I don’t know about you but the first school term of the year seems to drag by. Thank goodness for an opportunity to reenergerise on the horizon. So, what’s on in Devon? Here’s some ideas for things to do in Devon in February half term 2024 as well as other activities and events to enjoy throughout the month.
February half term holidays for schools in Devon happen in the week beginning 12 February 2024. Some attractions may focus their events and activities around this week.
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What’s on in February 2024
Here’s some events and activities to check out in Devon this February:
Immersive family shows at Market Hall
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.
New Gruffalo Party Trail at Haldon Forest, near Exeter – every day
Snowdrop Festival at The Garden House – Fridays, Saturday and Sundays until 10 March 2024
Visit The Garden House near Yelverton for its first joyful seasonal event of the year – its Snowdrop Festival.
There will be more than 350 varieties of snowdrops to spot making it one of the most diverse collections of named and naturalised snowdrops in the UK.
Find out more about visiting The Garden House.
Disney’s Aladdin at Theatre Royal Plymouth – until 11 February 2024
Disney Theatrical Productions’ Aladdin, a thrilling production filled with unforgettable magic, comedy and breath-taking spectacle, is coming to Plymouth this winter.
Adapted from Disney’s 1992 animated film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights”, this smash-hit musical is on its first ever UK and Ireland tour.
Escape to a whole new world and experience this extraordinary theatrical event already seen by over 14 million people worldwide.
Get tickets from the Theatre Royal website.
Bing and Flop trail and story time at Paignton Zoo – until 3 March 2024
Toddler TV favourites Bing and Flop are hanging out at Paignton Zoo this Spring. Between now and early March you can follow fun family activity trail around the zoo and drop into story time sessions and meet and greets on selected days.
All activities are included in the usual zoo entrance price.
Find out more about meeting Bing and Flop at the zoo.
Mars: War & Peace by Luke Jerram at Exeter Cathedral – 1 to28 February 2024
Following Museum of the Moon and Gaia, Exeter Cathedral is hosting Luke Jerram’s next artwork, Mars: War & Peace, throughout February 2024.
Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars.
As well as marvelling at the art, kids can craft their own rocket to fly to mars.
Tickets cost £6 for adults and children accompanying them go free.
Find out more and book tickets on the Cathedral website.
Vikings at Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport – 3 February 2024
Join Devonport’s children’s theatre company for a voyage back in time to hear tales of the Viking’s visit to Plymouth and the Royal Mint at Lydford.
This one hour show for families with children aged five and up is a fun frolic through historical facts and fiction. Enjoy fantastical storytelling and incredible characters, puppets and so much more.
Find out more visiting the Soapbox Children’s Theatre’s box office.
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What’s on in February half term in Devon?
Here’s some Devon events to add to your school holiday plans:
Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at Seaton Tramway in East Devon – 9 February to 21 April 2024
This world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, features exceptional images capturing fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
One hundred of the winning photographs from the competition which was open to people of all ages and experience levels from 95 countries.
Find out more about events at Seaton Tramway, East Devon.
Drizzle’s Green Guardian Trail at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary – 9 February to 2 June 2024
Follow Drizzle and his friends to discover the critters and plants which call Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary their home and aid biodiversity.
Trail sheets cost £5 which includes a prize on completion.
There’s also a new bat beacon interactive exhibition, natural play area, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging displays, award-winning gardens and, of course, hundreds of adorable donkeys to meet. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome too.
The Donkey Sanctuary is free to visit.
Find out more about visiting Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.
Woman Like Me – the Little Mix Show at Palace Theatre, Paignton – 10 February 2024
This best-selling concert experience has live vocals and is full of commercial pop video choreography.
Now playing its sixth successful year touring the UK and having played to more than 100,000 people around the country, this energetic show follows in the footsteps of the award-winning girl band, Little Mix.
Suitable for kids, tweens, teens and adults alike.
Find out more and book tickets on the Palace Theatre website.
Half term entertainment at RHS Rosemoor – 10 to 18 February 2024
RHS Rosemoor is putting on extra fun for families this half term with craft activities, garden trails, exciting entertainment and workshops to keep everyone busy.
Find out more about what’s planned.
Big Machine Week at Strawberry Fields Lifton Farm – 10 to 18 February 2024
Here a free February half term event for all those little ones and big ones who love a tractor and farm machinery.
Visit Lifton Farm to see the machines used on the Strawberry Fields farm and hop onboard for a photo op.
Find out more on the Lifton Farm Shop website.
