Gillian Birch 
Lanhydrock is an increasingly family-friendly place to visit. There’s an adventure playground, off-road cycle trails with challenges and a quiz sheet to keep kids busy. There are 50 rooms of this splendid home to tour, from kitchen to nursery.
Enjoy the formal gardens and parterre, established trees and herbaceous borders and the riverside walk. There are also shops, restaurants and a family museum.
Kids and adults cannot help but want to stroke the muzzles of the gentle residents at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary. This extensive sanctuary is a great place to drop in for lunch, but no visit is complete without saying hello to some of the residents.
Read more about how the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary began and plan to visit this popular family-friendly Devon attraction which is completely free to visit.
Plymouth has a rich maritime history with many areas of interest including the historic Barbican and the Hoe overlooking the natural harbour of Plymouth Sound. Home to the Royal Citadel and the naval dockyard at Devonport, this waterfront city is a fascinating place to explore.
Here are our 5 worthwhile reasons to visit Plymouth.
The prestigious Cornwall Garden Society puts on a wonderful event with the annual Cornwall Spring Flower Show which began in the late 19th century. There are over 160 classes of flowering plants, show gardens and trade stands.
Read more about this family-friendly event in Cornwall and learn about the Boconnoc Estate which has connections with two famous British Prime Ministers!
Trereife Estate near Penzance is the chosen venue for the Wed Show 2014. This beautiful grade 2 listed manor house makes a wonderful venue for the wedding show, and can even be booked as a wedding venue with B&B accommodation too!
Find out what the Wed magazine has to offer any bride-to-be and consider visiting the Wed Show at Trereife this April.
Grab your apron and head down to Westpoint in Exeter for the newest event on their calendar – the Big Cake Show. The event is designed to inspire bakers with all sorts of sales stands, talks, cook-offs, ingredients, demonstrations and more.
Find out more about what this fun event entails by reading on, then join stars, authors and chefs at this inspirational event for both amateur and pro bakers.
For a relaxed day out with an equestrian theme, the East Cornwall Hunt Point to Point Meeting has plenty to offer. With six races on the card and plenty of fences to sail over, it’s an exciting family-friendly event near Liskeard.
If you’ve never attended a Point to Point Meeting, read on to learn what it’s all about. Hopefully the weather will be kind for this Sunday afternoon event.
The Eden Project is ideal for winter visitors with plenty of events inside the tropical and Mediterranean biomes. Learn about weird animals and plants at the Freaky Nature Festival which takes place over February half term.
Edible bugs, creepy crawlies under the microscope and hands-on exhibits are all part of the event along with the Rainforest Aerial Walkway and the skating rink.
If you are wondering how to keep the kids amused during the February half-term holiday, the Lanhydrock Close Up event is just the thing. This photo treasure hunt will have everyone looking high and low as you explore the gardens near Bodmin.
There’s even a prize for completing the Close Up Trail, when well-earned refreshments in the Stable Café are the perfect end to the family-friendly event.
Set on the cliffs above the Fal River, Pendennis Castle is a well maintained structure that brings 450 years of English history vividly to life. Explore the tower and grounds as part of the family Half Term Trail at Pendennis Castle this February.
Discover what a visit to Pendennis Castle has to offer and then enjoy the educational fun day out by joining in the Half Term Trail.
If you are wondering where to celebrate Valentine’s Day, then the romantic Valentine’s Dinner at Trelissick is probably just what you are looking for. The evening of fine food and live entertainment has limited availability, so book early.
Read on to learn more about the lovely Trelissick Gardens near Truro and how the stately home is finally open to the public after almost 60 years.
Craft4Crafters is the largest crafting supplies event in the southwest. As well as stores there are demonstrations, talks, workshops and competitions providing a wealth of information, tips and ideas as well as craft supplies.
Discover what’s in store for you at the Craft4Crafters Show this year, then book your tickets online and join in this mega arts and crafts gathering.
