Hooray for Friday and the start of October half term! If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Devon you have come to the best place for events and special activities. Read on to find out what’s on in Devon this weekend!
Please check event organisers’ websites and social media channels for up-to-date information about opening, particularly during bad weather.
Know of an event I can add to this guide? Submit a listing! I’ll add it as soon as I’m able.
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Things to do in Devon this weekend
Below I’ve picked out some of the most family-friendly things to do in this guide to what’s on this weekend:
Pumpkin Festival and Pumpkin Nights at Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh – daily until 2 November 2025
Find out more and book tickets on the Pennywell Farm website.
More pumpkin patches in Devon
Pumpkin patches are open! Take a look at my guide to where to pick up a gourd across Devon.
Community Scarecrow Trail at Arlington Court near Barnstaple – daily until 31 October 2025
The annual Community Scarecrow Trail returns to Arlington Court this autumn with a special trail sheet to help you find them all while exploring the gardens.
Pick up a free trail sheet from visitor reception and spot scarecrows created by local schools, community groups and volunteers along the way. Normal admission charged apply.
Find out more about Arlington Court.
Titanic Exhibition at Westpoint in Exeter – daily until 31 October 2025
This immersive Titanic showcase brings the story of the RMS Titanic to life, from its design and construction to its tragic sinking on 15 April 1912. The exhibition will also explore the ship’s enduring legacy, including its influence on film and television.
Among the highlights is a collection of artefacts from Titanic’s past, including what is believed to be the largest surviving fragment of the aft Grand Staircase. Personal belongings of passengers and crew will also be on display, offering a deeply human perspective on the tragedy.
Find out more and book tickets to see the exhibition at Westpoint.
Beyond Van Gogh exhibition at Westpoint Exeter – daily until 31 October 2025
Another immersive experience coming to Westpoint this month brings the masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh thrillingly to life in one unforgettable cinematic multimedia experience.
Experience over 300 masterpieces, including iconic classics such as The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Café Terrace at Night, now freed from their frames.
This exhibition takes you on a journey through the artist’s world from darkness to light, enhanced by his own dreams, thoughts and words set to a stirring symphonic score.
Find out more and get tickets for Beyond Van Gogh.
Cockington Court Sculpture Trail – daily until 2 November 2025
The Cockington Court sculpture trail has returned for 2025 and this year is inspired by the theme of ‘prehistoric’. This free trail features more than 30 different sculptures created by 24 local artists and sculptors.
This years theme is prehistoric! so expect to see some stunning designs and interpretations.
To take part collect a free map from inside the Manor House between 10.30am and 4.30pm daily.
You can also pick up a trail sheet in the Hub & Craft Shop for just £1 per child. This trail takes you through the grounds and studios of Cockington Court and the businesses of Cockington Village as you hunt down items.
Find out more about this free sculpture trail in Torbay.
Spiney vs Slimy at National Marine Aquarium – daily until 2 November 2025
National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth has an interactive activity trail taking place this October.
Spiny vs Slimy explores the fascinating world of spiny shellys, slimy scales and everything in between – which ties wonderfully with their latest residents, two spiny lobsters.
Explore each of the aquarium’s zones and discoverdifferent slimy and spiny animals in each of the zones.
Find out more and book tickets to the aquarium on the NMA website. Visit once and validate your ticket for a whole year of return trips.
Lydford Gorge Viking trail – daily until 2 November 2025
Did you know that in 997AD the Vikings advanced on Lydford in search of plunder. Follow in their footsteps this autumn on a family-friendly trail around the orchard.
This trail is included in the standard admission charge.
Find out more about visiting Lydford Gorge.
Autumnfest at Arlington Court near Barnstaple – daily until 2 November 2025
Step into Autumn at Arlington Court where you’ll find a harvest table laid in the dining room and seasonal floral displays throughout.
Outside, head to the garden to see the Atlantic giant pumpkin and gourd display. Wander through the grounds and follow the fairytale-themed scarecrow trail, created by local schoolchildren, community groups, and volunteers.
For younger adventurers, there’s a special children’s spotter trail.
Plan your visit and find out more on the Arlington Court website.
Piskies vs Trolls Trail at Buckland Abbey in Yelverton – daily until 2 November 2025
Piskies caused mischeif at Buckland Abbey during the Spring and now they are back, but this time they’re squabling with the resident Buckland Trolls!