Dragons and pharaohs at Torquay Museum this half term – 12 to 18 February 2024
If you’re a fan of Ancient Egypt and dragons, then Torquay Museum has lots of things of interest for you this February half term!
Discover the central role hieroglyphs played in the life and afterlife of the ancient Egyptians in the British Museum Touring Exhibition ‘Egyptian hieroglyphs: unlock the mystery’ and explore a collection of artefacts revealing life and death in Ancient Egypt in the Explorers Gallery.
It’s also Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dragon. To celebrate there are free screenings of family-friendly favourite films and a new Year of the Dragon trail.
Find out more about what’s on at Torquay Museum this half term.
The Origins of Art at Kents Cavern – 10 to 18 February 2024
There will be extra art activities on for the kids at Kents Cavern this half term. Have a go at clay art, antler carving and find out how our ancestors decorated their homes.
All activities are included in the entrance ticket price.
Find out more on the Kents Cavern website.
Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village – 13 and 15 February 2024
The Model Village at Babbacombe is open daily but if you visit later in the day on 13 and 15 February you’ll be able to see its illuminations too.
The lights go on at about 5pm until the attraction closes at 7.30pm. Latest entry is 5.30pm.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Babbacombe Model Village website.
FebruROARY dino egg trail at Dartmoor Zoo – 10 to 18 February 2024
Roary the Velociraptor made their nest at Dartmoor Zoo but their eggs were all blown away in a storm! Can you help find them?
Pick up your trail sheet at Dartoor Zoo’s main gate and go I search of ten eggs. Along the way there will be close encounters of a prehistoric kind and some Jurassic sights.
On 12 and 13 February you can also take part in special dinosaur workshops. Places must be booked in advance.
Find out more on the Dartmoor Zoo website.
Forgotten Fairy Tales at Buckland Abbey, near Yelverton – 10 February to 10 March 2024
Learn about the forgotten origins of fairy tales from across the world while exploring the gardens of Buckland Abbey.
Did you know the roots of many well-known fairy tales cover the globe? Discover the original fairy tale stories while enjoying nature.
This trail is included in the normal National Trust admission price.
Find out mote about visiting Buckland Abbey.
The Sooty Show 75th Birthday Spectacular at Exeter Northcott Theatre – 12 February 2024
Join Sooty, Sweep and Soo to help them celebrate 75 years in show biz. Theyare planning a very special birthday party and you’re all invited. However, in true Sooty style nothing goes to plan!
Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Northcott Theatre website.
Lentsheard at Clovelly Village – 13 February 2024
Join in this local tradition that marks the beginning of Lent. This old Shrove Tuesday custom sees children clattering down the hill with tin cans to chase bad spirits into the sea.
Each child participating receives a pancake.
Find out more about taking part on the Clovelly website.
Half term at RAMM in Exeter – 13 to 16 February 2024
RAMM will be hosting extra activities over half term including craft and drumming workshops, visits from Roman soldiers and The Story Explorers Show.
Some of these activities need to be booked and are chargeable. Entry to the museum is free.
Find out more about what’s on at RAMM this February half term.
Dream Big drop-in activities at The Box Plymouth – 13 to 15 February 2024
Drop in to The Box for free art workshops taking inspiration from John Akomfrah’s stunning multi-screen film ‘Arcadia’.
Local storyteller Abimbola Alao will also be sharing the stories of families who left Plymouth in the 18th century when the city was the busiest emigration point in England.
Find out more about things to do at The Box with children and why it’s a great place to visit whatever the weather.
Find out more about what’s on at The Box.
The Sooty Show 75th Birthday Spectacular at Queens Theatre Barnstaple – 14 February 2024
Here’s another opportunity to catch Sooty and friends, this time in Barnstaple.
Find out more and book tickets on the Queens Theatre website.
North Devon Gang Show at The Landmark, Ilfracombe – 14 to 17 February 2024
Join members of North Devon Girl Guides and Scouts for an evening of family entertainment. Gang Show is a fast moving show, containing song, dance, music and laughter.
The aim is to give the young people the opportunity to develop theatre skills, build in confidence and perform on a professional stage.
Find out more and book tickets on The Landmark Theatre website.
Family fire craft in the woods at Sharpham near Totnes – 15 February 2024
Join the team at Sharpham Trust to build small fires and cook campfire treats. Forage for your own kindling and cook on a small fire before enjoying a hot drink.
This event take place at the woodland campsite near Sharpham House.
Find out more on the Sharpham website.
