Whether you’re visiting Dartmouth for just a day or for the whole half term week, you’ll find plenty of great activities and events to keep the entire family entertained. From traditional fun fairs to activities out on the water, there’s something for everyone going on this half term.
Dartmouth Galleries Week
26th May 2023 from 6pm – 16th June 2023 5pm, various galleries
The Dartmouth institution that is ‘Galleries Night’ is back and this year will take place on May 26th (the Friday before half term) from 6-9pm. Galleries open on the night are Ainscough Contemporary Art, Baxters, Coombe Gallery, Gallery 5, Simon Drew Gallery, The Mewstone Gallery and The Remarkable Goldsmiths. Dart Gallery will open their show on Saturday 27th.
If the preview night tickles your fancy, you can revisit the shows over the half term break and the following weeks. Every gallery will have been transformed in the days leading up to this date to show all new work from a mix of artists and makers.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie, The Flavel Arts Centre & Cinema
Showing from 29th May 2023, rated PG
The video game classic is reborn in film this half term! Take your seats at The Flavel from Monday 29th of May and enjoy this colourful animated story at Dartmouth’s friendly local cinema.
According to reviews, the film has so many fun moments and lots of awesome Easter eggs for video games fans to spot. The film delivers an enjoyable experience for viewers by faithfully adapting every aspect of the game into the movie, including the Mario Kart and Donkey Kong franchises. This is certainly a movie that the whole family can enjoy this half term without having to worry if it’s appropriate for the kids!
Guided Trips & Courses, Sea Kayak Devon
There’s simply no better way to explore Devon’s stunning coastline than by kayak! Based in Dartmouth, let Sea Kayak Devon’s highly qualified guides take you on an unforgettable journey this half term.
Try a half day trip or a full day adventure and picnic in a beautiful spot away from the crowds. Individuals, groups and families are all welcome and no experience is required. Sea Kayak Devon also offer fully catered overnight trips where you can relax by a campfire and learn bush craft skills from your guide.
A sea kayak is the ultimate way to explore the unique environment where the sea meets the cliffs and rocks of Devon’s coast. You will be amazed by what you discover!
The Cute Bug Trail & Diamond Anniversary, Babbacombe Model Villages
Open every day 10am-5pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Babbacombe Model Village is currently celebrating their Diamond Anniversary in 2023, making it the perfect time to visit and explore their award-winning gardens and model scenes with lots of hidden humour. Kids can have plenty of fun trying to spot their special 60th anniversary ‘giant’ diamond (not a real one of course!) hidden amongst the miniature resident’s gardens.
For little ones looking for something less glitzy to spot, Babbacombe Model Village have also added a new ‘Cute Bug Trail’ around the charming miniature world. Available to play every day, grab yourself a spotter sheet and see if you can spot all twelve cute creepy crawlies hiding in plain sight.
Plus, enjoy the site’s 9-hole crazy golf course which is guaranteed to add an exciting extra dimension of fun for the whole family. Included FREE with admission.
Prawle Fair
28th May 2023 from 2pm, East Prawle Village Green
Head to East Prawle’s Village Green on Sunday 28th May for a traditional fair for all the family.
Enjoy all the fun of the fair, from classic swingboats and skittles to face painting and even a tombola! Competitive kids can even take part in a fancy dress competition or the whole family can see how their knobbly knees or ‘andsome ankles measure up to the opposition!
There’ll be lots to eat and drink on the day, with a range of refreshments and treats including cream teas, BBQ, candy floss, pizza and the all-important Pimm’s. There’ll also be live music to keep everyone entertained.
The Fair kicks off at 2pm with the traditional “Raising of the Glove” ceremony which, according to legend, signifies free trade and clemency during the fair.
Bat Watch, FSC Slapton Ley
30th May 2023, 9pm-11.30pm, £5-£8
Join nearby Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve for a special late-night ‘Bat Watch’ this half term. Explore the night-time world of these magical creatures. Watch them emerge from their roost, follow their foraging routes, and use bat detectors to hear their weird and wonderful calls.
The UK has 18 different types of bats and Slapton is lucky enough to have recorded 14 of them in and around the nature reserve. From the common pipistrelle to the rare lesser horseshoe bat, these amazing creatures are captivating. Guests will be able to listen out for them on bat detectors as we explore the places where they live. Foldout guides can be borrowed during the walk and can be purchased at the end.
Paignton Harbour Markets
9th April 2023 – 24th September 2023, Sundays 10am-3pm.
Paignton Harbour nestles on the western shores of Tor Bay, situated midway between Torquay and Brixham harbours.
Weather permitting, the harbour hosts a charming Sunday market throughout the summer season. Stalls boast a lovely range of items including paintings, homemade dog treats, wax melts, jewellery, driftwood crafts and even locally made gin! There’s really something for everyone to browse here.
English Riviera Air Show, Paignton
3rd June 2023 – 4th June 2023
The English Riviera Airshow is set to return this year for another full weekend of action-packed displays and great activities.
The two-day show takes place on Paignton Green with the Bay providing a stunning natural amphitheatre for viewing the air displays and the perfect location for a large coastal airshow event.
The RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon Display Team, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Grob Tutor will be flying across both days of the Airshow.
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