The Trolls have just woken up from their summer slumber. Come and see what these guys have been up to! Playing pranks, tricks and hoaxes on each other.
Find out more about visiting Buckland Abbey.
Magic, Mystery & Illusion at Knightshayes in Tiverton – daily until 2 November 2025
Visit Knightshayes for a Halloween experience full of interesting illusions and mystery.
Enter the House and find that not everything is always as it seems as you discover optical illusions of the Victorian era. Venture into the gardens to discover more mysteries.
Find out more about visiting Knightshayes.
Drizzles Pumpkin Party Halloween Trail at The Donkey Santuary in Sidmouth – daily until 3 November 2025
Help Drizzle the Donkey celebrate her Halloween birthday by completing this fun trail to find hidden pumpkins around the sanctuary.
Find all the pumpkins to discover Drizzle’s age and win a prize.
Entry to the sanctuary is free. Trail sheets cost £5 each and can be bought in the gift shop.
Find out more about what’s on at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Stranger Folk interactive adventure at Kingshayes National Trust in Tiverton – until 30 November 2025
Step into a world of folklore, mischief and old magic this autumn, as the National Trust launches Stranger Folk, an immersive Halloween-inspired adventure game, available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Using a mobile phone, players are drawn into a spirited tale of ancient folklore where sneaky goblins, cunning boggarts, and mysterious Stranger Folk as they explore the gardens and woodlands of Knighthayes in a whole new way.
Find out more about Stranger Folk.
Earth Photo exhibition at Forestry England Haldon – daily until 19 March 2026
Forestry England’s outdoor exhibition showing images from Earth Photo shortlisted works is coming to Devon.
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 is free to explore will display 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.
Dartmouth Food Festival – 24 to 26 October 2025
This delicious free event in Devon is packed with food and drink to suit all taste buds. Dartmouth Food Festival comes with three days packed with cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, talks with food writers, and cookery workshops for adults and children.
A whole day of the festival is dedicated to children, with events and activities to get kids excited about cooking. Don’t miss the free story telling sessions with tales of funny food and even ginger bread man making.
Some activities must be booked and paid for in advance.
Take a look at the Food Festival website for more information.
Ministry of Science Live at Princess Theatre Torquay – 25 October 2025
Direct from London’s West End, join the presenters of this live science show as they take a dive deep into how science shapes the world we live in. Expect loud bangs and lots of stealth learning made fun.
Find out more and book tickets online.
Pumpkin carving at Made-Well CIC in Hatherleigh – 25 October 2025
Join the team at Made-Well CUC for a spooktacular pumpkin carving session. Unleash your creativity and bring your spookiest designs to life during this two hour activity duirng which all the tools and materials will be supplied.
The cost is £5 per pumpkin and adults must supervise their children.
Spaces are limited. Book your space in advance on the Made-Well website.
Fun For Little Ones – A Tribute To Ms Rachel at Exeter Northcott Theatre – 25 October 2025
The Northcott Theatre bring the viral sensation Ms Rachel to life in a fun, interactive, live on stage performance with lots of participation for little ones.
The biggest thing to wow the internet since Baby Shark!, Ms Rachel has five billion views and more than eight million subscribers on YouTube.
Fun for Little Ones Live encapsulates her bubbly personality, sweet singing voice and educational content.
Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Northcott website.
Harvest Weekend at Buckland Abbey – 25 to 26 October 2025
Help celebrate the harvest of autumn fruits and other crops at the ancestral home of Sir Francis Drake. Activities are included in the usual entrance fee.
Find out more about what’s on at Buckland Abbey.
Crealy Spook-Fest near Exeter – 25 to 31 October 2025
Half term is also an opportunity to visit Sooty Land which is great for younger visitors.
Pumpkin Fest at Strawberry Fields, Lifton Farm – selected dates until 31 October 2025
Pumpkin Fest returns to Lifton Farm in 2025 with lots of new fun from pumpkin picking and carving, to family-entertainment and photo opportunities.
This year’s event is ticketed. Book online.
Buy tickets on the Lifton Farm website.
Halloween fun at The Mole Resort in Umberleigh – daily until 31 October 2025
This spooky season everyone is invited to embrace the magic of autumn at The Mole Resort where a host of frightfully fun Halloween-themed activities promise an unforgettable escape for all ages – including your family pet.
