-
By
- 17/11/2020
- Things to do
Things to do in Devon in February half term 2021
When we first moved to Devon finding things to do in the winter months was a bit of a conundrum. Many family attractions don’t open regularly until Easter, making the February half term particularly tricky. But a few years on we have been getting into our winter fun groove. Read on for our suggestions for things to do in Devon in February half term 2021. NB. half term in Devon runs from Monday 15 to Friday 19 February 2021.
Love Devon? Join the Devon with Kids Facebook group and subscribe to my newsletter!
Please note that events and attraction opening times may be affected by the pandemic in 2021. Check before you travel and abide by the latest government guidelines.
Go for a train ride
In South Devon, the Dartmouth Steam Railway starts running between Dartmouth and Paignton from February half term (just the train, not the Round Robin), as does South Devon Railway which travels between Totnes and Buckfastleigh.
In North Devon, the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway will also be running trains along its one mile track. If you’d like a train themed day out, check out Pecorama at Beer in East Devon.
Visit a Devon theme park
If your kids enjoy thrill rides, massive indoor adventure play areas, slides and amusements then head to one of Devon’s theme parks at February half term. Most will be open for the Devon school holidays. Book your tickets online and you’ll probably find you can get a discount on entry.
If the weather is bad we can recommend Crealy Theme Park, Woodlands Family Theme Park and The Milky Way as great places to go on a wet day in Devon.
Hit the beach
We love a beach walk whatever the time of year and it’s even better when we can bring our dog. Most Devon beaches allow dogs before Easter.
Here’s some of our favourite South Devon beaches.
If you’re looking for beaches on the North Devon coast I have some recommendations for you here.
Visit an adventure playground
There’s plenty of outdoor playgrounds in Devon where you can entertain the kids for free on a sunny day. Here’s a list of adventure playgrounds recommended by members of my Facebook group.
Top tip: if you are visiting Devon or live here and want recommendations from other parents, join my Facebook group.
Walk on the moor
Dartmoor National Park is a wonderful place to explore on foot whatever the time of year but generally, you’ll find it less busy outside of the main holiday seasons.
The highest point on Dartmoor rises more than 2,000ft above sea level so there’s a good chance you might see snow in February.
If you are looking for things to do in Dartmoor in February half term we can recommend an easy walk to Haytor from the Dartmoor Visitor Centre, or a walk around the grounds and outdoor adventure play areas at River Dart Country Park near Ashburton.
Walk the coast path
Here are some of our favourite coast walks in Devon:
Go underground
Seeking wet day fun over February half term? Visit Kents Cavern where there will be plenty of family activities happening over half term. Explore the ancient caves and find out all about the many people and animals that have sheltered here over the millennia.
Visit a museum
Another top thing to do in Devon on a wet day is visit one of our museums. RAMM in Exeter and The Box in Plymouth are open all year round and are free to visit.
Both museums focus on natural history, Devonian culture and arts, and have plenty of interactive exhibits to entertain kids.
Meet the animals
There are several zoos in Devon as well as aquariums and animal parks that are open all year round. Paignton Zoo is a full day out with elephants, apes and giraffes.
If you like aquariums than you’ll find the UK’s largest tank at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth.
A smaller zoo that still has plenty to please animal lovers is Dartmoor Zoo, which inspired the movie ‘We Bought A Zoo’. And if you’re a fan of donkeys you will love The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth.
Visit a National Trust property
National Trust properties in Devon will have their doors, gardens and grounds open for exploring. Grab a kids activity trail, tick off some of the 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾, and find adventure playgrounds nestled in the woods.
Our favourite Devon National Trust properties are: Saltram near Plymouth; Killerton near Exeter; Coleton Fishacre near Brixham; Buckland Abbey on Dartmoor; and Greenway near Galmpton.
Visit a English Heritage site
English Heritage has several sites in Devon that are open to the public over February half term. School holiday activities and tours will be planned at:
More things to do in Devon
Check out more things to do in Devon in the winter.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday in Devon in February, May, August or October you’ll find lots of helpful information about things to do and places to stay in my guide to Devon holidays.
Here are some more posts you might find handy when planning your trip:
- Devon attractions for families
- Must-visit places in East Devon
- Things to do in North Devon
- What to do in South Devon with kids
- Things to do on Dartmoor
- Events in Devon
Planning a trip to Devon in February? Why not pin this post about things to do in Devon at half term?!
