can swing through the trees on the Go Ape high ropes course at Haldon Forest near Exeter until the first weekend in December.

Haldon Forest has an Adventure course, which is suitable for younger children, and a Challenge course for the more adventurous.

The course is open at weekends and over half term in Devon this autumn. Booking is essential.

Soft play in Devon

And there’s always soft play – because some days there’s only so much puddle jumping you can take!

Here’s where to find soft play near you in Devon:

• Funderzone in Barnstaple, North Devon
• Let’s Go Barnstaple, North Devon
• Monsters Mansion in Tiverton, Mid-Devon
• Wait 2 Play in Crediton, Mid-Devon
• Planet Play in Crediton, Mid-Devon
• Jump in Plymouth, South Devon
• Plymouth Soft Play Cafe, South Devon
• Play Cafe in Paignton, South Devon
• Wizz Kids in Brixham, South Devon
• Tumbling Teds Play House in Newton Abbot, South Devon
• Bear Feet Play Centre in Newton Abbot, South Devon
• Bear Feet in Exeter and Newton Abbot, South Devon
• Sam’s Funhouse in Exmouth, East Devon

Planning beyond autumn…Christmas in Devon!

Now’s the time to start planning which festive days out and events you’d like to do in Devon. Many sell out fast! Read our guide to Christmas in Devon including Santa trains, pantomimes and festive events.

You’ll also like my posts about things to do in Devon in the Winter and places to visit in the Spring.

Why not also take a sneak peek at what’s happening in Devon in 2021.

Planning some autumn fun in Devon? Why to save this post about what to do in Devon this autumn on Pinterest.