May half term events near Forest Glade

It’s Bug Week at World of Country Life in Exmouth. There are lots of fun activities throughout half term. World of Country Life is an ideal day out whatever the weather, and why not combine it with a trip to the beach. Exmouth has two miles of sandy beach.

Wildwood Devon has bears, red squirrels, otters, wildcats and more. There’s also an indoor soft play area, a maze and lovely woodlands and grounds to explore.

The Big Sheep in North Devon has live shows, racing sheep and lamb feeding as well as Devon’s largest family roller coaster.

Pennywell Farm in South Devon offers activities throughout the day including goat walking, ferret racing and pig feeding. It’s Magical Unicorn Festival is in May half term when you can meet a real live unicorn (yes, really)!

The Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton is only an hour’s drive from the park. With four exhibition halls and over 90 aircraft on display it’s an ideal day out. During half term you can learn about the Fairey Swordfish with storytelling and free craft activities.

Dunkeswell Airfield, a 15 minute drive from the park, is a busy airstrip where you can see light aircraft, helicopters, sky diving and visits from historic Spitfires. The Aviator Cafe has a viewing area with seating overlooking the airfield and serves breakfasts, lunches and light bites.

Visit Seaton Tramway for themed tram rides during half term week. The tram ride takes you through the Axe Valley along the River Axe estuary, a haven for wildlife and a Marine Conservation Zone.

Pecorama in Beer is only open on limited dates in 2026 but is running a Beer Heights Light Railway Gala in half term.

Devon Railway Centre in Bickleigh, near Tiverton, offers a unique railway experience. There are two railways offering rides, a huge model railway exhibition and an Edwardian Model Village.

Tiverton Museum is a good choice for a rainy day. It has a transport gallery which houses a full size steam engine from the Great Western Railway, as well as displays about the Grand Western Canal. During half term you can explore the museum and find Lars, the museum dog, hiding amongst the exhibits.

Tiverton is home to one of the last horse drawn canal barges in the UK. Take a leisurely trip down the canal and then stop off at the Canal Tea Rooms for refreshments, or visit the unique floating cafe bar, the Duck’s Ditty.

Visit the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth and follow the Spring Nature Trail to find out where different animals live (apart from donkeys) and claim a prize if you collect all the stickers. The Donkey Sanctuary is a great free day out and you could combine it with a visit to the lovelty seaside town of Sidmouth.

Visit Coldharbour Mill in Uffculme. The mill is one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK and has been in continuous production since 1767.

RHS Rosemoor in North Devon is an ideal location for a day out with beautiful gardens and May half term sees the Great Garden Game-a-thon with giant games to play around the gardens as well as other activities.

The small village of Otterton, near Budleigh Salterton, is well-known locally for its events. Otterton Open Gardens takes place in May half term and as well as visiting the beautiful gardens on show there will a BBQ and jazz band at the local pub, a miniature steam train running at the old station, plant and book stalls and farm trailer rides (please note we have been advised the gardens are taking a break for 2026 but will be back for 2027). 

Otterton Mill is a historic working water mill with a cafe, bakery and gallery.

Bicton Park has over 60 acres of gardens to explore as well as indoor and outdoor play areas, the Bicton Woodland Railway and Countryside Museum.

These two local events take place every year over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.

Devon Truck Show, up on Smeatharpe Airfield, is the biggest truck show in the south west. Day tickets are available and it’s a good value day out for all the family.

Sidmouth Jazz Festival runs over four days with ticketed concerts featuring international artists, free live music events and a free educational programme of workshops.