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Things to do in Devon in January 2026

Things to do in Devon in January 2026

Let me help you banish those winter blues with this list of things to do in Devon in January 2026.

When we moved to Devon at the bitter end of December ten years ago I felt thoroughly unprepared for starting our West Country life in the ‘off season’. Our previous visits to the area were in summer when Devon buzzes with activity. 

January in Devon felt like a very different beast. 

Since then we’ve learnt a lot more about what to do in Devon in the winter. This post brings together my top tips for things to do in January – the quietest month in Devon’s events calendar.

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What’s on in Devon this January?

January is quite often light on events, but some do roll over from Christmas and there is the odd gem without a festive theme.

While every effort has been made to ensure these ideas are up-to-date please check with event organisers and venues for the latest availability and opening information. The weather and other unforeseen circumstances may affect your visit.

Here’s some of the exciting events I’ve spotted happening in Devon in January 2026:

Pantomimes continuing into the New Year

Children excitingly raise hands watching the performance in the theatre

Pantomimes are still putting on a show around the county. Oh yes they are!

Here are the Christmas shows and pantomimes you can catch in January:

Bay of Lights – daily until 2 January 2026

Torquay waterfront during Bay of Lights illuminated light trail

The Bay of Lights free light trail returned to Torbay this winter and continues into the front end of January.

Enjoy a 1.5 mile route along Torquay seafront with glittering and unexpected surprises along the way including a light tunnel, prisms of light and a 12m high Christmas tree.

You’ll also find eight metre tall pixel trees in Paignton and Brixham. These will put on digital light shows between after dark.

Find out more about the Bay of Lights.

Christmas continues at Coleton Fishacre near Brixham – 3 and 4 January 2026

Baubles on a traditional christmas tree
Picture credit: National Trust / Lauren Hutchinson

Coleton Fishacre is marking its centenary in 2025 so what better way to celebrate Christmas than with a festive party reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties. There’ll be glitz, glamour and a hint of gin as we all end the year with a bang. 

Outside take a bracing walk around the coastal garden with its wonderful sea views and warm up with a treat at the cafe.

Admission is free for National Trust members.

Find out more about Twixmas at Coleton Fishacre.

King Arthur decorations at Buckland Abbey near Plymouthuntil 4 January 2026

The Great Barn at Buckland Abbey, near Plymouth opens its doors for Christmas with over a hundred twinkly trees and watery light illuminations.
Picture credit: National Trust

Step into the Great Barn and into a forest of trees which will transport you into the story of King Arthur.

You’ll be surrounded by beautiful twinkling trees where you can listen to the story of Gawain and the Green Knight before you step forward to see a wicker sculpture of the battle itself,

Be sure not to miss the tallest tree at the end of the Barn where you will see the mythical Excalibur surrounded by stars.

The Abbey has been filled with more legendary Christmas delights from Merlin’s Apothecary to Guinevere’s chamber, each room will be filled with festive sparkle and an opportunity to acquaint yourself with characters from the mythical stories of King Arthur.

Find out more about the Christmas at Buckland Abbey near Yelverton.

Red Dress Project at Killerton near Exeter – until 4 January 2026

Visit Killerton this winter to see the house decorated for a traditional Christmas with handmade ornaments, festive music, games and trees dressed by local groups.

You can also see the Red Dress Project, which is collaborative embroidery project begun by British artist Kirstie Macleod in 2009. The stunning Red Dress has travelled to 51 countries and features work by 380 embroiderers many of whom are vulnerable and living in poverty.

Outdoors there’s a festive activity trail including games from around the world.

Don’t miss the Chapel where there are 12 Christmas trees decorated by local community groups.

Find out more about winter visits to Killerton.

Victorian traditions at Knightshayes near Tiverton – until 4 January 2026

Knightshayes Court Great Hall decorated for Christmas
©National Trust Images, Tony Cobley

Experience a Victorian Christmas at Knightshayes. Explore the ground floor of the decorated house, discover different Victorian traditions and create wonderful festive memories.

Find out more about visiting Knightshayes.

Plymouth Winter Wonderland – until 4 January 2026

Picture credit: Jay Stone

Plymouth’s winter wonderland will continue into the New Year.

This event in Central Park has a real ice rink, fairground rides, food stalls and live entertainment.

Find out more about Plymouth Winter Wonderland in Central Park.

Earth Photo exhibition at Forestry England Haldon – daily until 19 March 2026

A photograph take by Kazuaki Koseki that was shortlisted for the Earth Photo competition. It shows a woodland scene with etherial lights in the twilight
Photo credit: Kazuaki Koseki. Title: Solitary tree

Forestry England’s outdoor exhibition showing images from Earth Photo shortlisted works continues daily and is free to visit.

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 displays 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.