Guests and day visitors will find North Devon’s largest display of pumpkins at the resort’s pumpkin patch, mini pumpkin archery challenges, a scarecrow building corner amd spider slingshot challenge. You can also take part in the spooky ghost trail in the surrounding woodlands.
Little ones and grown-ups can also get creative with Halloween pottery painting, creepy clay crafts and a slime making lab.
Find out more and book activities through The Mole Resort website.
Halloween at The BIG Sheep near Bideford – 25 October to 1 November 2025
There will be plenty of family-friendly Halloween fun at the park throughout half term including pumpkin carving and prizes for fancy dress.
There’s also a Halloween toddler takeover in the week before half term if you’re looking for seasonal fun. with tiny tots.
Find out more and book tickets on The BIG Sheep website.
Halloween trail and puppet making at The Garden House in Yelverton – 25 October to 2 November 2025
Come along and find pumpkins, spooky puppet making, colouring competitions, and halloween themed goodies in the cafe.
Find out more about half term events at The Garden House.
Baggy Point autumn trail – 25 October to to 2 November 2025
Embrace autumn and go for a scenic walk at the National Trust’s Baggy Point headland in North Devon.
This is a free trail.
Find out more at the Baggy Point car park.
Time trail at Castle Drogo – 25 October to 2 November
This half term the Castle Drogo trailis all about time. From working out the time from the position of the sun to the newfangled electric clock in Mr Drewe’s room, there is plenty of time to explore at Castle Drogo.
This event is included in the usual entrance price.
Find out more about what’s on at Castle Drogo.
Halloween at Canonteign Falls – 25 October to 2 November 2025
Magic and Myths Trail at Saltram in Plymouth – 25 October to 9 November 2025
Dress in your spookiest outfit and follow the trail around Saltram’s garden to discover the folklore tales surrounding the superstition and magical properties of trees.
Carefully select your wand from the wand shop at the Welcome Centre (or bring your own!) and cast magical spells around the garden at each of the trail points.
This trails is included in the normal admission price for Saltram.
Find our more about visiting Saltram.
Halloween Hocus Pocus at The Milky Way near Bideford – 26 October to 3 November 2025
There’ll be lots of extra Halloween activities to enjoy this half term, all designed to be fun rather than scary.
Enrol your little horrors at a very special School for Witches and Wizards, bump around the Spooky Swamp Dodgems, catch Merlin’s show filled with his special brand of spooktacular fun and catch a special storytelling session for little ones.
Find out more on the Milky Way Adventure Park website.
What’s on this half term in Devon
Planning ahead? Check out my guide to what’s happening over half term.
What’s on next weekend in Devon?
Half term is just around the corner so expect loads to be going on, below you’ll find what’s coming up on the weekend of 31 October to 2 November 2025:
Spot the pumpkins at Babbacombe Model Village, Babbacombe – 27 to 31 October 2025
There will be pumpkins to spot at Babbacombe Model Village this October half term.
Kids can also go on a miniature pumpkin hunt around the village with a treat up for grabs if you find them all.
Also, see the village illuminated during selected evenings with fire and lighting effects (see the website for opening times).
Find out more about visiting Babbacombe Model Village this Halloween.
The Colour of Dinosaurs at Theatre Royal Plymouth – 28 October to 1 November 2025
The Colour of Dinosaurs brings the story of Jakob’s extraordinary science to life. Find out how he came to identify what colours dinosaurs were while celebrating everyone’s identities, including disability, cultural identity, and of course, how much we all love dinosaurs!
Find out more and book tickets.
Halloween crafts with Pom Stitch Tassel in Bovey Tracey – 28 October to 1 November 2025
Join the team at Pom Stitch Tassel in their Bovey Tracey studio for half term craft and sewing workshops as well as a Halloween party.
Create a gingerbread haunted house, sew monster softies or spin up an macrame toadstools. The sessions are suitable from age 2 and up all the way up to adults.
Find out more and book a session.
Halloween at Pecorama in Beer – 28 October to 1 November 2025
This Halloween, visit Pecorama for a spellbinding adventure alongside the usual loco attractions.
As a new recruit at the Witch’s Academy, your mission is to complete magical lessons and enchanting challenges at each stop along the trail. Prove your wizardry skills and graduate as an official apprentice witch or wizard.
Find lout more about visiting Pecorama this half term.
Halloween fun at Exmoor Zoo – 28 October to 3 November 2025
There’s spooky half term fun happening at Exmoor Zoo.
