For reservations or enquiries telephone:
Email us:
Parking and WiFi are provided at all of our properties. One travel cot and one highchair are also available at each property as a minimum.
With the early summer school holiday fast approaching, now’s the time to start planning the itinerary for your May family staycation. Devon’s scenic walking, cycling and railway routes are perfect for sunny days, while a varied selection of all-weather attractions are waiting to be discovered too.
Embrace longer days and warmer weather with our recommendations of things to do in Devon with kids in May. Whether it’s feeding the animals at Pennywell Farm or an exhilarating trip to one of the region’s theme parks, May half term breaks in Devon offer something for all ages to enjoy.
Use the page links below to navigate the blog post: • Simple Devon pleasures that cost nothing • Beach days and rock pool adventures • Wildlife parks and animal encounters • Rainy days and mixed weather options • Outdoor adventures in Devon’s National Parks • Where to stay in Devon this May half term
Enjoy memorable family moments with these simple pleasures during your Devon stay. Being out in the great outdoors is the perfect way to embrace a slower pace of life and while away an afternoon. Take advantage of the many miles of coastal path, moorland trails and woodland walks that are just waiting to be explored.
The South West Coast Path and the region's woodlands are even more spectacular during bluebell season, which coincides with May half term. Why not combine your adventure in nature with a bug hunt or wildlife-watching activity? Pack your binoculars and a camera and see how many types of butterflies and seabirds you can spot along the way.
Sunny spring days are also well spent in Devon's harbour towns. Meander through quaint, cobbled streets towards the harbour for an afternoon of crabbing. Round off the day with a captivating beach sunset after a picnic-style dinner and ball games on the sand. There are plenty of cost-free Devon May half term activities to enjoy thanks to the region’s abundance of beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces.
Beach days in Devon in May offer the perfect opportunity for sandcastle building, picnics and rock pooling at low tide, with warmer weather to enjoy before the summer crowds arrive. We suggest checking tide times before your visit and bringing warmer layers for breezy afternoons.
Bigbury-on-Sea is a family-friendly beach in South Devon with seasonal lifeguards and a wide range of facilities, including a beach café and shop. Children will love taking the sea tractor passenger ferry over to Burgh Island.
In North Devon, both Croyde and Woolacombe are perfect for beach games, with large expanses of sand and opportunities for watersports. Both beaches have safe areas for swimming and seasonal lifeguards.
Ideal for rainy days or a break from the sunshine, over 5,000 ocean animals and habitats are waiting to be discovered at Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium. A range of immersive experiences are also available, from behind the scenes tours to feeding turtles and snorkelling. We recommend booking your entry tickets in advance, as well as any of the immersive experiences you'd like to try.
Meet a range of unique animals at Exmoor Zoo, including amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates, including endangered species. Get hands-on with a "walk on the wild side" guided tour and a variety of meet and greet experiences. Children aged eight and above can also become a junior zoo keeper for half a day and help to look after some of the animals.
Devon is also home to Paignton Zoo and Dartmoor Zoo, both set in idyllic surroundings and perfect for animal lovers.
© Exmoor Zoo and Paignton Zoo via Facebook
Tucked in a tranquil position on the Jurassic Coast, this free-entry attraction in Sidmouth boasts award-winning gardens and is surrounded by picturesque coastal walks. Meet a range of donkeys and mules, including miniature donkeys, who have all been rescued and now live happily in the paddocks and barns.
Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the award-winning kitchen or pack a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens. Discover informative talks, educational exhibitions and exciting trails within the sanctuary's calendar of exciting events.
Accessibility: The Donkey Sanctuary features some accessible paths that enable all visitors to meet the donkeys. There's also accessible parking and wheelchair-accessible parking.
From miniature pigs and ponies to alpacas and highland cows, there are so many beautiful animals to meet, as well as a new animal-themed activity taking place every 30 minutes.
Tractor trailer rides, bottle feeding and piggy cuddles are just some of the daily activities included in the ticket price at Pennywell Farm. Should spring showers arrive, Noah’s Barn indoor play area has inflatables, slides and soft play to keep children entertained.
© Pennywell Farm via Facebook
Explore a fascinating miniature world at Babbcombe Model Village, which is home to 13,000 miniature residents, featuring hundreds of hand-crafted models within captivating scenes.
The village is set within 4.5 acres of idyllic gardens, including streams and waterfalls, with fun scenes and hidden puns for the whole family to enjoy. Enjoy the nine-hole crazy golf, mini bug trail and the famous illuminations, taking place every Friday evening from April to October.
Enjoy views of the rolling Devon countryside and the River Dart from a heritage steam train. The scenic journey takes passengers along the South Devon Railway, a seven-mile stretch of former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872.
We recommend the traditional Devonshire cream tea experience aboard the 1950s Restaurant Car and a visit to Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies which is nearby.
© South Devon Railway via Facebook
Step back in time to the Stone Age at Kents Cavern in Torquay. This historic site was once home to ancient humans, sheltering from extreme weather, making fires and hunting Ice Age animals. One of Europe’s most important Stone Age sites, discover 400 million-year-old rocks, stalagmites and stalactites inside the fascinating labyrinth of caverns.
Interactive exhibitions bring dinosaurs to life at Dinosaur World, where families can marvel at full size and scaled dinosaur models and fossils. Have a go at the dinosaur explorer quiz whilst wandering through the exhibition and check the website for special events taking place throughout the year.
A memorable family day out come rain or shine, Woodlands Family Theme Park benefits from one of the South West’s largest play areas, as well as exhilarating waterslides, a zoo farm and falconry centre.
