We’ve had a cold, wet and windy start to 2026 down here in Devon! Thermals and waterproofs are essential at the moment! But we live in hope and we have seen signs that spring won’t be long, so let’s look ahead to February half term and brighter days. If you’re spending the half term in East Devon, whether you live here or are coming for a holiday at Stonehayes Farm, join us on a quick delve into where you can find family fun.
We’re feeling those January blues; seriously, will this rain ever stop? But February half term is right around the corner and we’re hopeful it’ll bring the sunshine with it! If you’re staying at one of our family friendly holiday cottages in East Devon this half term, we’ve got a few great suggestions for what to do whilst you’re here, come rain or shine.
Crealy Theme Park, Exeter
Crealy Theme Park is always a brilliant family day out, with over 60 rides and attractions, entertainment including Sooty Land, animals, activities and play areas. This year Crealy is hosting a fun-filled Bubble & Pop Family Event over the February half term, with giant bubble magic and a Taylor Swift tribute act to dance to. Running from 14th-21st February, showtimes are 12pm, 2pm, and 3:30pm in the Crealy Arena; your best bet is to book tickets online. That way there’s no way you’ll miss this bubblelicious event.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Exeter
For a day of fascinating history and culture, we’ll always recommend the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) in the heart of Exeter. You’ll love exploring the amazing displays and collections, from beautiful birds, animals and insects, ancient Egypt and wonderful art exhibitions, there’s something to discover for everyone. If you visit during February half term, you’ll be able to handle real Roman artefacts, so be sure to bring along any budding historians or Indiana Jones’s, as you step into Roman Devon and learn all about the Isca. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir at the museum shop, and stop by the café to digest a tasty lunch along with all that knowledge. What’s more, entry is free!
Seaton Tramway, Seaton
The Seaton Tramway is lovely little day out for the family. Operating along 3 miles of unspoilt countryside in the beautiful Axe Valley, this is a great chance to see amazing views, do some bird watching, and snap brilliant holiday pics. Oh, and don’t forget to smile and wave at every passerby you see! During February half term this year, you can become a tram driver for a day, which includes a guided tour of the Tramways HQ, plus a certificate and souvenir.
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Over 500 donkeys live here, happy as can be, in the Devon countryside close to the Jurassic Coast. Go and give these adorable creatures a pat and watch them enjoying their forever home, running from their fields to the yard for dinner. There’s even miniature donkeys, who are undeniably cute! Just beyond the paddocks is a woodland walk with a fascinating hermit’s cave, and the sanctuary is right on the South West Coast Path so you can go for a clifftop stroll, then come back for lunch in the café. Even more good news is that admission is completely free, there’s a great gift shop, and dogs are welcome on leads.
Wildwood Devon, Ottery St Mary
This is brilliant fun for families so allow plenty of time. Home to wolves, lynx, wildcat, arctic foxes, brown bears and otters, all safe in their enclosures, this private estate is tucked neatly away in the beautiful countryside. Look out for the elusive red squirrels, snowy owls and pond turtles, and travel back in time at the Saxon Village where you can have a go at historic arts and crafts. For the kids, there are also play areas, a maze, zip wire and drop slide. Have lunch at the Coach House Café or take a picnic if the skies are clear. As always, there’s a gift shop to buy a souvenir or two!
Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Chard
Providing a caring home to over 300 animals, go and see them all grazing, playing, and eating their dinner at this lovely countryside sanctuary. Wander the scenic woodland trails, discover fun activities for the kids, and round it all off with a cosy lunch or hot chocolate at Perdida’s Café. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re on leads!
Go To The Theatre
There’s always something for the whole family on at Exeter’s theatres, so if you’re looking for an entertaining day or evening out, here’s what’s on:
Exeter Northcott
8th/9th Feb - The Smartest Giant in Town
Based on the best-selling children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this heart-warming story about friendship is brought to life with music and puppets.
20-22nd Feb - Five Little Monkeys
For ages 3-5, this mad monkey puppet zoo adventure is sure to get your kid to love their numbers!
Exeter Phoenix
Tues 18 - The Enchanted Cinema
This one sounds like a brilliant immersive and interactive experience; you get to become a part of the cinema, putting your voice into classic animations!
22 Feb - Family Animation Workshop
In this course you’ll create your own crazy character and then learn how to animate it!
Arts & Crafts
Arts & crafts are a great way to get creative, messy and have fun with friends and family. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a birthday or you want to try something new and different on your holiday, there’s plenty of workshops around.
Something Lovely, Sidmouth
This family-run paint-your-own pottery studio offers pottery painting for all ages. Choose from over 100 kiln-fired ceramic pieces and have a go at painting your very own piece to keep. Creative fun for everyone, even the clumsy ones!
Honiton Pottery, Honiton
Looking for something a little different? Classes and workshops for large parties? Honiton Pottery has your answer, offering fun-filled workshops for all ages and all skill levels. Be like Patrick Swayze (from the film Ghost) in their pottery wheel session, or try creating desert islands and animals with clay. It’s all good messy fun and a brilliant way to celebrate an occasion.
Go For A Walk
Of course, you can always weather the weather, put on your wellies or walking boots, wrap up warm, and go for a crunchy muddy walk through the countryside! Some of our favourite spots are Dumpdon Hill, Blackberry Camp, and Hembury Fort. If you prefer to be beside the seaside, you can trek along the South West Coast Path from Beer to Branscombe, or along Sidmouth beach or Seaton wetlands for a shorter and more relaxed ramble. And a walk never has to just be a walk; plan to round it off with a hot chocolate in a café, or a cosy pub lunch.
Go For An Ice Cream
Yep, seriously, what’s wrong with eating ice cream in the winter? Otter Valley Ice Cream and Field Kitchen make their own gelato ice creams in loads of exciting flavours, using milk made from their own cows who graze happily in the fields within view of the café.
So there we are, February half term in Devon is certainly not going to be boring! Whatever you chose to do there will be memories to capture and keep forever. Have a good one!