Paddleboat Theatre Presents: Framed! at Exeter Phoenix – 15 February 2024
Can you help legendary detective Rufus Caper our of a tricky situation and uncover the truth in his quest to apprehend Constance Shadows – the nemesis he’s been following his entire career?
PaddleBoat Theatre Company presents this thrilling family whodunnit with music, puppetry and clowning. Come and help catch the clues and spot the suspects before Rufus goes down for a crime he didn’t commit!
Find out more and buy tickets on the Exeter Phoenix website.
Track and Train Play, Exeter – 16 February 2024
Track and Train Play will be hosting an event in Exeter at Clyst St Mary during half term.
There will be a a huge track and a large collection of battery operated trains.
One hour long sessions can be booked throughout the day. Sessions must be booked in advance.
Find out more and book at Track and Train Play session.
The Story Tram at Seaton Tramway – 16 February 2024
All aboard for the first trip of 2024 on the award-winning Story Tram.
Take a tram ride from Seaton to Colyton with your little ones and inspire big imaginations with themed stories and action songs along the way. There are also activities at Colyton Station.
This experience is best suited to children aged four and under. Other dates are available throughout the year.
Find out more and book tickets on the Seaton Tramway website.
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway open day – 17 February 2024
Support Royal Devon Hospitals Charity by making a donation to ride the cliff railway today.
The normal charge is being waived to celebrate local hero Louise Butcher AKA the topless runner, who after a double mastectomy runs topless to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage body positivity in women.
Louise will be opening the railway for the season and 2024’s first passengers are being asked to make a charity donation when they travel.
Find out more about Lynton and Lynmouth Clim Railway.
Family Twilight Tails at Soapbox Children’s Theatre – 23 February 2024
Visit the Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport for a storytelling performance with its in-house storyteller extraordinaire Jacqueline.
The evening gets underway at 6pm – just right for a pre-bedtime treat. Bring your children dressed in pyjamas, ready for them to roll into bed when you get home.
Find out more and book tickets on the Soapbox Theatre website.
Woodland bird trail at Heddon Valley near Barnstaple – daily until 28 March 2024
Get ready for a fun-filled family day out with Heddon Valley’s woodland bird family trail. Learn about the birds that call the valley home as you follow the trail along the river to Heddon’s Mouth.
This is a free paperless trail.
Find out more about visiting Heddon Valley.
The Caterpillar and the Blackbird at Babbacombe Theatre – 26 January 2024
Written by the best-selling children’s author Kate O’Hearn and choreographed and directed by award winning West End performer, Tom Dwyer, this is a story about an unlikely friendship and a journey of discovery.
Prior to each of these two special performances, Kate O’Hearn will be at the theatre to discuss writing for print versus the stage. She’ll be happy to sign books and programmes.
Find out more and book tickets on the Babbacombe Theatre website.
Locals free entry to Arlington Court National Trust – 26 February to 3 March 2024
If you live in an EX postcode you can visit Arlington Court near Barnstaple for free this week.
Tour the impressive Regency house and gardens, and let your children explore with the help of free activity trails inside and out.
Find out more about visiting Arlington Court.
Lambing at The Big Sheep
It’s lambing time at The Big Sheep near Bideford this February half term.
Visit North Devon’s baaa-rilliant farm-themed adventure park to meet the season’s newest animals and well as enjoying indoor and outdoor play.
Find out more about what’s on and what’s open at The Big Sheep this half term.
Looking ahead to next month? Here’s what’s on in Devon in March.
Which Devon attractions are open in February?
Opening times for Devon attractions tend to vary in the off season but you can still find some that will welcome you all week through!
Here’s the options:
Visit a Devon Zoo in February
Zoos are open and welcome visitors all year round.
Here’s the Devon zoos and farm parks open in February 2023:
- Paignton Zoo in Paignton, South Devon – open every day
- Dartmoor Zoo in Sparkwell, South Devon – open every day.
- Exmoor Zoo in Barnstaple, North Devon – open every day
- Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park – open daily in half term
- Wildwood Escot in Ottery St Mary, East Devon – open every day
- Shaldon Zoo near Teignmouth, South Devon – open every day
- Woolly Animals Farm Park near Winkleigh, North Devon – open weekends and daily in February half term
- Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, South Devon – open from 10 February 2024.
Visit a Devon theme park
Here are the theme parks that are open this month. They have indoor and outdoor attractions including soft play.
- The Milky Way near Bideford – open weekends and daily in February half term.
- The Big Sheep near Bideford – open in February half term.