Expect lots of information about the zoo’s creepier residents as well as seeing lots of Halloween enrichment for the animals.
Find out more on the Exmoor Zoo website.
Halloween parties at Scribbleton in Winkleigh – 29 to 31 October 2025
There will be treats and no tricks at Scribbleton’s Halloween parties. Let little ones immerse themselves in imaginative play, enjoy the spooky disco and and make Halloween crafts at this series of seasonal events.
There will also be face painting and glitter tattoos. Don’t forget to wear your finest Halloween outfits.
Find out more and book online.
Trick or Treat Tram at Seaton Tramway – 29 to 31 October 2025
All aboard for a 25 minute mystic tram ride filled with pumpkins, ghouls, and delightful surprises.
Meet Jack O’Lantern, Seaton Tramway’s lively pumpkin-headed guide, and hear the thrilling tale of how he was transformed by the mischievous witch Grizelda. But don’t worry—this ride is filled with giggles and grins, perfect for little ghouls and goblins of all ages.
Find out more and book this Halloween experience.
Abbey After Dark at Torre Abbey in Torquay – 29 October to 1 November 2025
Step into the shadows of Torre Abbey’s ancient gardens for an atmospheric Halloween experience with ghosts, ghouls, and glowing surprises around every corner.
Expect interactive scares, spooky illuminations, and creepy effects in a trail designed for all ages.
Come in you best fancy dress and enjouy a hot drink and Halloween treats to top of your evening.
Early slots at 4.30pm and 5pm are perfect for under fives or those who prefer a gentler experience.
Find out more and book tickets for Abbey After Dark.
Spooky paper collage portraits with George Rayner at Studio KIND – 30 to 31 October 2025
Get ready to cut, stick, and create your own spooky masterpiece during a free workshop with artist George Rayner. Young artists will be guided in making creepy-cool portraits using colourful paper collage, inspired by the wild styles of Picasso and Matisse.
Drop in to Studio KIND at Barnstaple Pannier Market from 10am to 12pm on either day.
Find out more on the Studio KIND Instagram account.
Paint a pumpkin at Yarde Orchard Cafe, East Yarde – 30 October to 3 November 2025
Visit the Yard Orchard Cafe in Torrington over half term and paint a wooden pumpkin decoration. This activity is suitable for children aged three and over. All materials are provided.
Find out more about what’s on at Yard Orchard Cafe this half term.
Trick or Treat disco at Kents Cavern in Torquay – 31 October 2025
Don your spookiest dancing shows and head to Kents Cavern for a silent disco this Halloween. Glow in the dark headphones and a bar stocked with treats for adults and children will make this a unique evening for all.
Find out more and book tickets on the Kents Cavern website.
Know of an event I can add to this guide? Submit a listing! I’ll add it as soon as I’m able.
The Melting Pot at Plough Arts Theatre in Great Torrington – 31 October 2025
The Melting Pot is back hosted by Daisi is a spooktacular music festival for North Devon’s young musicians at the Plough Arts Centre.
From spine-tingling folk and rocking tunes to classical ensembles and everything in between, there will be two stages of frightful fun.
Families with teens are invited to come as their spooky, kooky, or fantastical selves and join the community celebration of young talent.
Find out more and get tickets.
Bored kids? Rainy day? Download the Devon Activity Book!
If you would like to see your event listed submit a listing!
What’s on at the theatre
Here’s where to find the latest listings and what’s on at Devon’s theatres:
- The Flaval, Dartmouth, South Devon
- Palace Theatre, Paignton, South Devon
- Princess Theatre, Torquay, South Devon
- The Pavilions, Teignmouth, South Devon
- Theatre Royal, Plymouth
- The Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport, Plymouth
- Babbacombe Theatre, Babbacombe, South Devon
- Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter
- Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
- Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre, Exeter
- Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter
- The Landmark Theatre Ilfracombe and Queens Theatre Barnstaple, North Devon
More things to do in Devon this weekend
Here’s some more guides with ideas for things to do and places to visit for the whole family:
- Ideas for rainy days in Devon
- Soft play centres in Devon
- Zoos and animal attractions
- Theme parks in Devon
- Farm shops 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.
Why not visit one of Devon’s theme parks, indoor attractions or go on a walk on Dartmoor.
Devon what’s on guides
If you’re after more reading to inspire your future Devon weekends, check out these posts:
