Looking for Things to Do in East Devon This February Half Term?

What’s On Locally — Exhibitions, Workshops & Trails

🌊 Shifting Waters Landscape Exhibition & Free Printing Workshop at Thelma Hulbert Gallery

Dive into creativity at Thelma Hulbert Gallery with Shifting Waterscapes, a mixed-media exhibition exploring water in our landscapes and environments. It’s on throughout half term and makes a thoughtful visit for art lovers and curious kids alike — with immersive sound, moving image and visual work inspired by watery ecologies.

Free Family Printing Workshop:
Drop in on 17 Jan–28 Feb to try your hand at printmaking inspired by the exhibition — all ages and abilities welcome, and it’s free to join.

This is a perfect indoor activity if the weather isn’t kind, or a peaceful cultural stop between outdoor adventures.

📸 Earth Photo Outdoor Exhibition at Haldon Forest Park

Just a short drive from Smallicombe, Haldon Forest Park hosts the Earth Photo exhibition — a world-class outdoor photography showcase featuring shortlisted works that explore nature, landscapes and climate themes.

Set along a woodland trail, it’s free to visit (parking charges may apply) and provides a lovely outdoor art walk that’s suitable for families.

🧹 Haldon Forest – “Room with a Broom” Trail: A magical family-friendly woodland walk during half term, where children can follow clues, explore nature, and discover a hidden “witch’s broom” story along the trail

🚋 Seaton Tramway – Scenic Rides & Photography Exhibitions

A great half-term highlight is Seaton Tramway, where you can combine a scenic coastal ride with the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition — full of hilarious and heart-warming animal photographs that appeal to kids and adults alike.

There are also Story Tram experiences, ideal for younger children on select days — making this a relaxed and memorable day out.

🧪 Science in Children’s Books at RAMM, Exeter

If you’re up for a trip a little further afield, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) in Exeter runs a special Science in Children’s Books programme during half term — combining discovery with hands-on learning and story-inspired scientific fun. It’s a brilliant indoor option on colder or rainy days.

🐴 Strawberry’s Hoofprint Trail The Donkey Sanctuary

Just down the road, The Donkey Sanctuary invites families to explore the Strawberry’s Hoofprint Trail— Adoption donkey, Strawberry, has a wonderful new trail activity at the sanctuary. Learn how donkeys keep their feet happy and healthy to answer the questions correctly, and you’ll win a Donkey Sanctuary prize..

🦴 Fossil Hunting in Charmouth + Private Heritage Walks

Half term is a brilliant time for fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast — particularly at Charmouth, where winter storms and tides often uncover new treasures. It’s free fun for curious families and a perfect blend of adventure and learning.

For a deeper experience, you can join private guided fossil walks from the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, where experts show you how to find fossils safely and explain what you’ve found — ideal for families who want a bit more structure and insight into coastal history.

🏞️ National Trust Half Term Events Around Devon

There’s lots happening at National Trust places throughout Devon during half term (normal admission charges apply, and events are family-friendly):

• Castle Drogo
  Rock On Trail — explore Dartmoor geology with a fun, educational trail that runs throughout half term. The hydro turbine building is open with guides on 15 Feb too.
• Saltram
  Fairy House Trail — a magical garden scavenger hunt with crafting sessions on some days.
• Knightshayes and Killerton also have trails and activities designed for families across the half-term week, from tree trails to nature walks and park exploring — all free with normal admission.

(These National Trust events are all wonderful ways to enjoy history, landscape and garden walks during the quieter half-term season.)

🌿 Ideas for Active Days Out

• Beach walks at Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth or Sidmouth — fresh air and open skies.
• Coastal cliff paths of the Jurassic Coast — rugged and beautiful in winter.
• Countryside walks around local lanes and nature reserves — perfect for dog walkers and nature lovers.

✨ Back at Smallicombe Farm

After your days out, return to the peace of Smallicombe Farm — enjoy the open spaces, farm animals, cosy evenings and time together. Half term here is all about balance: adventure, discovery and family time.

So, what will you explore this half term — art and creativity, fossil hunting, woodland trails, or scenic National Trust gardens?

We’d love to help you plan your perfect stay — just ask!