If you are planning your Devon days out in May 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.
Half term in Devon takes place from the week beginning 24 May to 1 June 2025. Keep scrolling for school holiday events and activities later in the month!
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What’s on in Devon in May 2025
Here’s more of the family-friendly events and activities happening in Devon this May:
The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail at Torre Abbey, Torquay – Tuesday to Sunday until 18 May 2025
Hop into this walkthrough experience and immerse yourself in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Your little bunnies can crawl under the garden gate, hide in a watering can, and see their reflection in a mirror pool, just like Peter Rabbit!
This interactive exhibition at Torre Abbey is packed full of photo opportunities and activities. Even better news is that it is included in the normal admission price for the Abbey.
Find out more about what’s on at Torre Abbey.
Free storytelling at The Box, Plymouth – every Friday
Head to The Box in Plymouth every Friday until the end of June for its Tell Me A Story storytelling session for preschoolers.
There’s no need to book. You’ll find the half hour session held under the figureheads in the reception area at 10.30am.
Find out more on The Box website.
Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance in Brixham – 2 May 2025
Head to Brixham Theatre for a uniquely enthralling musical play of adventure, mystery and heroism with sword-fighting, story-telling and dance.
This play, presented by Opera Anywhere, is suitable for teens and their families.
Find out more and book tickets through the Brixham Theatre website.
Toby’s Garden Festival – 2 to 3 May 2025
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.
Lustleigh May Day celebrations, South Devon – 3 May 2025
Lustleigh Village’s annual May Day celebration takes place this weekend including Maypole dancing, the crowning of the May Queen, live music, fairground games and cream teas.
The celebration in the village orchard is free to attend and starts at 1pm. There is a charge for parking if arriving by car and using the event car park.
Find out more about this event on the Lustleigh Village Hall website.
Brixham Pirate Festival – 3 to 5 May 2025
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.
South Devon Railway Family Fun Weekend – 3 to 5 May 2025
Book tickets for South Devon Railway this weekend and not only experience a nostalgic ride through the South Hams countryside but you can also get free entry to Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies Sanctuary on the same day.
Find out more and buy tickets on the railway’s website.
Salcombe Crabfest – 4 May 2025
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.
Lambing Sunday at Martinsfield Farm, Broadclyst – 4 May 2025
Visit Martinsfield Farm to see this season’s Newley born lambs. There will be a chance to hold and touch the new arrivals as well as hot food stalls for hungry visitors.
Booking is essential and usually happens via Eventbrite.
Keep an eye on Facebook for details.
Blackawton International Festival of Wormcharming – 4 May 2025
This bonkers event in the South Hams is as fun as it sounds. Enter a worm charming team to see how many worms you can encourage out of the ground or simply come and spectate at this very Devonly event.
There’s also a fancy dress competition, live music and a beer festival at the George Inn as well as stalls cakes and a fun dog show at the Blackawton Village Hall.
Find out more about the 38th Blackawton International Festival of Wormcharming.
Ilfracombe Art Trail – 10 to 11 May 2025
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.
Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival, Plymouth – 11 May 2025
Plymouth’s running festival course takes in Plymouth’s famous landmarks with three distances to choose from – half marathon, 10k and 5k – as well as Team Challenges and Primary Schools Challenge.
For full details and to book your spot visit the Visit Plymouth website.
Watermouth Car Show at Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe – Tbc
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 – 15 to 17 May 2025
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 – 16 to 18 May 2025
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.
Magical Unicorn Festival at Pennywell Farm– 17 May to 1 June 2025
Got a unicorn fan in your house? This event is for you!
But what can you expect from a Magical Unicorn Festival? Dressing up, competitions, prizes and, of course, lots of unicorn fun. All of this takes place alongside the usual farm attractions and activities.
Find out more on the Pennywell Farm website.
Pigstock, Bideford – 17 May 2025
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 – 17 to 18 May 2025
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 BT Big Bash in Bishops Tawton, North Devon – Tbc
Parents and teachers at Bishops Tawton Primary School are organising a mini summer festival to raise money for an additional classroom.
This charity event at Saw Mills will feature live music from local musicians, kids open mic, a craft tent, games, face painting, miniature ponies and a barbecue!
Buy tickets online in advance for £5 per person. They are £7 on the gate. Under two go free.
Find out more and buy tickets.
Disney’s Frozen at St Cuthbert Mayne School in Torquay – 21 to 24 May 2025
In a coup for the South West, St Cuthbert Mayne School has won the chance to perform the full Westend version of Disney’s Frozen.
It is one of 11 schools in the UK to have the privilege to do it this year.
Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all of the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new songs written exclusively for the stage.
Tickets are available on Ticket Source.
Things to do in May half term
Here’s what’s on in Devon for families this May half term:
Devon Truck Show, Honiton – 23 to 25 May 2025
The South West’s latest truck show returns this year with two days packed full of stunt shows, amazing vehicle exhibits and monster truck rides. There’s also three evenings of live music and camping if you want to make a weekend of it.
Evening acts include The Wurzels, Alice DJ, DJ SASH!, Dr & The Medics, Marvin Humes, Hermes House Band, Not the Cowboys, and Kevin & Perry. Tickets are available for the day time, evenings and full weekend.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Devon Truck Show website.
Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids at Exeter Phoenix – 25 May 2025
Following a sell-out UK tour in 2024, world record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo is coming to Exeter with their family show.
Shlomo, who makes mad music with their mouth, is setting out to create the next generation of superstar beatboxers. Expect amazing sounds and audience participation in this show designed for all ages.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Exeter Phoenix website.
Outdoor cinema at Powderham Castle -Tbc
There’s a movie extravaganza going on at Powderham Castle new Exeter this weekend. Each day there will be family-friendly films screened during the day followed by 12+ rated flicks into the evening.
From 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday Julia Donaldson children’s films will be showing all afternoon. playing.
Stay for one movie or see them all. The late afternoon kids films include Cars, Frozen Sing-Along and Encanto. There will also be a beer garden all day and live music in the evening.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Powderham Castle website.
Sheep Shearing Experience at Made-Well CIC, West Devon – Tbc
Made-Well is running a one-off experience where you can watch the farm’s rare breed sheep being sheared.
During this demonstration you can ask the team questions and have a go at rolling a sheep fleece.
Find out more and book your places on the Made-Well CIC website.
The Devonshire Balloon and Music Festival – Tbc
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.
Half term activities at Burton Gallery in Bideford – Tbc
There’s a full programme of family-friendly events happening at Burton Gallery this half term from a photo trail to crafts and photography workshops. Some activities are free while others need to be booked in advance.
Find out more on the Burton Gallery website.
Tumble’s Rumble trail at Dartmoor Zoo – Tbc
Dartmoor Zoo is celebrating 10 years of being a conservation charity with a special birthday trail this half term.
Tumble the Tiger needs help making birthday invites. Follow a trail around Dartmoor’s Zoo to help out with the party plans.
This half term event runs alongside daily talks and activities at this famous zoo in Sparkford near Plymouth.
Find out more and get tickets for Dartmoor Zoo.
BMX stunt show at Crealy Theme Park during half term – Tbc
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.
Seaton Tramway Dinosaur Tram Adventure – Tbc
All aboard the first Dinosaur Tram experience of 2024! Help Professor Percival the Palaeontologist uncover the secrets of a land that time forgot and fulfil a mission to make contact with some forgotten species.
As well as a ride on this super scenic tram through the East Devon countryside there will be music, stories, fossil dig, and a dinosaur activity area at Colyton Station.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Seaton Tramway website.
Seaweed Festival at Clovelly – Tbc
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.
Teddy bear’s picnic at Wildwood Devon, East Devon – Tbc
Bring along your little ones and their favourite teddy for an adventure alongside the attraction’s real-life Brown Bears, Mish & Lucy.
There will be bear-themed games, creative crafts and storytelling plus a hot chocolate and a special homemade bear-shaped cookie.
Tickets are limited so book online in advance. This event is targeted at children aged six and under.
Find out more on the Wildwood Devon website.
Spring Steam Up at Coldharbour Mill – Tbc
Celebrate spring by seeing Coldharbour Mill in full steam! As well as seeing the steam powered complex and waterwheel in action there will be a bouncy castle, live music, storytelling and crafts.
Get 15% off your tickets if you book online in advance.
Find out more and book on the Coldharbour Mill website.
Tavistock Country Garden Show – Tbc
The annual Tavistock Country Garden Show bring together nurseries, nature inspired market stalls, food and entertainment including live music and birds of prey.
Entry is free and this is a dog-friendly event.
Find out more on the Visit Tavistock website.
Budleigh Salterton Gala Week – Tbc
There’s a whole week of family fun happening in Budleigh Salterton this May half term.
Gala Week events are organised by the local Lions to raise funds for charity and include the crowning of the town’s gala queen, competitions, cream teas, live entertainment and evening discos.
Find out more about what’s on during Budleigh Salterton Gala Week.
Haldon Forest Bark, near Exeter – Tbc
Head to Haldon Forest near Exeter with your four-legged family members to celebrate all things dog!
There will be stalls, activities, and a charity dog show (register your pup in advance).
This event is free to attend.
Find out more on the Haldon Forest website.
Family fun day at Watersmeet in Lynmouth – Tbc
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.
Half term family activities at Made-Well CIC in West Devon – Tbc
Join Made-Well CIC for plenty of family fun this May half term. Take part in workshops including animal care, gardening, baking, woodwork and pottery painting.
Made-Well is located at West Fishleigh Farm in Hatherleigh.
Find out more and book your places on the Made-Well CIC website.
Underwater World craft workshop at Teignmouth Pavilions – Tbc
Have you ever looked out to sea off the coast of Devon and wondered what creatures might be out there living beneath the waves? Did you know that Humpback Whales are sometimes spotted off our shores?
Join artist Claire Evans for a morning of mixed media creativity including drawing, painting and collaging your very own Underwater World, full of your favourite sea creatures.
Find out more and book your child’s place on the Teignmouth Pavilion’s website.
Family fun day at Lorna Doone near Lynton – Tbc
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.
Pirate Tram at Seaton – Tbc
Set sail for a swashbuckling adventure onboard Seaton Tramway this week.
The Seaton Pearl will be voyaging along the Axe Estuary and requires a motley new to search for booty at Colyton Station.
This two hour family experience includes a pirate themed tram ride from Seaton to Colyton and activities and entertainment at Colyton Station.
Find out more and book tickets on the Seaton Tramway website.
Character meet and greets at Woodlands Family Theme Park, Dartmouth – Tbc
TV favourites Bluey and Duggee will be meeting and greeting visitors to Woodlands theme park this half term.
Find out more and book tickets on the Woodlands website.
Family fun with nightjars at Haldon Forest near Exeter – Tbc
Children of all ages will love Haldon Forest’s free workshops all about the mysterious and charismatic nightjars that live in the park.
The nocturnal ground-nesting birds travel over 3,000 miles to breed in the forest each summer.
Join Haldon Forest’s rangers to have a go at matching the nightjar’s incredible camouflage skills and discover how your senses and hunting skills match up to those of a nightjar!
Book your free place on the Haldon Forest website.
Roar and Snore at Dartmoor Zoo – 31 May 2025
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 June.
Find out more and book on the Dartmoor Zoo website.
Flavour Fest – Tbc
The South West’s largest free food and drink festival returns to the city centre Piazza 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.
Do you know of an activity not on this list? Drop me a line.
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
- Family-friendly beaches in East 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 this month in my post about outdoor pools in Devon.
What’s on next month in Devon
Thinking ahead to June? Here’s my guide to what’s on in Devon next month.
Got 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.
