Who’s up for some March madness? And by ‘madness’ I mean fun – obvs! Spring is in the air and there’s plenty happening across the county to entertain and enthral your youngsters. Read on for your guide to what’s on in Devon in March 2024.
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Mothers’ Day in Devon
Don’t forget Sunday 10 March is Mothers’ Day. Some of Devon’s best places to visit are offering special experiences and deals to celebrate the mums, grans and her women in our lives.
Check out my full guide to Mother’s Day in Devon for events and offers.
What’s on for families in March
Here’s my top picks from the family-friendly events on in Devon this month:
Track and Train Play – selected dates from 2 to 24 March 2024
Treat your train-mad tots to a chuffingly good play season with Track and Train Play at various locations in Devon this month.
These huge train tracks with tunnels, stations and other fun features offer our motorised trains to play with at the following locations:
- Paignton – 2 March
- Barnstaple – 9 March
- Honiton – 16 March
- Ivybridge – 17 March
- Dartington – 24 March
Find out more and book via the Track and Train Play website.
Locals free entry to Arlington Court National Trust – daily until 3 March 2024
If you live in an EX postcode you can visit Arlington Court near Barnstaple for free from 26 February to 3 March 2024.
Tour the impressive Regency house and gardens, and let your children explore with the help of free activity trails inside and out.
Find out more about visiting Arlington Court.
Forgotten Fairy Tales at Buckland Abbey, near Yelverton – daily until 10 March 2024
Learn about the forgotten origins of fairy tales from across the world while exploring the gardens of Buckland Abbey.
Did you know the roots of many well-known fairy tales cover the globe? Discover the original fairy tale stories while enjoying nature.
This trail is included in the normal National Trust admission price.
Find out mote about visiting Buckland Abbey.
Woodland bird trail at Heddon Valley near Barnstaple – daily until 28 March 2024
Get ready for a fun-filled family day out with Heddon Valley’s woodland bird family trail. Learn about the birds that call the valley home as you follow the trail along the river to Heddon’s Mouth.
This is a free paperless trail.
Find out more about visiting Heddon Valley.
Drizzle’s Green Guardian Trail at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary – daily until 18 March 2024
Follow Drizzle and his friends to discover the critters and plants which call Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary their home and aid biodiversity.
Trail sheets cost £5 which includes a prize on completion.
There’s also a new bat beacon interactive exhibition, natural play area, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging displays, award-winning gardens and, of course, hundreds of adorable donkeys to meet. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome too.
The Donkey Sanctuary is free to visit.
Find out more about visiting Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.
Immersive family shows at Market Hall in Plymouth – all month
Enter the immersive dome at Market Hall in Devonport for a series of family-friendly 360 degree shows this month.
The dome here is the largest in Europe and gives visitors a full-scale virtual reality experience without having to don a headset.
This month’s show’s include:
- Vast – a cosmic journey through space and time
- Making Magic – a 3D visual effects story
- Legend of the Enchanted Reef
Find out more about what’s on at Market Hall this month.
Sam O’Shanty – Ahoy! at Pavilions Teignmouth – 2 March 2024
Pavilions Teignmouth is hosting a nautically comic show for all the family, crammed with fact, farce and fantasy.
Expect storytelling, puppetry and the singing of shanties to entertain the smallest of pirate-wannabes.
Find out more and book tickets on the Pavilions Teignmouth website.
Grand opening of a new inclusive community park at Made-Well CIC in Hatherleigh – 5 March 2024
Made-Well CIC, Hatherleigh will be celebrating the opening of its new inclusive community park that welcomes people of all abilities to play, learn and grow together.
As well as a ribbon cutting ceremony the café will be serving complimentary cream teas (alongside the usual menu) and refreshments.
The new park includes a wheelchair accessible swing, seesaw and roundabout, as well as outdoor gym equipment such as a bike, arm bike, elliptical trainer and squat.
Find out more and let CIC know if you’re attending by checking out its Facebook event.
