If you are planning your Devon days out in May 2024 and are wondering what’s on and which Devon attractions you might visit, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s my guide to things to do in Devon in May and over the half term holiday.
Please note that this guide is under construction as events are yet to be finalised.
Half term in Devon takes place from the week beginning 27 May 2024. Keep scrolling for school holiday events and activities later in the month!
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What’s on in Devon in May 2024
Here’s the family-friendly events and activities happening in Devon this May:
Flow Art Exhibition at Cockington Court near Torquay – daily until 2 June 2024
Dive into Cockington Court’s latest exhibition, Flow, which is inspired by water. See a wide range of mediums from glass to paintings.
The exhibition takes place in the Kitchen Gallery and is free to visit between 10.30am and 4.30pm daily.
Find out more on the Cockington Court website.
Wildflower trail at Heddon Valley near Barnstaple – daily until 7 June 2024
Learn about the wildflowers around the Heddon Valley by following this paperless trail through the woods to Heddon’s Mouth.
Find out more about visiting Heddon Valley.
Killerton Springs into Rhyme: Blossom poetry display – daily until 30 June 2024
Find poetry written by local community groups shared around the formal gardens of Killerton.
The poems have been inspired by the blossom of the estate, which you can also see as you wander through the emerging magnolias and cheerful cherry blossom.
This trail is included in the admission price.
Find out more about visiting Killerton.
Wildflower trail at Arlington Court near Barnstaple – daily until 1 July 2024
Explore the pleasure grounds of this National Trust house to find eight giant wildflowers. Along the way learn about the work of the grasslands project, the importance of pollinators and how you can make a difference.
This activity is included in the admission price.
Find out more about visiting Arlington Court.
Plymouth Street Food Festival – 3 to 6 May 2024
Plymouth Street Food Festival is returning in 2024. Venue TBC.
Top street food traders from across the South West and the rest of the UK will all be ready and waiting to serve you the best range of cuisines from all over the world.
Book your free tickets online to jump the queue on the day.
Find out more and book free tickets.
Roar and Snore at Dartmoor Zoo – 4 May 2024
There’s a unique opportunity to camp overnight at Dartmoor Zoo this month.
Find out what life is like between dusk and dawn, when many residents come out to play. There will be an evening tour and a twilight tour when you’ll be able to meet all the diurnal and nocturnal animals.
A BBQ dinner and breakfast are also included, as well as a Roar n’ Snore t-shirt to remember the night.
There’s another chance to book in July.
Find out more and book on the Dartmoor Zoo website.
Resurrection from The Buccaneers Legend – 4 May 2024
Head to Brixham Theatre for a uniquely enthralling musical play of adventure, mystery and heroism with sword-fighting, story-telling and dance.
Emerging into a world transformed by time, four individuals are resurrected amidst a raging storm of modernity. They find themselves in a world vastly different from their own time, yet their unique perspectives and historical knowledge become powerful tools for change.
As they navigate this tumultuous present, their shared mission becomes a beacon of hope; a chance to heal wounds, restore compassion, and transform society.
This play is suitable for teens and their families.
Find out more and book tickets through the Brixham Theatre website.
Brixham Pirate Festival – 4 to 6 May 2024
There be pirates in Brixham and they’re having a knees up this early May bank Holiday weekend.
Brixham Pirate Festival is one of Britain’s largest gatherings of buccaneers making it a spectacle not to be missed. There will be parades, skirmishes and other swashbuckling entertainment throughout the weekend. Most of it is free to see.
Take a look at the the latest information on the festival’s Facebook page.
Toby’s Garden Festival – 3 to 4 May 2024
Hosted by BBC Two Gardeners’ World presenter Toby Buckland, this family-friendly two day event is full of free gardening and food and drink talks, demonstrations, tastings and workshops, plus live music.
There will be 200 exhibitors including award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show plant nurseries, an ‘Artisan Barn’ showcasing local artists and heritage craft demonstrations including stave baskets and free flower crown making workshops .
Other attractions throughout the festival include taking a ride on the land train around Powderham Castle’s grounds, plus miniature steam engine rides, vintage tractors and Land Rovers.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Toby’s Garden Festival website.
Salcombe Crabfest – 5 May 2024
Crabfest is a vibrant showcase for local fishing, food and drink in the South Hams.
Enjoy hands-on cookery demonstrations by award-winning chefs, crab picking masterclasses, crab pot making, live music and kids activities throughout the day.
Crabfest is organised by the Salcombe Rotary Club and free to attend. Money raised goes to local charities.
Find out more about what’s on at this year’s Salcombe Crabfest.
Ilfracombe Art Trail – 11 to 12 May 2024
More than 70 local artists will be exhibiting a wide range of work across 48 venues around Ilfracombe in North Devon this weekend.
Inspire your budding artists by touring the town with pit stops at local cafes for a treat.
Find out more on the Ilfracombe Art Trail website.
Watermouth Car Show at Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe – 12 May 2024
See a display of classic and unique cars against the backdrop of Watermouth Castle.
