October half term is a wonderful excuse to escape to Devon.
The summer crowds have thinned, the countryside is turning golden, the beaches are still calling and there’s a definite sense that autumn has arrived. Add in Halloween trails, pumpkin patches, family attractions, country walks, cosy pubs and plenty of things to do when the weather turns wet, and Devon makes a brilliant destination for an autumn family break.
Whether you’re planning a whole week, a long weekend or simply looking for things to do during October half term, there is something happening in almost every corner of the county.
And one of the best things about Devon? You don’t have to choose between coast and countryside. You can be walking across Dartmoor in the morning, exploring a castle in the afternoon and sitting down to a hearty Devon supper in the evening.
Here are some of our favourite ideas for making the most of October half term in Devon.
Get outdoors on Dartmoor
If you are staying in Devon during autumn, Dartmoor deserves a place near the top of your list.
October is a particularly atmospheric time to explore the moor. The landscape feels wonderfully wild, the bracken is changing colour and there are plenty of opportunities for children to burn off some energy without needing an elaborate itinerary.
You don’t need to plan a huge hike, either.
Choose a shorter walk around one of the moor’s villages, explore the woods and rivers around Bovey Tracey, discover the scenery around Haytor or head towards the Teign Gorge and Castle Drogo.
At Castle Drogo, the National Trust is running an autumn half-term experience, including a family trail and activities designed to encourage children to explore the autumn landscape.
Another lovely option is Parke, near Bovey Tracey. Its October programme includes wildlife trails and an autumn fun and folklore day on 29 October, with Dartmoor stories, crafts and games.
Top tip: Pack wellies, waterproofs and a spare change of clothes. Dartmoor weather can change quickly, and muddy children are generally happy children!
Make a day of the Devon coast
Don’t put the beach away just because summer is over.
October can be a fantastic time for a Devon beach day. There are fewer people around, the sea can be wonderfully dramatic and a walk along the sand followed by hot chocolate or fish and chips makes for a memorable family day out.
In North Devon, try Woolacombe, Saunton, Croyde or Westward Ho!.
In South Devon, explore the beaches and coves around Salcombe, Dartmouth, Bigbury and the South Hams.
And in East Devon, the Jurassic Coast provides something a little different. Head towards Sidmouth, Beer, Seaton or Lyme Regis and combine a coastal walk with some fossil hunting or rock pooling.
Just remember that autumn beach days need a little more planning. Check the tides, wear suitable footwear and take care around cliffs and the sea.
Go looking for autumn colour
One of the simplest October half-term activities is also one of the best: go for a walk and see what you can find.
Collect conkers. Look for interesting leaves. Spot mushrooms and fungi. Listen for birds. Count different types of tree. See who can find the biggest acorn.
Devon’s gardens, estates and woodland are particularly beautiful at this time of year.
Embrace the Halloween half term
If your children love everything spooky, October is a particularly exciting time to visit Devon.
Across the county you’ll find pumpkin trails, spooky walks, Halloween-themed attractions, creepy stories and family-friendly evening events.
You can keep things gentle for younger children or look for something a little scarier for older ones.
Current 2026 highlights include:
- Pennywell Farm, where Pumpkin Nights combine pumpkins, lights and evening entertainment.
- Crealy Adventure Park near Exeter, with its Spook-Fest programme.
- Babbacombe Model Village, where Frightlights runs
- Woodlands Family Theme Park in South Devon, which traditionally embraces Halloween with its seasonal programme.
- Kents Cavern in Torquay, where the caves provide a wonderfully atmospheric setting for Halloween activities.
For something less spooky, National Trust properties around Devon also have autumn trails and family activities.At Buckland Abbey, for example, the half-term theme is nautical, with sea monsters, including the Kraken and other legendary creatures
Take a steam train through the countryside
There’s something especially appealing about a steam train in autumn.
The South Devon Railway runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside, taking passengers through the beautiful countryside along the River Dart.
Its October Family Fun Weekend takes place on 3 – 4 October, with steam trains, wildlife encounters and family activities. Tickets also include entry to Buckfast Butterflies & Dartmoor Otters and Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.
Elsewhere in Devon, look out for seasonal trips on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, Seaton Tramway and other heritage transport experiences.
These can be particularly useful for a family itinerary because the journey itself becomes part of the day.
Explore Plymouth
Visit the National Marine Aquarium, explore The Box, walk around the Barbican and Sutton Harbour, or head down to the Hoe when the weather allows.
For October half term 2026, Plymouth’s programme includes family Halloween activities, autumn craft sessions and themed events.
The city is also a useful option when you’re staying somewhere rural in South or West Devon and want a change of pace.
Discover the Jurassic Coast
East Devon gives you another completely different Devon experience.
The Jurassic Coast stretches along the coast around Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Beer and Seaton, with opportunities for walks, beaches, rock pools, geology and fossil hunting.
The Seaton Tramway is a particularly enjoyable way to see this part of the county, and there are seasonal events during October.
If you’re travelling with older children, combine a coastal walk with a visit to one of the area’s museums or a trip into Seaton or Sidmouth for lunch.
Have a rainy-day backup plan
One of our biggest tips for an October holiday in Devon is simple:
Don’t try to plan every day around sunshine.
Instead, choose two or three outdoor adventures and have a list of indoor alternatives ready.
Depending on where you’re staying, rainy day options include:
- National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth
- RAMM in Exeter
- The Box in Plymouth
- Kents Cavern in Torquay
- House of Marbles near Bovey Tracey
- Indoor play centres
- Swimming pools
- Pottery and craft activities
- Cinemas and theatres
- Historic houses
- Aquariums and wildlife attractions
Then if you wake up to rain, you aren’t spending the first hour of the day trying to decide what to do.
And remember: in Devon, a rainy morning can quite easily turn into a sunny afternoon.
Pick your perfect pumpkin at a Devon pumpkin patch
Nothing says October quite like a pumpkin patch.
For a memorable October half-term day out, wrap up warm, pull on your wellies and head out to pick your own pumpkin. It’s a lovely way to embrace the season, and there are plenty of opportunities around Devon to combine pumpkin picking with farm activities, food, animals and autumn fun.
Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll also find pumpkin-picking experiences and autumn events at farms and attractions around the county. It’s worth booking ahead, as the most popular sessions can fill quickly during half term.
For younger children, make the pumpkin itself part of the adventure. Let them choose the biggest, wonkiest or funniest-looking one, then take it back to your holiday cottage ready to carve.
Top tip: Take wellies and clothes you don’t mind getting muddy. October pumpkin patches can be gloriously muddy after a spell of rain, which is all part of the fun!
Give yourself time to do very little
This might be our favourite suggestion.
You don’t have to fill every day.
One of the reasons a Devon farm or country stay works so well in October is that the accommodation can be part of the holiday rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
Wake up slowly.
Have breakfast together.
Put on the wellies.
Go for a wander.
Come back muddy.
Make tea.
Play a board game.
Cook dinner.
Watch the evening get dark.
If the accommodation has animals, outdoor space or somewhere for children to explore, they may have just as much fun there as they do at a big attraction.
And after a busy summer, that slower pace can be exactly what everyone needs.
Looking for somewhere to stay this October half term? Explore Devon Farms & Country Stays and find your countryside base for an autumn family adventure.