- Crealy Theme Park near Exeter – open weekends and half term in February.
- Woodlands Family Adventure Park near Dartmouth – open weekends and half term in February.
Top tip: book your theme park tickets online for deals and discounts.
Outdoor attractions to visit in February
Get some fresh air at these outdoor attractions in Devon throughout February:
- RHS Rosemoor in Great Torrington, North Devon – open daily all year round.
- Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay, South Devon – open daily.
- Quince Honey Farm in South Molton, Mid-Devon – open daily. No need to book unless you want a tour.
- Bicton Park Gardens, East Devon – open daily.
- Seaton Wetlands – Seaton, East Devon – open daily.
- Dartington Estate, Dartington, South Devon – open daily. No need to book.
- Plymouth Snowsports Centre, South Devon – open Thursday to Sunday. Book in advance.
- The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, East Devon – open daily.
- Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies Sanctuary, Buckfastleigh, South Devon – open daily
- River Dart Country Park, Ashburton, South Devon- open weekends and February half term.
- Becky Falls, Manaton, South Devon – open daily from 8 February 2024.
- The Garden House, Yelverton, West Devon – open Fridays, Saturday and Sundays.
- Broomhill Sculpture Gardens, Barnstaple, North Devon – open Wednesday to Sunday and every day in half term.
National Trust places open in February
Many National Trust properties in Devon take a break at the start of the year, but here’s some that are open this winter:
- Parke near Bovey Tracey, South Devon – grounds open for walks daily
- Knightshayes near Tiverton, Mid-Devon – gardens open daily. House open weekends and from 10 February.
- Buckland Abbey near Plymouth – gardens open weekends in February. Abbey and gardens open from 10 February.
- Coleton Fishacre near Brixham, South Devon – open weekends and the daily from 10 February.
- Saltram near Plymouth – gardens and ground open every day. House open daily from 10 February.
- Greenway near Brixham, South Devon – open from February half term.
- Lydford Gorge, West Devon – open daily.
Historic places open in February
Here’s some more historic Devon places you can visit in February:
- Golden Hind ship, Brixham, South Devon – open daily from February half term.
- Babbacombe Cliff Railway, near Torquay – reopening in February (check website for details).
- Totnes Castle, Totnes, South Devon – open weekends only.
- Berry Pomeroy near Totnes, South Devon – weekends only.
- Powderham Castle, near Exeter – reopening in February (check website for details).
- Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth, South Devon – open weekends only.
Indoor attractions open in February
Here are some of the indoor attractions you can visit during the week in February:
- The Box, Plymouth, South Devon – open Tuesday to Sunday. Entry is free.
- RAMM museum and art gallery, Exeter – open Tuesday to Sunday. Entry is free.
- House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey, South Devon – open daily. Entry is free.
- Kent’s Cavern in Torquay, South Devon – open from daily.
- National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth – open every day.
- Bygones in Torquay – open every day.
- Torquay Dinosaur World, Torquay, South Devon – open Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Torquay Museum in Torquay, South Devon – open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
- Dartmouth Museum, South Devon – open daily from 11 February. Check website for opening times.
- Torre Abbey Museum, Torquay, South Devon – open Tuesday to Sunday.
- Dartington Crystal Visitor Centre, Torrington, North Devon – open Monday to Saturday (factory tours on week days only).
- Dingles Fairground Museum, Milford Lifton, West Devon – open daily from February half term
Also check out my guide to things to do on rainy days in Devon for cinemas, climbing centres, soft play, pottery painting and bowling.
Outdoor places to go in February
Of course there are lots more outdoor places in Devon that you can visit over the winter months.
Devon beaches
Here’s some of our favourite beaches on the south coast of Devon and the best beaches in North Devon.
Adventure playgrounds
There are lots of adventure playgrounds around Devon that you can visit for free.
Devon cycle trails
Make the most of those new bikes your kids got at Christmas and visit a Devon cycle trail.
Here’s where you’ll find them:
Walk the coast path
If you can access the South West Coast Path from home it’s a great place for kids to let off steam and spot nature.
Here are some of our favourite coast walks in Devon:
- Gara Rock to Mill Bay, South Hams
- Berry Head Nature Reserve, Brixham
- Brownstone Battery, Kingswear
- Little Dartmouth to Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth
- Valley of Rocks, Lynton
To help you plan your February half term, why not check this out:
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.
Find more great places to visit in my guide to things to do in Devon in Spring. Planning ahead? Here’s what’s on in Devon in March.