May Half Term in Exeter

Plan a half-term week filled with exciting days out in Exeter and keep your whole family entertained, from Saturday 27th May - Sunday 4th June 2023.

The first Exeter Fest will be held over the May bank holiday weekend in Northernhay Gardens, featuring live music and entertainment, and family-friendly drop-in activities. The Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival returns 25th-29th May, your chance to sing and dance along to jazz, swings, blues and more.

Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum will have some special, family-friendly events during May half term, plus discover the 16 galleries of fascinating exhibits! Get creative with the Printing in Symmetry workshop, and Beading Beasts.

Enjoy family friendly theatre at the Exeter Northcott, with Little Red Riding Hood & The Three Little Pigs, and the epic Dreamcoat Stars show, a magical evening of West End and Broadway musical classics. The Exeter Phoenix also have lots going on during the week, including creative workshops and family theatre.

Don't miss out on a visit to Crealy Adventure Park, with the most theme park rides in Devon and over 60 attractions to choose from. Visit Canonteign Falls for an exciting day out with walking trails along cascading streams, waterfalls, panoramic views, a magical fern garden and two adventure play areas - don't miss the alpaca experience on 30th May! Discover your wild side at Haldon Forest Park and embark on the Zog Trail, for interactive fun with everyone's favourite dragon. 

Visit the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, to meet over 500 donkeys and enjoy interactive activities in the fantastic indoor visitor centre. Get involved in May half term fun at The World of Country Life; including farm activities such as animal feeding, birds of prey shows plus outdoor play areas.

Popular heritage steam trains will be running over the half term at South Devon Railway, or get some fresh air at Wildwood Escot as you explore the 220-acre site. Meet plenty of friendly animals, hop on the zip line and get lost in the maze...

Step back in time at Seaton Tramway and ride the narrow-gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colytonat. Enjoy steam train rides, beautiful views, outdoor play areas and a fascinating exhibit at Pecorama. 

Challenge yourself with new heights at the The Climbing Hangar or Clip n Climb, or rent a paddleboard, kayak or canoe at AS Watersports or Saddles and Paddles and try something new along Exeter Quay then sit back and relax as you admire the gorgeous views. 

Be fascinated by the stories of Exeter's turbulent history on a Red Coat Guided Tour, free daily walking tours around our city. Don't forget to stop by our magnificent Exeter Cathedral, packed full of 900 years of history, this majestic building is one of the great cathedrals of England, and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture to be found anywhere.

Why not try one of Exeter’s self-guided walks? Follow the City Wall Trail, Woollen Trail or Medieval Trail to learn about the city’s rich history while enjoying a walk around the beautiful city centre. All three trails even include puzzles and quizzes for the little ones, so be sure to bring a pen and paper.

Scroll down for more May half term events in Exeter.