School's out for summer! So here's how you can keep the kids entertained in Devon

By Francesca Evans

Excited schoolchildren have broken up for the summer holidays this week, and some of Devon's top attractions are offering non-stop family fun over the six-week break.

There is a huge array of days out and experiences across the entire county on offer, plus some extra special seasonal events, with a unique variety of attractions offering a mixture of history, culture, nature, animals, beach, theme parks, train and tram rides, boat trips, beautiful parks and even an island to explore.

With so much choice and so many events, there's no chance of the kids getting bored this summer!

What's On in Exeter and East Devon 

From July 23 to August 19, join Powderham Castle, near Exeter, for its medieval month! From axe throwing to catapult building, there is something for everyone.

Celebrate all things medieval at the castle and make the most of your unlimited seven-day free return and see how many activities you can do!

The Donkey Sanctuary, near Sidmouth, has its new summer trail taking place through summer to September 30. Can you guess which adoption donkeys are hiding behind the stable doors? Think you know everything about the adoption donkeys at Sidmouth? Let them put your knowledge to the test.

There are some crafty clues to help you uncover nine hidden identities. You might not guess them straight away – that's okay! Match the donkeys to their traits and once you have finished, you'll receive a prize!

From July 22 to September 3, enjoy a summer of fun with a free return visit at Crealy Theme Park & Resort, near Exeter. Hurtle down their Tidal Wave log flume and three Vortex waterslides, make a splash in the family Aqua Blaster bumper boats and don't forget to cool off on all the outdoor rides and attractions, whether that's on the Twister or taking a journey through Ancient Rome on the Maximus rollercoaster. 

The summer season will also play host to live shows and fun from Buddy and Blossom on the Piazza stage, Tik & Tok and pop-up street entertainment.

Unleash your wild at Wildwood Escot, near Ottery St Mary, from July 22 to September 3. Make the most of summer with the Summer Bonanza, promising action-packed activities aimed at creating unforgettable memories.

On Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6, they're staging a Living History Weekend where you can dive into Anglo Saxon culture when the amazing folk of Westencynn, from The Vikings Re-enactment Society, will give you an authentic taste of Viking and Saxon costume, craft and combat.

See an epic battle including a terrifying shield wall charge, plus tour the village and have a go at spinning fleece into yarn, see weaving demonstrations and spend time in the authentic Saxon forge. 

'Appy Angus is looking forward to welcoming visitors to The World of Country Life, in Exmouth, for a fantastic summer full of fun and adventures, whatever the weather!

As always, there's a full programme of daily activities – walk a goat, ride the deer train safari and hand feed the red deer and llama, bottle feed calves and lambs, small animal handling, ferret Racing Total Wipeout and the Hawkridge bird of prey flying display.

With plenty of outdoor play and lots to do undercover, including the Exhibition Hall, Angus' Fun Farm Frenzy, Raceway Electric Cars, The Vintage Garage Soft Play area, the Animal Nursery and Pet Centre, Museum of Farming, the Barnyard Theatre and the fantastic Pirate Ship - there's so much to see and do!

Join Coldharbour Mill, in Uffculme, on July 30 for the return of their popular Summer Fayre. With 'Otto' the ice cream van, hot food and lots more, it promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family. The Summer Fayre is open from 11am to 4pm with a suggested donation of £2 for non-members.

Members of the mill come in for free and there's free parking. More than 40 stalls will be inside the mill and outside in the Mill Yard, with a selection of gazebos in the paddock area, featuring entertainment throughout the whole day including music, live drums, face painting and more.

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter has workshops and activities throughout the holidays.

On August 8 you can make your own stunning bookmark featuring illuminated letters and medieval animals inspired by manuscripts in their exhibition Gatekeepers to Heaven. You'll take home a beautiful creation to use whilst reading.

On August 29 there's Moneybags – make a medieval coin pouch workshop. People in medieval times carried their coins in leather or cloth pouches attached to their belts. Learn how to make your own pouch to carry your coins or other secret treasures in.

Seaton Tramway has lots of great events lined up for the summer, including the Pirate Tram, Space Tram, Dinosaur Tram Adventure and the brand new Fairy Tram - families and children are sure to enjoy this enchanted tram ride filled with music and stories of faraway lands!

