Grab your woolies, wellies and rain coats because there’s plenty to do in Devon this autumn. While 2020 may be a little different to usual, 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.

UPDATE: following the Government announcement that there will be a new month-long lockdown, family attractions, events and entertainment venues will be closed between 5 November and 2 December 2020. I am updating this post as announcements are made. Always check what’s open before you travel and adhere to the latest government guidance.

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Things to do and what's on in Devon this autumn with ideas to inspire family days out, short breaks and October half term holidays in 2020 #England #Devon #UK #wetdays #family #fun #events #thingstodo #whatson #Halloween #autumn #Devonwithkids

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 – reopens on 24 October 2020. Book your free entry in advance.
  • The Donkey Sanctuary, East Devon – open daily all year round, book in advance over October half term only.
  • Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, South Devon – open daily. The farm is releasing tickets in blocks each week, book 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 but with slight variations in 2020. Tickets are being released in fortnightly blocks
  • The Milky Way in Bideford, North Devon – open all year but with slight variations in 2020. Tickets are being released in fortnightly blocks
  • The World of Country Life in Exmouth, East Devon – open daily until 1 November 2020
  • RHS Rosemoor in Great Torrington, North Devon – open daily. Tickets are being released weekly
  • Canonteign Falls in Dartmoor, South Devon – open daily until 1 November 2020. There’s no need to book in advance
  • Becky Falls in Newton Abbot, South Devon – open daily until 1 November 2020, 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

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

Some National Trust places in Devon have reopened over the summer and many will be extending their usual opening times over the autumn.

Some places are also now offering limited and time controlled access to their properties. Booking is essential for car parking, and entrance to gardens and houses.

Here’s which National Trust places in Devon are open this autumn:

  • Coleton Fishacre in Brixham, South Devon – open daily until 1 November 2020, house closed
  • Saltram in Plymouth, South Devon – open daily until 31 December 2020, house closed
  • Greenway House in Churston, South Devon – open daily until 1 November 2020, entrance to house bookable
  • Buckland Abbey in Yelverton, South Devon – open daily until 31 December 2020, entrance to Abbey bookable
  • Killerton in Exeter – open daily until 31 December 2020, entrance to house bookable
  • Overbecks in Salcombe, South Devon – open daily until 1 November 2020, house closed
  • Lydford Gorge in Okehampton, Mid-Devon – the waterfall circular walk is open daily until 31 December 2020, the tea room is closed from 1 November 2020
  • Castle Drogo near Exeter – open daily until 31 December 2020, castle closed

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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.

Things to do and what's on in Devon this autumn with ideas to inspire family days out, short breaks and October half term holidays in 2020 #England #Devon #UK #wetdays #family #fun #events #thingstodo #whatson #Halloween #autumn #Devonwithkids