I live in sunny Exmouth so I’ve focused on things to do near this beautiful part of the world.
- The beach!
Everyone is always going on about forests in autumn but let’s not neglect the beach. There are so many gorgeous beaches nearby and whilst you might not want to sit down and build a sandcastle they are windswept and rugged in autumn.
Exmouth has 2 miles of sandy beach whilst nearby Sidmouth and Budleigh Salteron are pebble beaches.
Budleigh beach took my breath away the first time I saw it. I’ve never seen a beach quite like it. These beaches are also perfect for collecting rocks for any Halloween crafts you might want to do.
We’re so lucky in Devon to have so many wonderful National Trust properties and they’re all offering great activities over half term.
I’m planning to take Tiny to some of my favourites, as well as one property I haven’t visited yet.
I volunteer as a Room Guide at this magical and unique sixteen-sided house built for two early feminist pioneering cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, on their return from a grand tour of Europe in the late 18th century. It packed full of unusual objects, mementoes of their travels and intricate craft projects.
Over half term A la Ronde are offering:
- Fang-tastic family trail, 21 October – 29 October. See if you can find your way past the tricks to win a treat!
- House trail – Spooky creatures, 21 October – 29 October. Some creatures are hiding in the shadows, see if you can spot them all.
- Treats without tricks family fun. Apple monsters and pumpkins are coming to A la Ronde – join us in the grounds for lots of games and activities to keep you warm……..if you dare.
- Normal admission applies plus extra for some activities.
Killerton is an expansive 18th century family home and a great estate with a fascinating social and political history. You can discover why Sir Richard Acland gave his family home to the National Trust in 1944. Over half term Killerton are doing a spooky Pumpkin trail from 21st October to 31st October. Normal admission applies.
On the outskirts of Plymouth is Saltram house. A gorgeous house with a rich history, as well as large gardens for the whole family to explore.
Over half term Saltram are offering a range of great activities:
- Monday, make a broomstick!
- Tuesday, kids spooky house.
- Wednesday, Saloon inspired crafts in the house 12-3.30pm.
- Thursday, bring your pumpkins in to be carved.
- Friday, join ‘Mister Storyfella’ as he tells some scary stories in the Orangery.
- Saturday 27th, kids spooky house tour at 1, 2 and 3pm.
- All week go on a ‘Pesky Pumpkin Trail’ in the garden or the ‘Moving House’ trail inside.
- Awesome Autumn or Top Trunks trail sheet for the park for £2 and earn a very special wooden medal!
- Normal admission applies plus extra for some activities.
I haven’t visited this gothic estate before so I’m really excited to see the autumn colours and try the ghoulish crafts!
Over half term Knightshayes are offering lots of Halloween fun:
- Curious creepy crawly quest. Keep the bogeyman of boredom away with a creepy crawly activity trail in the garden this October half term. £1.
- Tuesday 24th Create a wooden bug hotel. Create a special bug hotel to take home and help the local bugs in your garden. Fill it with cosy bedding and decorate it to attract little critters. £2.50
- Thursday 26th Knightshayes Minibeast investigators. Make your own special bug observation pot and see what creatures you can find. £2.50
- Friday 27th and Saturday 28th Hallowe’en late night opening. Immerse yourself in spine chilling stories throughout the darkened house this Hallowe’en, with ghoulish crafts and cobwebs galore, this isn’t for the fainted hearted. Dare you come up and see us after dark? £3.
Wildwood is East Devon’s conservation and wildlife branch of the Wildwood Trust. It’s a lovely day out. Set in beautiful grounds with peacocks wandering freely you can watch the Otters and gorgeous Red Squirrels being fed, and then sneak a peek at Wolves and Wildcats. There’s a cafe and soft play, and a maze to get lost in! Under 3s are free, children are £8 and adults £9.50.
Over half term Wildwood are offering:
I haven’t been to World of Country Life yet but I’m hoping it’s as good as it sounds.
“World of Country Life is a family owned visitor attraction. The park first opened in 1978 and since then has grown and developed over the years, winning a number of awards, to be one of the best family days out in Devon! The attraction has an eclectic mix of museums, animals, play areas and entertainment, both outdoors and under cover, making it an excellent day out for the whole family, whatever the age, whatever the weather!” Sounds amazing doesn’t it?
Under 3’s free, children £10.70 and adults £12.90
Over half term World of Country Life are offering:
- Pumpkin carving
- Hallowe’en treasure trail
- Spooky arts & crafts
- Friday 27th, Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th October – our famous family Halloween Show up in the Barnyard Theatre!”
I’m probably most excited to try out the Seaton “Tram of Terror” – a journey with gruesome tram drivers to Colyton Station for spooky entertainment. The price (Under 3’s free, children £12.95, adults 14.95) includes:
- For All Children a “Baddie Bag” – Fancy Dress Optional
- Tram Ride
- Spooky Entertainment/Activities
- Halloween Games at Colyton Station
- Revolting Refreshments
Whatever you get up to I hope you have a wonderfully spooky week with your family.
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