October half term in South Devon: what’s on for families in 2019

Got the post-summer blues? Fear not, the next school holidays are never far away. October 2019 is a brilliant time to visit South Devon, with plenty of fun things going on to entertain the kids from spooky days out to autumn food delights. Here’s what’s on at October half term in South Devon:

October half term in South Devon

Meet a monster at Woodlands Family Adventure Park

Just down the road from Dartmouth in South Devon there’s Woodlands Family Adventure Park, which is planning a jam-packed programme of Halloween fun during October half term.

Meet the resident monster, Marty, in his eerie manor (additional charge); board the ghost farm ride; carve pumpkins; and take part in spooky activities with Ezmerelda, the wicked witch of Woodlands.

Find out more about Halloween at Woodlands.

Search for mini-beasts at Compton Castle

Seek out mini-beasts at Compton Castle near Paignton this October half term in South Devon. As well as a creepy crawly trail you can dress up in medieval costumes, play Tudor lawn games and search for squirrels around the manor house.

Find out more about October half term at Compton Castle. 

Ghostly goings-on at Torquay Dinosaur World

Even the dinos will be in for a fright at Dinosaur World this October half term. Take part in the Halloween trail to win a prize and visit after 3.30pm for a torch lit tour of the exhibition and dinosaur ghost stories.

Find out more about Halloween at Torquay Dinosaur World.

Dartmouth Food Festival

Feeling hungry? Take the kids to Dartmouth Food Festival which takes place between 18 and 20 October 2019. There will be a huge number of stalls selling local produce as well as cookery demonstrations for kids and family activities in Royal Avenue Gardens.

Find out more about Dartmouth Food Festival.

Ride Thomas the Tank Engine at South Devon Railway

Thomas and his friends will be chuffing into the stations along the South Devon Railway line from 19 to 21 October 2019. As well as riding this picturesque route through the Dart Valley, families will be able to hear stories from Sodor, enjoy a vintage fairground and visit the other neighbouring attractions, Buckfast Butterfly Farm & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.

Find out more about Days out with Thomas™ at South Devon Railway.

Meet frightful creatures at Paignton Zoo

Meet the zoo’s scariest residents and take part in a wild potion trail to help make a witches brew. There will also be some Halloween treats for the animals at feeding time.

Find out more about Halloween at Paignton Zoo.

See monsters from the deep at Living Coasts

Halloween will be bringing out the maritime monsters at Living Coasts in Torquay with a special October half term trail. You can also see the animals getting some spooky snacks during enclosure talks.

Find out more about Halloween at Living Coasts.

Ghost stories at Powderham Castle

Prepare yourself for a pumpkin carving and spooky tours at Powderham Castle this October half term. Expect a ghost story or two in the castle!

Find out more about Halloween at Powderham Castle.

Sleep with sharks at the National Marine Aquarium

If ghosts and ghouls don’t keep you awake at night, maybe the shadow of a shark passing overhead might? Sleeping with Sharks is back at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth on 25 October 2019. Pre-booking is essential and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Find out more about Halloween at The National Marine Aquarium.

Torch lit treats at Dartmoor Zoo

Head to Dartmoor Zoo for a spooky evening of Halloween entertainment on 26 October 2019. From 4pm take part in a torch lit trick or treat trail, a fancy dress competition and have creepy close encounters with some of the zoo’s residents. Book tickets in advance.

Find out more about Halloween at Dartmoor Zoo.

Solve the Halloween riddle at Bygones

There will be a hunt and a riddle to complete to claim a treat at Bygones history museum in Torquay this Halloween.

Find out more about Halloween at Bygones.

Very little frights at Babbacombe Model Village

The models may be small but they will definitely make you shiver over October half term in South Devon. There will be tiny scenes of horror all over the model village, as well as a smoky maze, and haunted house show in the 4D cinema.

Find out more about Halloween at Babbacombe Model Village.

A Halloween extravaganza at Crealy Adventure Park & Resort

There’s a host of fearsome activities on at Crealy during October half term in South Devon with some a little scarier than others. For a bit of light-hearted Halloween fun you can visit the tree house trolls in their enchanted woodland, carve your own pumpkin and check out new attractions for this autumn including the Halloween Glow Show in the Crealy Arena.

For the truly fearsome, there’s the Creaky Hotel with plenty of frightening discoveries to be made. This attraction is not advised for under eights.

There will also be a firework extravaganza on Saturday October 26 and Sunday October 27 2019 with rides staying open until late.

Find out more about Halloween at Crealy Adventure Park.

Where to stay in South Devon this October half term

If we’ve persuaded you to spend October half term in South Devon then let us make some recommendations on places to stay too.

Get in touch with us to chat through our holiday cottages in South Devon, from dog-friendly holiday homes to cottages for larger families, and Dartmouth accommodation with parking. Or search our Devon self-catering accommodation for yourself.