Stretch out your wings and brush up on your spells as you take a magical journey to the 'Kingdom of Colyton'. Take part in a variety of activities with an extra sprinkling of fairy tale fun! Plus several dates to hop aboard for some amazing birdwatching.

The popular Andeer Line is back at Pecorama, in Beer, on Saturday, August 12. Based on the Bernina Line in Switzerland, the Andeer line gives visitors the opportunity to see and operate a Hom scale model railway as if they were drivers on the real thing.

Using smart phones and tablets you can take a train from St Moritz to Tirano, stopping at a number of stations on the way. Watch out for the signals though! Operators will be on hand to answer any questions concerning the great hobby of model railways!

On August 18 there's Fish and Fizz on board for an evening cruise with Stuart Line Cruises, from Exmouth, along the tranquil waters of the River Exe or Devon's magnificent coastline. Sit back and relax with a glass of prosecco and a generous portion of award-winning fish and chips from Krispies, voted the UK's best fish and chip shop! 

On August 26, Stuart Line Cruises are offering an all-day sail to celebrate the 178th year of the Dartmouth Royal Regatta. This all-day trip sails along the stunning South Devon Coast into the heart of the iconic Port of Dartmouth, where you will be able to enjoy the delights of this world-famous regatta for around 3.5 hours, before returning to Exmouth.

What's On in South Devon

Canonteign Falls, a stunning natural attraction in the heart of Devon has lots of fun, adventure and exploration planned for the summer holidays. Visit them for peaceful walks among the waterfalls and lakes and family fun in the gardens and playgrounds.

There's a children's activity trail, new alpaca trail and Alpaca Experience Days on August 22 and 31, a paved labyrinth to discover and lots more to keep the whole family entertained.

Woodlands Family Theme Park has a host of special events taking place throughout the summer break. Titan The Robot is back by popular demand and performing on Tuesdays throughout August, while Sonic the Hedgehog will be available for meet and greet opportunities for the very first time on Thursday, August 3.

They're also welcoming the Minions on August 9, Bluey is back on August 17, and Peppa Pig on August 23, plus there's all the usual mega rides, awesome attractions, indoor soft play, and zoo farm.

Visit Plymouth is promoting the beloved British Firework Championships which returns to Plymouth on August 16 and 17. Look to the skies above Plymouth Sound as six top pyrotechnic companies showcase their very best work battling to be crowned the champion, each putting on an extra special ten-minute display guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

The West End Carnival is taking place on August 26, offering a jam-packed day of free family activities and carnival flair. Expect live music, street performers and free children's activities. Why not take time to explore the city's independent quarter at the same time?

At The Box, Plymouth, from July 25 to August 31 they will be hosting A Splash of Colour, celebrating light and colour whatever the weather.

Free family activities will be inspired by their Reframing Reynolds and Dappled Light exhibitions every Tuesday to Thursday throughout the school holidays with children's yoga and mindfulness sessions, science activities, making and using paints from natural materials and colourful printing with gelli plates. Plus, on August 19 there's a Family Silent Disco where you and your little ones can strut your stuff on the dance floor.

Take your favourite teddy bear to join Torre Abbey for a teddy bear's picnic in the gardens on August 16 in honour of the very special bear being celebrated in their summer exhibition Paddington: The Story of a Bear. Activities include crafts, games, stories, and treasure hunts. 

On August 23 and 24, there's an open-air theatre production of Twelfth Night set against the stunning backdrop of this 800-year-old medieval abbey and gardens.

The magician and entertainer Greg Chapman will be visiting Babbacombe Model Village on Mondays between July 24 and August 21, bringing his spectacular close up performances of Wands, wizards and everything in between.

Don't miss thousands of miniature lights, along with special fire and lighting effects, creating an enchanting atmosphere during the evening illuminations from August 1 to 31 (Tuesday and Thursday)and September 7 to 14 (Thursdays).

