Ahh, Spring is in the air, the days are getting longer and the Devon events calendar is revving up for the season. If you’re looking for family-friendly activities and events happening this month you’ve come to the right place to find out what’s on in Devon this April.
Of course, this month also kicks off with the school holidays. I’ve got even more ideas for family fun in my guides to things to do this Easter as well as where to find Easter egg hunts and activity trails. I’ve included links to both of these below.
But if you’re hear to find own what on in April beyond the holidays I’ve got you covered too! Keep scrolling…
If you know of an April event I can add, please get in touch.
Love Devon? Why not follow me on Instagram, join the Devon with Kids Facebook group and subscribe to my newsletter!
Please check each attraction’s website for up-to-date visitor information and admission prices.
Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
Easter holidays in Devon – 29 March to 15 April 2024
If you’re lucky enough to be staycationing or holidaying in Devon then there’s plenty going on for families.
Check out my full guide to Easter holiday fun including special events at family attractions, shows and workshops.
Easter egg hunts and Easter trails in Devon in 2024
Want to find out where the Easter bunny has hidden it’s eggs? Check out my full guide to Easter egg hunts and trails in Devon including National Trust egg hunts and trails at family attractions.
But what about the rest of the month? If you don’t fancy an egg hunt or what to find things to do in the second half of April, read on!
What’s on this April in Devon
Here’s what else is happening around Devon this April:
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.
Find out more about what’s on at Market Hall this month.
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.
Track and Train Play – selected dates from 6 to 28 April 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 – 6 April
- Barnstaple – 13 April
- Honiton – 14 April
- Dartington – 20 April
- Ivybridge – 21 April
- Clyst St Mary, Exeter – 28 April
Find out more and book via the Track and Train Play website.
Bluebell Sundays at Hartland Abbey – 14 and 21 April 2024
Head to Hartland Abbey to enjoy the bluebells for a reduced entrance fee.
These Spring blooms carpet the walks from the Walled Gardens to the sea with restored paths leading to the Woodland Summerhouse, the Gazebo and Blackpool Mill overlooking the Atlantic.
Find out more about visiting Hartland Abbey in April.
Wildflower trail at Heddon Valley near Barnstaple – 15 April to 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.
Spot’s Birthday at Queens Theatre, Barnstaple – 17 to 18 April 2024
Spot is having a party and you’re invited. Based on Eric Hill’s Happy Birthday Spot book this brand-new adaptation brings your favourite pup and his friends to life in an interactive and accessible show suitable for children aged two and up, and their grown ups.
Expect party hats, songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games.
Find out more and book tickets on the Queens Theatre website.
Bluebell Day at Holydorf Woods, East Devon – 20 April 2024
Join the Wild East Devon team at Holyford Woods nature reserve for a day of guided walks including Bluebell walks guided with a Ranger.
There’s also a Plant Medicine walk guided by Herbalist Maggie Haworth. This can be pre-booked via the Wild East Devon website.
Tea and cakes will be available to buy as well as nettle soup around the campfire.
Find out more on the Wild East Devon website.
Tavistock Street Food Festival – 20 to 21 April 2024
There’s a fabulously foodie weekend planned in Tavistock. On Saturday night there’s a street food session with good food and music from 5pm.
This is followed by a fun day showcasing the best local food and drink producers. Expect farmers’ market favourites like cider, pies and cakes alongside speciality bakes, dog treats and charcuterie.
For more information check out the Facebook event page.
Free rides on Lynton & Barnstaple Railway for locals – selected dates from 20 to 28 April 2024
Residents living in EX and TA postcodes can ride Lynton & Barnstaple Railway for free this week subject to available space.
The offer entitles you to one round trip only per person. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance or online. Just turn up on the day with proof of address and photo ID to claim your free ride.
Visit the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway website for full details.
Killerton Springs into Rhyme: Blossom poetry display – from 20 April to 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.
The Great British Dog Walk at Canonteign Falls – 21 April 2024
Join Hearing Dogs for The Great British Dog Walk at Canonteign Falls this weekend.
There are 2km or 4km sponsored dog walks to raise funds to train more hearing dogs who alert to life-saving and important sounds and break down social barriers for deaf people.
As well as walkies around this beautiful estate, there will be dog agility and other fun ages for four and two-legged participants. And don’t forget the adventure playgrounds, trampolines, zip-wire and mini assault course for the kids.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for £12 (£15 on the day), which includes a free dog bandana. Children and dogs go free.
Find out more and book on the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People website.
The Sand Dragon show and workshop at Pavilions Teignmouth – 27 April 2024
While on holiday Edie and her Daddy find a magical pebble that can grant you one wish. Can you guess what Edie wished for? Find out by watching Theatrix Arts perform this magical story with songs and music, loads of puppets, changing scenery, and a magic trick or two.
Following the show you can meet the puppets and create your own Sand Dragon.
Find out more and book on the Pavilions Teignmouth website.
Storytelling and crafts workshop at Palace Theatre, Paignton – 27 April 2024
As part of the Play on Words Festival (formerly the English Riviera Literary Festival) Torbay children’s author Clare Helen Welsh will be running a workshop to inspire young authors.
This one hour workshop takes place in the theatre’s Prop Store and must be booked in advance.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Palace Theatre website.
Peppa Pig Live at The Landmark Ilfracombe – 27 to 28 April 2024
Peppa Pig fans can join her to see her new live show, Fun Day Out, in Ilfracombe this month.
Our pink heroine, along with her family and friends, are off to the zoo and the beach for for what’s sure to be a fun-packed day.
Sing and dance but watch out for muddy puddles!
Find out more and book tickets on the Landmark Theatre website.
Exmouth Gate to Plate food festival – 28 April 2024
This locally focused food and drink festival takes place on the Strand with more than 60 producers alongside street food and free entertainment.
Find out more about what’s on over on Facebook.
Lambing Sunday at Martinsfield Farm, Broadclyst – 28 April 2024
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.
Find out more and book via Eventbrite.
Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival, Plymouth – 28 April 2024
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.
Wildflower trail at Arlington Court near Barnstaple – 30 April to 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.
What’s on next month?
Take a look at my guide to family events happening this May for the full low down on what’s happening next month including walks, indoor attractions that are open and more places to visit all year round.
More things to do in Devon
Here’s some more places you might like to visit:
- Ideas for rainy days in Devon
- Zoos and animal attractions
- Theme parks in Devon
- Outdoor activities and attractions
- Dog-friendly family attractions in Devon
- Free things to do
- Adventure playgrounds in Devon
- Things to do with teens in Devon.
Download the 101 Days out in Devon with kids ebook
It’s FREE!
Grab your copy of this guide to family-friendly things to do across the county, from coast to coast, in the cities, on the moors and whatever the weather.
Do you know of something happening this April that isn’t on this list or my round up of Devon Easter egg hunts? Let me know by commenting below or sending me a message.
Planning ahead? Here’s what’s on in Devon in May.
Visiting Devon this Spring? Why not save this post about things to do in Devon this Easter?