Snowdrop Festival at The Garden House Fridays, Saturday and Sundays from mid January until mid March 2026

Close up of a snowdrops in a sunny day.

Visit The Garden House near Yelverton for its first joyful seasonal event of the year – its Snowdrop Festival.

Expect to see more than 350 varieties of snowdrops to spot making it one of the most diverse collections of named and naturalised snowdrops in the UK.

Find out more about visiting The Garden House.

Read about the other family-friendly places to see snowdrops in Devon.

Wassail and Family Ceilidh at Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport – dates TBC in 2026

A visitor wearing fairy wings while at a Wassail event
Picture credit: The Soapbox Theatre

Dress up as tree sprites, faeries and elves, and join Jack Frost and help wake up the apple trees in The Spellbound Wood.

After this most West Country of winter rituals head back to The Soapbox for an evening of dancing with Freedom Fields ceilidh band.

Find out more and book your family’s places on The Soapbox Theatre’s website.

Robin Hood at Palace Theatre in Paignton – 11 January 2025

Robin Hood poster

Join the Merry Men for a fun-filled, action-packed pantomime as Robin Hood takes on the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham!

With heroic hi-jinks, slapstick silliness, and plenty of audience participation, this family-friendly adventure is full of laughter, music, and magical surprises.

Find out more and book tickets.

Bluey’s Big Play – 30 January to 1 February 2025

Bluey show poster

Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli are heading to Torquay in the Olivier award-nominated live stage show, Bluey’s Big Play.

Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family.

Find out more and buy tickets.

If you know of an event I can add to this guide please get in touch. It’s free to be listed!

Which Devon attractions are open in January?

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!

Please check the website of each attraction before visiting as weather and other unforeseen circumstances may affect opening hours.

Here’s the options:

Visit a Devon Zoo in January

Otter family at Wildwood Escot

Zoos are open and welcome visitors all year round.

Here’s the Devon zoos open in January 2026:

  • Paignton Zoo in Paignton, South Devon – open every day
  • Dartmoor Zoo in Sparkwell, South Devon – open Friday to Monday and school holidays
  • Exmoor Zoo in Barnstaple, North Devon – open every day
  • Wildwood Escot in Ottery St Mary, East Devon – open every day. Book in advance
  • Shaldon Zoo near Teignmouth, South Devon – open every day.

Visit a Devon theme park

Here are the theme parks that are open this month. They have indoor and outdoor attractions including soft play.

  • The Milky Way near Bideford – main theme park open weekends only. Book in advance
  • Crealy Theme Park near Exeter – open weekends only. Book online for special prices
  • Woodlands Family Adventure Park near Dartmouth – open weekends only (check first opening day with the park). Book online for special prices

Outdoor attractions to visit in January

Countryside scene at Babbacombe Model Village
Babbacombe Model Village

Get some fresh air at these outdoor attractions in Devon throughout January:

National Trust places open in January

Many National Trust properties in Devon take a break in January, but here’s some that are open this winter:

  • Parke near Bovey Tracey – grounds open for walks daily.
  • Buckland Abbey near Plymouth – gardens and estate open weekends only.
  • Knightshayes near Tiverton, Mid-Devon – gardens and estate open daily. House open weekends and school holidays.
  • Coleton Fishacre near Brixham – house and gardens open weekends only.
  • Saltram near Plymouth – garden and parkland open every day.

Indoor attractions open in January

19th Century Royal Navy figureheads hanging in the entrance to The Box
Figureheads at The Box, Plymouth

Here are some of the indoor attractions you can visit during the week in January:

Also check out my guide to things to do on rainy days in Devon for cinemas, climbing centres, soft play, pottery painting and bowling.

Outdoor places to go in January

Of course there are lots more outdoor places in Devon that you can visit over the winter months.

Devon beaches

Child walking on sand at Bantham Beach overlooking Burgh Island
Bantham Beach

Here’s some of our favourite beaches on the south coast of Devon and the best beaches in North Devon.

Adventure playgrounds

There are lots of adventure playgrounds around Devon that you can visit for free as as part of bigger days out.

Devon cycle trails

Family riding Tamar Trail

Make the most of those new bikes your kids got at Christmas and visit a Devon cycle trail.

Here’s where you’ll find them:

South West Coast Path

There’s so many coast walks to enjoy in Devon. Check out the Flip Flops or Wellies blog for plenty of walks in East Devon. And there’s some great ideas for winter walks on Dartmoor from our friends at Dartmoor Partner.

We have recently done the following walks in South Devon:

Here’ some more walks in Devon for families.


Thinking ahead to February? Here’s some suggestions for things to do in Devon in February half term and places to visit in the Spring.

What’s your favourite things to do in Devon in January? Do you know of an activity or attraction not on this list? Drop me a line or comment below.

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