A fun-tastic February half term in Devon

February half term is just around the corner. It’s the first school holiday of the new year and if you’re looking to give the children a great week off from school, and treat them to some fun family days out, then Devon’s Top Attractions have plenty of things to offer. There are some great ideas at their all-weather attractions which will be sure to keep the whole family occupied and entertained throughout the half term.

Get your boots on and RE-WILD yourself at Wildwood Escot!  There’s a wild surprise around every corner. Meet the wolves, lynx, red squirrels, wildcat, wild boar and more!  Catch the animal feeds and animal talks, lose yourself in the maze, go back in time and get hands on at the Saxon village. Explore the wetlands, woodlands and stunning grounds through adventure and play.

Head to the Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth this half term and take part in their Best Friends Forever Trail. Did you know that it’s common for donkeys to bond and form lifelong friendships? Discover which of the donkeys are best buddies and if you spot them together or even playing together, there’s extra points for the trail.  When it’s time for a break, you can relax in their stunning new family-friendly restaurant.

There’s lots happening at Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) in Exeter this half term. Enjoy the Dartmoor Legends animated workshop, bringing well-known legends of Dartmoor to life in animation. Why not take part in the Chinese New Year Trail around the Museum and find the Chinese inspired objects on display? Or ‘Make a Plate’ to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dog.

Fans of ‘Paw Patrol’ will be pleased to know that, on Saturday 17th February, Rubble the building pup and star of Paw Patrol will be visiting The Milky Way Adventure Park. He will be making special appearances at intervals throughout the day. Plus, you can enjoy all the usual rides, slides, shows and activities that make it a great day out for all the family, and all included in the entry price.

There’s some ‘Stone Age Sessions’ going on at Kents Cavern, learn some prehistoric skills used by our ancestors, make your own leather pouch, rain maker or panpipes and enter the cave to see if you can re-create the sounds that have not been heard in there for thousands of years. Further down the road at Bygones, there’s a Victorian coin hunt, solve the coin mystery and a sweet treat awaits you at reception.

Head to Clovelly Village for Lentsherd on Tuesday 13th February 2018. Free entry after 4.30 p.m. Lentsherd is an old Clovelly Shrove Tuesday custom and the aim is to chase bad spirits away and drive the devil into the sea before Lent. At dusk children set off Down-a-long, dragging clattering tin cans, which are then tied together and thrown into the sea (later retrieved). Children taking part will also receive a free pancake to decorate with toppings.

For more nostalgia and heritage, head to Coldharbour Mill and experience one of their hugely popular Steam Days. Step back in time at one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK which has been in continuous production since 1797. See them in full steam, hand spinning and weaving on Sunday 11th February. It’s a wonderful and unique glimpse into the height of the industrial revolution still in use today.

Another fun-filled season is ready to begin at Pennywell this half term with a bumper week of exciting activities, super shows and exciting entertainment. There will be lots of hands on activities and fans of the world famous Pennywell miniature pigs won’t be disappointed as there are piggy cuddles, all day every day in their cosy piggy cuddles area. Cuddle to your hearts content and then watch the little porkers every afternoon at the miniature pig racing.

Buzz on over to Quince Honey Farm during half term, have a guided tour of Bee World and learn lots of fun facts about the honeybee and then let the kids run around and let off steam in the play hive.

At The Big Sheep in North Devon there will be a FUNtastic half term packed full of winter fun and adventure. ‘Lambing Live’ at The Big Sheep’s maternity wing will be full of resident ewes waiting to give birth.  You may be lucky enough see the magic of seeing one of those white woolly lambs make its’ entrance into the world. For added Winter fun try your hand at staying on top of the sensational snowboarding simulator or simply pull on a pair of skates and glide around the skating rink.

Over at World of Country Life, it’s their 40th Anniversary this year, so there will be lots of celebrations and extra fun going on.  They kick off the new season with a week full of fun and games and if the weather’s not great, it won’t be a problem as they have plenty of undercover fun waiting to be enjoyed.

Head to the National Marine Aquarium for their half term ‘Sea the Difference – Ocean Adventures’ celebrating all the wonderful marine animals and habitats found in the UK. And, why not get your name down for one of their spectacular ‘Sleeping with the sharks’ sleepovers, on throughout the year.

Just the ticket for this half term is a ride on a real steam train, South Devon Railway and Dartmouth Steam Railway are both running trains over February half term week. A wonderful experience for all ages and a great way to see Devon during the winter months.

Grab your boots and a hat and get some fresh air at Castle Drogo while completing the family trail around the beautiful garden and grounds, then relax and enjoy a warming bite to eat in their well-stocked café, a perfect way to spend a day this half term.

There’s a Feb-tastic half term waiting for you at Crealy, a week full of fun and adventure. All attractions and rides (except the water rides) are open.  Take a spin on The Twister rollercoaster, zoom through the Roman Empire on Maximus and feel the breeze through your hair as you enjoy a ride on The Flying Machine. Younger visitors can try out the Junior Driving School to get their own special driving licence and learn the Crealy Cross Code!

Why not visit Woodlands Family Theme Park and enjoy a fun packed Super Half Term with their ‘Superhero and Princess week? You can even get a free child return ticket for any child over 92cm who comes dressed as a Superhero or Princess!

Seaton Tramway is a great family day out like no other. Step back in time and experience this unique way to travel. With open top double deckers for panoramic views of the estuary and enclosed saloons in wet weather, they have the lot, your dog can ride too!

So, whatever you fancy doing this February half term, just wrap up warm, get out and about and create some warm family memories on these cold and frosty days!

To find out all the details and for more ideas see www.devontopattractions.com