The theme park is split into different themed zones, including the Cyclone Canyon Zone where the waterslides are located, and the Sea Monster Zone, complete with a sea dragon swing ship, bumper boats and a seascape mirror maze, plus a myriad of rides and attractions for toddlers.
© Woodlands Theme Park via Facebook
Enjoy picturesque views from the ‘swan lake pedalos’ and magical family train ride or brave the 400 metre long "rampage rollercoaster". The Big Sheep in Bideford includes attractions for all ages.
A great all-weather day out, children will love Devon’s largest indoor playground, with both toddler zones and a baby sensory room for the youngest members of the group. There are lots of animals to meet, plus an exciting calendar of festivals and events.
Situated near Exeter, take a zip wire or high rope journey from hilltop to hilltop at Haldon Forest Go Ape Adventure. Whether you embark on the entry level "treetop adventure" or the epic "treetop challenge", featuring Tarzan swings and zip lines, expect a fun-filled and scenic day out.
Accessibility: Haldon Forest Park also has some spectacular walking routes, including specially designed sensory trails and all-terrain mobility scooters available for hire.
© Go Ape via Facebook
A top choice for family days out in Devon in May, whatever the weather brings, Crealy is a multi-award-winning family theme park near Exeter, with over 60 rides and attractions.
As well as rollercoasters and waterslides, there are 200 farm and zoo animals to meet, indoor and outdoor adventure play areas, plus regular live shows and entertainment, with the Sooty Show and Buddy Show both taking place during May half term.
One of the most popular Devon attractions for children on the north coast is The Milky Way Adventure Park in Clovelly.
From the "pre-schoolers’ paradise" to the "cosmic typhoon" rollercoaster, there’s something for everyone, including attractions for all weathers and regular live shows.
© The Milky Way Adventure Park via Facebook
The House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey is a wonderful all-weather attraction. Watch glass-making live in action, then explore the marble, games, pottery and glass museums. After lunch or afternoon tea in the Old Pottery Restaurant, play in the games garden and marble run, before browsing the emporium for toys and souvenirs.
May half term in Devon with kids wouldn’t be complete without a moorland or countryside adventure. With Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks on the doorstep, holidays in Devon are perfect for family-friendly walks and picnics with wide open views. Spot wild ponies along moorland trails or seek out scenic cycle routes for family bike rides.
More outdoor activities in Devon in May can be enjoyed at Wimbleball Lake, nestled within the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park. Enjoy cycle paths and walking routes with beautiful views or take to the water on a kayak or paddle board.
Devon's National Trust properties and gardens also offer a relaxing day out for all the family.
© Tim Rogers via Flickr (Exmoor, left) | Wimbleball Lake via Facebook (middle) | Baz Richardson via Flickr (Dartmoor, right)
Our luxury properties in Devon provide the perfect base for a relaxing half term getaway. Sleeping up to eight guests, Waterside is just a short walk from Salcombe and has a dedicated cinema room for family movie nights.
For family beach holidays in Bigbury-on-Sea, both Beachfront and Overcombe sleep up to 10 guests and have far-reaching sea views. For multi-generational stays, choose between Clifftop in Bigbury-on-Sea (sleeps 14) which has a hot tub and sauna, and Tamarisks in Hope Cove (sleeps up to 16 guests) which boasts a media room and an outdoor kitchen complete with a pizza oven.
Left to right: Waterside in Salcombe, Beachfront in Bigbury-on-Sea, Overcombe in Bigbury-on-Sea, Clifftop in Bigbury-on-Sea, Tamarisks in Hope Cove
May half term holidays
Image credits: © Exmoor Zoo | Dartmoor Zoo | Pennywell Farm | South Devon Railway | Woodlands | Go Ape | The Milky Way Adventure Park | Wimbleball Lake all via Facebook | Tim Rogers and Baz Richardson via Flickr | All other images are our own.
Laura has lived in Cornwall most of her life and loves writing content about South West holiday destinations. When she's not in the office, she can be found walking the coast path, sunset chasing and camping with family or friends.
Set right on the water’s edge and featuring a cinema room plus three coastal inspired bedrooms, Waterside enjoys sensational views over the Salcombe Estuary. The elevated terrace and open plan living space invite sociable evenings with friends and family, while the beautiful beach at Mill Bay sits just across the water.
Per week from
Short breaks from
A striking amalgamation of glass and wood, Beachfront is a Scandi-inspired beach house overlooking the water in Bigbury-on-Sea. Four serene bedrooms and a light, bright open plan living space meet an expansive front deck that's ideal for al fresco breakfasts, and just a minute's walk from sand and surf.
Find yourself a stone's throw from Agatha Christie's iconic Burgh Island. As featured on Fantasy Homes by the Sea, Overcombe is home to some of the most spectacular views in South Devon. Set over one level, its spacious living areas, wraparound deck and five bedrooms make it a magical setting for multi-generational holidays.
A real coastal haven, this large and luxurious home enjoys jaw-dropping views over the golden sands of Hope Cove Beach and the glistening sea beyond. Indulge in sunny lunches on the wraparound terrace or play games with the little ones in the secure garden. Just a short drive to the foodie town of Salcombe, it’s the perfect base to explore the wonderful South Devon coast.
Settled above the waves amid the rugged Devon landscape, you’ll find this dreamlike retreat. Clifftop has been carefully renovated by VESP Architects into a true sanctuary, sleeping up to 14 guests. Home to panoramic ocean views over Challaborough Bay, it lends itself to spa breaks and family getaways, thanks to its seven bedrooms, direct coast path access, sea-view hot tub and sauna.