South Devon Railway hosts Rails & Ales Weekend from August25to 28. Twice a year, the South Devon Railway celebrates with a feast of steam and diesel trains – and their famous beer and cider festival. Trains will be running all day with departures from each end of the line (Buckfastleigh and Totnes) at frequent intervals.

At Staverton, the midway point on the line, the beer and cider festival is in full swing, usually from 11am until late, offering a great selection of different ales, craft beers and ciders to enjoy from Devon Diesel Society's award-winning bar.

The world-famous pig racing is back at Pennywell Farm. Every afternoon at 12.30pm their pint-sized porkers will be hamming it to see which one can triumph over Bacon's Brook. Will you back the winner?

One of the most popular activities is cuddles with the world famous Pennywell Miniature Pigs but if you are travelling a long way to see piglets, give Pennywell a call first to make sure they have them. Their piggy cuddles barn is a quiet, cosy area where you can enjoy the pigs for as long as you like.

Morwellham Quay will be hosting the Tide Over Festival from July 21 to 23. It's a family music festival with activities for everyone to enjoy.

The three-day festival will have some great live music and many other activities and displays for all to enjoy including free entry to the Miners Adventure Soft Play for children up to 12 years old, vintage vehicle and chainsaw art displays plus cannon firing and street performers.

Buckfast Abbey is building on the success of their recent years events and will host a Summer Fair over three days from August 3 to 5. They have an interesting mix of different stalls plus some exciting and varied entertainment including singer Meghan Rae, Brent Singers, Rock Choir, Edgemoor Two folk duo as well as Ain't Misbehaving' a four-piece band plus other artists spread across the three days – not to mention Animal Encounters, Alpacas, Live Cookery Demonstrations and Children's Activities.

What's on in North Devon 

From July 22 to September 3, the Royal. Horticultural Society is partnering with Aardman for a minibeast adventure on a grand scale this summer. Lloyd of the Flies is a brand-new comedy series from Aardman, and its hero Lloyd will be coming to RHS Garden Rosemoor as families join Lloyd on the Grand Bug & Pest Hotel hunt!

Seek out Lloyd and friends on the garden trail, plus a host of family fun throughout the holidays, including outdoor theatre performances, a chance to take part in a snail race, model-making workshops and animal encounters with Exmoor Zoo.

Plus, from August 18 to 20, enjoy the RHS Rosemoor's Flower Show for fabulous floral displays, inspirational demonstrations, live music, the chance to buy from specialist nurseries and more.

At Clovelly on July 23 there's the Maritime Festival. Watch the exciting Clovelly Cup yacht race across the bay starting at 12pm with live music, street entertainments, event-themed arts and crafts, mermaid storytelling, Punch & Judy, face painting and stalls selling delicious food.

On July 31, the Woolsery Agricultural Show takes places including livestock, craft and trade stalls, horse and pony competitions, dairy marquee, a fast and furious inter hunt relay, bouncy castle and parade of vintage machinery.

On August 5 and 6, come along to Lifeboat Weekend. On Saturday there'll be a two-mile sponsored sea swim from Bucks Mills to Clovelly, whole Sunday is a day full of family fun and action with games and entertainments, competitions, food and drink, music and lifeboat operational displays. The Lifeboat House will be open and there'll be an exciting rescue display in the afternoon by Clovelly's volunteer lifeboat crew.  

There's a summer of fun on the farm at The Big Sheep, where they guarantee 'ewe' a fantastic family day out! The massive indoor Play Zone has exciting slides, imaginative soft play, climbing areas, tumble towers, mazes and obstacles. Outside, the kids can bounce on the giant Jumping Pillows, reach for the sky on the swing boats or steer their own tractor around the track.

All their rides, including the world-famous Sheep Race, hilarious live shows and The Twister are open. You'll also be able to cuddle farm animals in Pets Corner, feed the baby lambs and ride the Rampage – Devon's largest roller coaster – plus the Swan Pedalos! Don't miss their theatre shows and events.

Anne Blackham, Devon Association of Tourist Attractions marketing manager, said: "Our range of unique award-winning attractions have an unbeatable line up of daily activities, events and entertainment planned throughout the summer holidays.

"No two days will be the same as visitors can make some great happy memories together at Devon's Top Attractions!"