Until 2004, Looe Island remained a mystery to both visitors and residents of Looe. Occupied for over 40 years by two elderly sisters, the private island was bequeathed to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and now offers boat trips and guided tours with a ranger.
The island has an interesting history and is now home to many seabirds, grey seals, wild flowers and butterflies. Enjoy walking, swimming, fishing or bird spotting as part of your interesting visit.
Once an essential part of life in Clovelly, donkeys were used to haul baskets of herring up the steep cobbled to streets. Nowadays they are occasionally used to carry luggage for visitors staying at the pubs.
Their main role today is to give rides to children, be petted and pose for photographs, but lucky visitors can enroll on a one-day Donkey Keeping Course. Here’s how…
Camel Valley Winery has won more awards and titles than most for its delicious white, red and sparkling wines. Take a tour of the vineyard and discover how to make wine on a commercial scale before enjoying a sample.
Easy to reach by bicycle from the Camel Trail, the vineyard terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the rural views with a glass of delicious local bubbly.
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) is a great attraction housed in a wonderful Gothic building in the heart of Exeter. With free admission it’s a great place to explore, but don’t expect to cover the 1.5 million historic objects, animals and artworks in one visit!
With regular lectures and family-themed events, RAMM should be on every Devon visitor’s to-do list.
A trip to Devon in winter is ideal for blowing cobwebs away and enjoying some fun activities as a family. The pre-Christmas period offers unusual opportunities for shopping while traditional carols, candles and Christmas trees are never far away.
Rent a holiday cottage in Devon in winter and look forward to days out with our suggested activities and cosy evenings playing games beside wood-burning fires.
Winter in Cornwall is a special time to enjoy this county’s ancient traditions. Where better to visit in preparation for Christmas with food fairs, craft shows, carols and lights along with the Montol Festival, Stargazy Pie and Santa by Steam.
After Christmas the pace doesn’t let up. Read on to discover more ways to enjoy a winter break in Cornwall with wassailing, Nordic walking, castles and racing!
If you want to get the New Year off to an interesting start, the Healing Light Festival at Heartlands is a fascinating weekend of holistic health and spirituality. It brings together all types of therapy and holistic medicine with a focus on healing.
Learn more about herbal medicine, crystal healing, Reiki, Mayan calendar readings or other mystical practices at the festival’s talks and workshops.
If you fancy trying Nordic Walking then head down to Trelissick Garden and join in their Nordic Walking Taster Day. This free introductory session includes the use of Nordic poles. Just sign up and turn up in suitable footwear to give it a try.
Read more about this increasingly popular hobby which is a great way to meet new friends, lose a little weight and improve your health and fitness.
By early December most people are in Christmas shopping mode. Why not combine duty with pleasure by popping down to the Exmouth Craft Fair and kill two birds with one stone? It is held in Exmouth Pavilion, right on the Esplanade seafront.
If you are unfamiliar with Exmouth, this article gives a few tips on other things to do in Exmouth including walking, bird watching and scenic boat trips.
The festive season kicks off in Devon with the delightful Christmas Magic in Clovelly event. Follow the procession down the old street to the harbour and join in some carol singing led by the harmonious Torridge Male Voice Choir.
Read more tips about car parking and free admission times for this great event, and arrive hungry to enjoy the hog roast, mulled wine and mince pies. Yummy!
If you are looking for unique Christmas gifts of value and distinction, then Chagford’s Wonderworks Arts and Crafts Christmas Fair should be right up your street. Take a scenic drive onto Dartmoor and visit this unique weekend event.
Read on to discover what sets Wonderworks apart from other craft fairs and Christmas festivals. You’re sure to be both surprised and impressed!
Make time for family moments during the build-up to Christmas, such as the Santa by Steam experience from Bodmin General Station. As well as enjoying a nostalgic steam train ride, Santa is onboard dishing out goodie bags to all good boys and girls!
Read on to get the details and times of this magical heritage railway trip for all ages, and see what the all-inclusive ticket price includes for adults!