Spooktacular School Holiday Events in Devon
There are so many brilliant events to look forward to at our local Devon attractions this half term that you may want to start planning your family holiday itinerary now. Here are our top tips for some terrifying treats… you can be sure of a fun-filled week!
Gory Stories at Exeter’s Spooky Underground Passages
Friday 28th and Saturday 29th October
Adults and children aged 14 years and over can explore the darker side of Exeter’s history on spine-chilling ‘Gory Stories’ tours, with the lights off! Guaranteed to make even the most hardened thrill seeker shiver! The visit also includes an exhibition packed full of interactive exhibits, archaeological finds and a full scale model of a section of the Passages. Situated in the city centre on Paris Street. Honiton Road and Sowton Park & Ride bus stops are located opposite the entrance but there is also plenty of city centre car parking. Pre-booking is essential.
For opening times, prices and access information call 01392 665887 or visit exeter.gov.uk/passages
Halloween Ghost Tour in Kent’s Cavern Caves, Torquay
Shows available Saturday 29th & Monday 31st only
Not recommended for children under 8 as the show is really very scary. Follow the storyteller through the ancient caves as they unearth local folklore about ghostly experiences in Devon. With dim lighting and candles you never know what apparitions you may see in the dark. Not for the fainthearted.
For opening times, prices and access information call: 01803 215136 or visit Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves
Halloween at Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park, Exeter
Saturday 22nd – Sunday 30th October
A trick or treat is in store for guests of all ages. Dress up in your witches hats, bring your broomsticks, and enjoy spooky spellbinding adventures! Step through a doorway to the interactive Creaky Hotel, where spooktacular surprises await, surrounded by flickering, cobweb-covered candelabras. Each child visiting the park will receive a free pumpkin picked fresh from the Crealy fields. The Crealy team will be ready and waiting to make creative jack-o’-lanterns in the Animal Kingdom.
For opening times, prices and access information call: 01395 233200 or visit Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park
The Big Sheep Fun By Day Halloween Festival, Barnstaple
Saturday 22nd – Sunday 30th October
Although a bit further away in Barnstaple there is so much to see and do here that opening hours have been extended: A fabulous “Phantomime” daily from Monday 24th until Friday 28th October, (BOOK ONLINE to guarantee your seat). Take the haunted hayride, past Pumpkinville, haunted mansion and Halloween Church. During the Fun by Day festival, you’ll see many Halloween side shows on the Haunted Hayride but none will come to life. No actors and no sound effects mean an enjoyable ride for all ages, even toddlers, with a slight Halloween twist with the Halloween props and side shows. Take a rodeo ride on a scary giant 8 foot spider and see how long you can last! Board the BIG Sheep train but remember to duck when the train goes through the cobweb Halloween tunnel. Take to the skies and hold on tight to your broomsticks at Witches Flying School. Pumpkin Carving, face painting, singing, find buried treasure. The massive indoor play area, Ewetopia, will be decked out with all things scary. A whole day out of live shows, animals, rides, indoor play and family entertainment. Fancy dress is a must.
For opening times, prices and access information call: 01237 472366 or visit The BIG Sheep
Snakes & Lanterns at Powderham Castle, Kenton
Sunday 23 – Monday 31st October
A thrilling half term awaits….. children can follow the Pumpkin Trail to win their own pumpkin to carve in the Potting Shed. The braver ones can have a close encounter with Dartmoor Reptiles.
For opening times, prices and access information call 01626 890243 or visit Powderham Castle
Jollyween at Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh
Monday 24th – Sunday 30th October
Pennywell Farm is a farm tourist attraction just outside the town of Buckfastleigh in South Devon. It is an organic farm 600 feet above sea level with views over Dartmoor National Park. Carve a pumpkin, watch a world class entertainer and enjoy the lighter side of life with Jollyween Fete/Fair.
For opening times, prices and access information call 01364 642023 or visit Pennywell Farm
Halloween Evenings of Mini Horrors, the Model Village, Babbacombe
Tuesday 25th – Monday 31st October
The Model Village takes on a spooky twist! With spooky illuminations, Halloween displays and an eerie workshop of horrors tour. The main Halloween theme and activities start from dusk. This Halloween event is largely aimed at families, offering a light-hearted Halloween experience with spoof-horror displays and themes. It’s not a scare-fest, but the after-dark lighting and sound effects, along with the workshop tour, create a wonderful Halloween atmosphere that even the adults enjoy. There will be some miniature mild horror/gore scenes on display all day. The workshop of horrors tour, though optional, is the highlight of the event and the most spooky part, offering a fun but dark and eerie experience. It may be unsuitable for some very young children (under about 4/5 years). See the video.
For opening times, prices and access information call 01803 315315 or visit The Model Village
Halloween Horrors, Paignton Zoo
Monday 24th – Sunday 30th October
Bring your little monsters to Paignton Zoo this half term for a spooktacular time! Take part in a Trick or Treat trail to receive a pumpkin mask and a chocolate treat, hop on board the ghost train, catch spooky animal talks, take part in bug-eating challenges, treat yourself to ghoulish snacks such as creepy cupcakes and pumpkin soup in the Island Restaurant.
For opening times, prices and access information call01803 697500 or visit Paignton Zoo
