Hooray for Friday! 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 also check event organisers’ websites and social media channels for up to date information about opening, particularly during bad weather.
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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:
What’s on this weekend
Here’s some activities happening at on the weekend of 11 to 14 October 2024 – enjoy:
Troublesome Tikes at Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport – 12 October 2024
Join the Stiltskin Theatre company for this enchanting tale. This family show is perfect for children aged 12 and under, but the whole family will enjoy it!
Find out more and book tickets on the Soapbox Children’s Theatre website.
Guided Woodland Walk at Wembury Woods near Plymouth – 12 October 2024
Ranger Tim will be walking and talking you through everything from ash dieback, woodland creation and wood pasture.
Places are free but must be booked in advance.
Find out more on the National Trust website.
Cockington Apple Day – 13 October 2024
Cockington Court’s free annual Apple Day returns this month with plenty of family fun planned including arts and crafts, live music, apple-inspired fun, a service at Cockington Church and more than 40 market stalls selling food, drinks and crafts.
The on-site Seven Dials Café will be serving food and drinks all day. There will also be some new additions to this year’s event, including a Craft Bus, Angel Heart Theatre and Elfic the comedy juggler.
See apples being pressed and bring your own to be turned into juice for a small donation.
Find out more about Cockington Apple Day.
England’s Seafood Festival in the English Riviera – until 13 October 2024
A two-week celebration of Devon’s world-renowned seafood is returning to the towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.
Throughout the celebration the English Riviera towns all showcase some of the best seafood in the world, right where it’s landed. Highlights include everything from fine dining to street food and seafood celebration suppers to guest chef events.
Find the full programme on the English Riviera website.
Pumpkin Festival at Pennywell Farm – until 3 November 2024
Pennywell – one of Devon’s top attractions – runs a fantastic pumpkin event each autumn.
This year there will be a pumpkin trail, dress up competitions, live entertainment and that all important pumpkin patch.
Find out more on the Pennywell Farm website.
There’s even more pumpkin patches happening around Devon. Find out more in my guide to where to pick pumpkins.
Cockington Court Sculpture Trail – daily until 3 November 2024
Ahoy art lovers, explorers and pirate enthusiasts! The Cockington Court sculpture trail has returned for 2024 and this year is inspired by the theme of ‘pirates and the deep sea’. This free trail features more than 30 different sculptures created by 24 local artists and sculptors.
Some of this year’s sculptures include a crow’s nest, skeleton mermaid, pirate ships, treasure chest and pirate figure head. Also, look out for Morgowr the sea serpent as she swims towards the Cockington café.
To take part collect a free map from inside the Manor House between 10.30am and 4.30pm daily.
Find out more about this free sculpture trail in Torbay.
Gruffalo Party Trail at Haldon Forest, near Exeter – every day
A brand new Gruffalo trail has opened at Haldon Forest in January. The Gruffalo Party trail follows on from the Zoo trail and is celebrating the 25th anniversary of this much loved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book.
As part of the new adventure, families work together to search for missing party items while enjoying fun and games along the trail.
And of course there will be an educational twist with information about the intricate ways plants and animals look after each other.
Find out more about the new Gruffalo Trail at Haldon Forest.
Salcombe Field of Light – daily until 5 January 2025
See artist Bruce Munro’s Field of Light in Salcombe Harbour this winter. The installation has been exhibited in the UK, USA and Australia and is coming to Devon to mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI.
Here’s a video of Field of Light in Bath to give you an idea of what the 20,000 individual light stems can look like.
There will be viewing points around Salcombe Harbour. The installation is free to see.
Find out more about the Field of Light in Salcombe.
Looking for a last minute place to stay in Devon? Check out prices and availability for Devon hotels, B&Bs and inns.
What’s on this October in Devon
Planning ahead? You’ll want to check out my full guide to what’s on in October for family-friendly events happening across the month. And if you want the skinny on Halloween I’ve got you covered in my October half term guide.
What’s on in Devon next weekend?
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up the weekend of 18 to 20 October 2024:
Brixham breakwater beach rock pooling – 19 October 2024
Join the South Devon National Landscape Estuaries Officer, a marine biologist, for an introduction to the struggles and tribulations of life in the intertidal zone.
Explore and discover the variety and adaptions of marine life found along this rocky shore.
Find out more about visiting South Devon National Landscapes website.
Baby Dragon Trail at Buckland Abbey – 19 October to 3 November 2024
Baby Dragons have hatched and are taking over Buckland Abbey. They’ve made their first hoards using objects found at Buckland. Come and help track them down and discover some dragon secrets along the way.
You can also cosy up with an autumnal read in the Book Nook. Storytelling will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays throughout the trail.
Find out more about visiting Buckland Abbey.
If you would like to see your event listed submit a listing!
Looking for a children’s guide to some of Devon’s loveliest places? Order your kids this Devon colouring book, which is full of facts too! A donation from every sale goes to Devon Air Ambulance.
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:
- What’s on in October 2024
- October half term and Halloween in Devon
- What’s on in November 2024
- What’s on this Christmas in Devon
- More events in Devon in 2024
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