Daffodil trail at Arlington Court near Barnstaple – 5 to 24 March 2024
Follow the trail around the pleasure grounds of this National Trust property to findthe best displays of daffodils in the grounds.
Learn about the different varieties and solve the clues. This activity is suitable for all ages – not just the kids!
Find out more about visiting Arlington Court.
Crafty Kids at Burton at Bideford Gallery – every Tuesday from 5 to 27 March 2024
Take your little ones to a crafty drop-in session for under-fives at Burton at Bideford Gallery every Tuesday in term time.
There will be arts activities and games for children and their parents/carers for a small donation.
Find out more about events and activities at Burton at Bideford Gallery.
Woodland Animals Craft Workshop at Pavilions Teignmouth – 8 March 2024
What’s your favourite woodland animal? A squirrel? A hedgehog? Maybe a badger?
Head to Pavilions Teignmouth where your kids can draw, cut, stick and colour their own animal mask. This workshop is for children aged three to eight-years-old.
Find out more and book your child’s place on the Pavilions Teignmouth website.
WonderGlow at Dartington Hall – 8 March to 13 April 2024
A new light trail is coming to Dartington Hall in South Devon this Spring.
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, WonderGlow promises to take you on a journey of light and sound.
Find out more and buy tickets on the WonderGlow website.
Top Secret: The Magic of Science – 9 March 2024
The Palace Theatre in Paignton presents a fusion of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science in this family-friendly show coming in March.
Hang on to your seats as they transform the venue into a real life science laboratory. Expect mystery, suspense, and lots and lots of mess!
Find out more and book tickets for The Magic of Science.
Free entry to National Trust places – selected dates from 9 to 17 March 2024
Some National Trust places in Devon are offering free entry to players of the National Lottery in March.
Present your National Lottery ticket or scratch card at reception for free entry.
Please note that at a few properties visits on 10 March which is Mother’s Day must be booked in advance as there are a limited number of free places is available.
Here are the National Trust places participating:
- Arlington Court near Barnstaple
- Killerton near Exeter
- Knightshayes near Tiverton
- Coleton Fishacre near Brixham
- Greenway near Brixham
- Saltram near Plymouth
- Buckland Abbey near Yelverton
- Castle Drogo near Exeter
The free entry offer is happening to thank all of the National Lottery players who have helped the National Trust with vital conservation work.
Take a look at the National Trust website for full details of how to book.
Comic Con & Gaming Festival at Westpoint, Exeter – 9 to 10 March 2024
Comic, gaming and sci-fi fans will love a day out at this year’s Comic Con & Gaming Festival at Westpoint. Expect to see prop exhibitors, themed activities and cosplay.
Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Find out more and book tickets via Westpoint.
Daffodil Day at Hartland Abbey, Hartland – 10 March 2024
Daffodil Day returns to Hartland Abbey this March. This is the first chance to visit this historic house and its gardens in 2024.
Pop along to see a large collection of historic daffodils as well as camellias, hellebores, early Spring bulbs, mimosas, wild primroses and violets. These are dotted all over the gardens and estate walks.
The house, which is the set for CBBC’s Mallory Towers, will also be open during the afternoon.
Here’s some more about visiting Hartland Abbey.
Find out more about what’s on during Hartland Abbey’s Daffodil Day.
Protest at Exeter Northcott Theatre – 11 March 2024
Three girls prepare to stand up for what they believe in despite the injustices stacked against them in this new play exploring what it takes to make a difference, the power of friendship, and the importance of believing in your own voice.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Exeter Northcott website.
Easter craft fair at Chilsworthy Village Hall – 16 March 2024
Head to Chilsworthy Village Hall near Holsworthy in North Devon for a seasonal craft fair. There will be stalls from local businesses and a face painter.
For updates about this event see the village hall’s Facebook page.
Reopening: Canonteign Falls, Christow – from 18 March 2024
Canonteign Falls in the Tegn Valley reopens for the season from 18 March.
Read about visiting Canonteign Falls with children.
Find out more about visiting Canonteign Falls on its website.
Drizzle’s Green Guardian Easter Trail at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary – 19 March to 12 April 2024
Follow Drizzle and his friends to discover the critters and plants which call Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary their home and aid biodiversity. You might even stumble across an Easter egg.
Trail sheets cost £5 which includes a prize on completion.
There’s also a new bat beacon interactive exhibition, natural play area, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging displays, award-winning gardens and, of course, hundreds of adorable donkeys to meet. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome too.
The Donkey Sanctuary is free to visit.
Find out more about visiting Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.
Small Pet, Produce and Craft Show at Madewell CIC, Hatherleigh – 23 March 2024
Enter your small pets, craft and produce in this community show at Madewell CIC on West West Fishleigh Farm. The event is also open spectators.
It costs 50p to enter each class and judging starts at 11am.Informaiton about each competition can be picked up from the Madewell CIC café or you can email for a digital copy.
Find out more on the Madewell CIC website.
Easter trails at National Trust places – from 23 March 2024
The National Trust’s Easter egg hunts begin across Devon in March and this year have a nature-inspired theme.
Here’s the National Trust places in Devon where you will find egg hunts starting in March:
- Arlington Court, near Barnstaple – 29 March to 14 April 2024
- Baggy Point, Braunton – 29 March to 14 April 2024
- Buckland Abbey, Dartmoor – 23 March to 14 April 2024
- Castle Drogo, near Exeter – 23 March to 14 April 2024
- Coleton Fishacre, Brixham – 23 March to 13 April 2024
- Greenway, Churston – 23 March to 13 April 2024
- Heddon Valley, Barnstaple – 29 March to 14 April 2024
- Killerton, near Exeter – 23 March to 14 April 2024
- Knightshayes, near Tiverton – 23 March to 14 April 2024
- Lorna Doone, Lynton – 29 March to 14 April 2024
- Lydford Gorge, Lydford – 23 March to 14 April 2024
- Saltram, near Plymouth – 23 March to 14 April 2024
- Woolacombe Dunes (TIC), Woolacombe – 29 March to 14 April 2024
Complete the trail and collect a Rainforest Alliance chocolate egg as a reward. Dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg are available.
The trail sheet costs £3 per child.
Find out more on the National Trust website.
Find out more about what’s on in April and where to find more Devon Easter egg hunts.
The Donut Duathlon in Paignton – 24 March 2024
Torbay Velopark in Paignton is hosting The Donut Duathlon this weekend with races for all ages and abilities on a fast, flat and completely traffic free course.
The Duathlon is very family friendly with shorter distances for children aged three and above in the morning and the main Sprint race in the afternoon.
There’s donuts and medals for all finishers.
Find out more and enter via the Sportiva Events website.
Three Little Pigs at Theatre Royal Plymouth – 26 March to 14 April 2024
Join three problem-solving pigs and help save their bacon in the raucous, high-octane family show by theatre company Stuff and Nonsense.
The Three Little Pigs have tricked the Wolf onto a bus. If he catches them, he’ll huff and he’ll puff and… we all know how that ends but you’ll still be left howling.
For a relaxed performance book tickets on 3 April.
Find out more and book tickets on the Theatre Royal Plymouth website.
The Wizard of Oz at Theatre Royal Plymouth – 26 to 30 March 2024
Direct from The London Palladium, Plymouth is hosting a new production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals.
Starring RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch Of The West, this spectacular production of The Wizard of Oz is a not to be missed Easter school holiday show for all the family.
Tickets were limited at the time of publication, so don’t delay in securing your!
Buy tickets and find out more on the Theatre Royal Plymouth website.
Easter Grotto at the Milky Way, North Devon – 28 March to 7 April 2024
There’s a feast of chocolatey Easter fun being laid on at the Milky Way this school holiday.
Journey down the rabbit hole to discover the theme park’s unique Easter Grotto and collect a chocolatey treat from the Easter Bunny.
The grotto is for children aged one to 10 and visits must be booked when you buy your park entry tickets. There is a small additional charge for the grotto.
Find out more on the Milky Way website.
Soft play opens at Jurassic Discovery in Seaton – 29 March 2024
A brand new soft play facility and cafe is opening at Jurassic Discovery in East Devon.
Jurassic Discovery will offer four two-hour play sessions a day between 9.30am and 5.30pm. Tickets will be for 2 to 12-year-olds, while under 2’s and adults enter for free.
Book in advance to secure your preferred play session.
Later this year, Jurassic Discovery will fully open, allowing visitors to explore the prehistoric wonders and the story of the Jurassic Coast.
The family-friendly attraction will feature life-like animatronic dinosaurs that bring history to life in the captivating Walk with Dinosaurs exhibition.
Find out more about the soft play and Jurassic Discovery.
Big Spring Trail at Strawberry Fields, Lifton Farm – 29 March to 14 April 2024
Explore the sights and sounds of Spring by completing the The Big Spring Trail at Lifton Strawberry Fields this Easter school holiday.
There’s a map to help you find QR codes that reveal clues around the trail as well as games and puzzles.
Book your visit in advance and don’t forget your wellington boots and waterproofs!
After finishing the trail you can meet farm animals and play in the barn.
Find out more and book your visit on the Strawberry Fields website.
Easter egg-venture at Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centres – 29 March to 14 April 2024
Pick up a free Egg-venture trail sheet from one of Dartmoor’s visitor centres at Princetown, Postbridge and Haytor to take part in this family-friendly activity around the National Park.
Find the best view of the moor, listen to the sounds of spring and get creative and design your own minibeast. Don’t forget to watch out for real life eggs laid by moorland birds.
Find out more on the Dartmoor National Park website.
Easter fun at Becky Falls – 29 March to 14 April 2024
Visit Becky Falls this Easter to find out which of their animals lay eggs (some might surprise you) in their Easter-themed Challenge. Every entrant wins a go on the chocolate tombola with a prize every time.
There’s an extra charge for this Easter activity.
Find out more about what’s on at Becky Falls.
Kids go free at River Dart Country Park, Ashburton – 29 March to 14 April 2024
River Dart Country Park is open daily this Easter and has a special offer for families.
Simply pre-book Day Admission online and with each ‘Adult’ ticket add up to three ‘Free Child 3 to 17 years’ tickets.
Check the website for full terms and conditions and book online.
Easter activities at Dartington Crystal, North Devon – 29 March to 14 April 2024
This Easter Dartington Crystal’s family activities include crafts and glass painting.
Plus see their craftspeople hard at work creating beautiful pieces for you to use and enjoy.
Find out more about what’s on at Dartington Crystal.
Flow Art Exhibition at Cockington Court near Torquay – 29 March to 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.
Laura Walls’ Goose – Live on Stage at Pavilions Teignmouth – 30 March 2024
Laura Wall’s beloved children’s book ‘Goose’ is being brought to life in this brand new musical that pre-schoolers will love.
Sophie meets Goose while on a trip to the park and the pair soon become the best of friends. Under-fives can join them as they jump through muddy puddles, go on a wild goose chase and honk as loud as they can.
Find out more and get tickets on the Teignmouth Pavilions website.
YHA Okehampton annual open day – 30 March 2024
YHA Okehampton is inviting you to handle mini beasts at its annual open day this weekend.
As well as braving the beasties you can buy tokens for adventurous activities during the day including archery, low ropes, axe throwing and the climbing wall.
The event takes place between 11am and 4pm. Entry is free and proceeds from activities will go to charity.
Find out more on the YHA Okehampton Instagram page.
More things to do in March
If you’re looking for more Devon days out and inspiration for activities to do check out my guide to Spring in Devon.
You might also like these posts:
- Free things to do in Devon
- Adventure playgrounds your kids will love
- Family-friendly farm shops in Devon
- Zoos and animal attractions in Devon
- Rainy day fun in Devon
Don’t forget about my area specific destination guides. You’ll find these in the main menu.
Get a while to stay? Check out my full guide to family holidays in Devon.
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