This free show takes place in the Battlements car park outside the attraction. Visitors can use the cafe and facilities with our paying for entrance to the castle and theme park.
Cars will start arriving at 9am with the show commencing from 10.30am.
Find out more on the Watermouth Castle website.
Devon County Show, West Point, Exeter – 16 to 18 May 2024
This is Devon’s largest agricultural show with a full programme of activities and entertainment throughout the weekend. Marvel at monster trucks, sample local ales, and cheer on sheep dog displays.
Families with young children will enjoy the petting farm, fairground and countryside activities, like making bees wax candles.
To check out the full weekend programme on the County Show website.
Dart Music Festival – 17 to 19 May 2024
This is one of our favourite free events in Devon. Dartmouth has a rhythm of its own for this three day music festival with indoor and outdoor venues across the town.
See more than 100 performances across the weekend, ranging from rock to opera and jazz. The festival is free to attend.
Pigstock, Bideford – 18 May 2024
Billed as Devon’s most family-friendly festival Pigstock takes place in and around The Big Sheep theme park in North Devon.
Find out more on the The Big Sheep website.
Plymouth Pirates Weekend – 18 to 19 May 2024
There will be plenty of swashbuckling fun in Plymouth this weekend as a hoard of buccaneers lands in the city.
Find out what’s planned during Plymouth Pirates Weekend.
The Goblin and Fairy Festival at Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport – 18 to 19 May 2024
Dress up as magical creatures and enjoy storytelling, theatre, arts and crafts at this year’s Goblin and Fairy Festival.
This family event is based in and around The Soapbox Children’s Theatre in the beautiful Devonport Park, Plymouth. The majority of activities take place under cover, either in the theatre or in one of the many tents dotted around the site. So, come rain or shine we’ll make sure you have a brilliant time.
The festival is on from 12pm until 4pm each day with early bird tickets available from £12.
Find out more and buy your tickets on the Soapbox Children’s Theatre website.
Things to do in May half term
Here’s what’s on in Devon for families this May half term:
Flavour Fest – 31 May to 2 June 2024
The South West’s largest free food and drink festival returns to the city centre Piazza for its 20th anniversary in 2024 with plenty of activities to get your taste buds tingling.
See celebrity chef demos and sample some of the regions finest produce from more than 80 stalls.
Find out more about what’s on at Flavour Fest this year.
BMX stunt show at Crealy Theme Park during half term – 25 May to 2 June 2024
In addition to being fully open with all rides ready to roll there will be an adrenaline-fuelled stunt show outside the Piazza Stage during May Half Term.
The show will feature BMX-ers and skateboarders who will perform a number of exciting stunts to provide a spectacle.
Find out more and book tickets for Crealy near Exeter.
The Devonshire Balloon and Music Festival – 25 to 26 May 2024
A weekend of hot air balloon launches, live much and family fun is coming to Exeter Racecourse this half term.
The Devonshire Balloon and Music festival will feature stunt displays, dinosaurs, a Saturday evening night glow balloon show and a big top circus tent with live music from UK tribute bands.
Find out more and buy tickets via Ticket Source.
Seaweed Festival at Clovelly – 26 May 2024
Each year Devon’s car free village in North Devon holds a Seaweed Festival to promote this marine marvel’s immense health and nutritional benefits.
Enjoy live music, street entertainment and seaweed workshops during your visit.
Ususal admission prices apply.
Find out or about what’s on at Clovelly near Hartland.
Family fun day at Watersmeet in Lynmouth – 28 May 2024
Join the National Trust team at Watersmeet for a free family fun day with activities for all ages to help introduce you to the local environment.
Find out more about visiting Watersmeet.
Family fun day at Lorna Doone near Lynton – 29 May 2024
Join the team at Lorna Doone for a free family fun day with activities from crafting to nature discovery.
Find out more about visiting Lorna Doone.
Character meet and greets at Woodlands Family Theme Park, Dartmouth – 29 to 30 May 2024
TV favourites Bluey and Duggee will be meeting and greeting visitors to Woodlands theme park this half term.
Visit on 29 May to see Bluey mixing with families and on 30 May to meet Duggee from Hey Duggee.
Find out more and book tickets on the Woodlands website.
Do you know of an activity not on this list? Drop me a line or comment below.
More things to do in Devon in May
If you’re looking for more ideas for things to do in May then here’s some ideas for entertaining the kids:
- Best places to visit in Devon in Spring
- Beaches in South Devon
- Beaches in North Devon
- Theme parks
- Adventure playgrounds
- Easy walks to do on Dartmoor
- Things to do when it rains
Outdoor pools and splash parks
Devon’s outdoor pools and splash parks are usually open from May.
Check which have confirmed they will open in May 2024 in my post about outdoor pools in Devon.
Thinking ahead to June? Here’s my guide to what’s on in Devon next month.
Get a while to stay? Check out my full guide to family holidays in Devon.
Planning your days out in Devon this Spring? Use Pinterest to save this post about things to do in Devon in May.