Hello! The holidays are in sight, but there are still plenty of great summery days out to be had before we break up: including Killerton's big Summer of Play launch, a story-driven street party in Honiton and a family day at the races. Here are the picks for this weekend.
This Weekend's Pick
Summer of Play at Killerton (Saturday and Sunday)
Killerton's summer play takeover launches this Saturday and runs right through to September, with seven themed zones across the grounds (a coconut shy, frisbee golf, a performance stage and a nature area among them), plus a brand new Pokemon zone with trading card activities and Mega Evolution stickers, which will land very well with a certain age group.
It's on both days during normal opening hours, about 20 minutes out at Broadclyst, and there's nothing to book. Adults £18, children (5-17) £9, under-5s free, or a family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) for £45. Free for National Trust members, and non-members pay £2.60 for two hours of parking or £5.20 all day.
| When: | Saturday and Sunday, normal opening hours |
| Where: | Killerton (National Trust), Broadclyst, EX5 3LE (about 20 minutes from Exeter) |
| Cost: | Adults £18, children (5-17) £9, under-5s free, family £45. NT members free. |
More Good Stuff
Honiton Market Charter Day (Saturday)
Honiton has been marking its market charter since 1257, and this year's celebration takes over the High Street and Allhallows Playing Field from 10am to 4pm, completely free. The 2026 theme is storytelling, so alongside the children's parade, bouncy castle, dog show and classic car show there's a junior town crier competition, a treasure hunt, and storytelling sessions at Honiton Family Church at 11:30, 1pm and 2:30pm.
It's about 25 to 30 minutes out into East Devon, and it all raises money for Hospiscare, which is a nice bonus.
| When: | Saturday 18 July, 10am to 4pm |
| Where: | Allhallows Playing Field and the High Street, Honiton EX14 1NH (25-30 minutes from Exeter) |
| Cost: | Free |
Bookworms Junior Members Club (Saturday morning)
A free taster session at the Devon and Exeter Institution on Cathedral Close, from 10:30 to 12, where 5 to 8 year olds make wind chimes inspired by the Weather Keepers display. It's a monthly creative club (junior membership is £12 a year if they get the bug), and a parent or guardian stays with them.
The catch is booking is essential and it's a small venue, so grab a spot early if it appeals.
| When: | Saturday 18 July, 10:30 to 12:00 |
| Where: | Devon and Exeter Institution, 7 Cathedral Close, Exeter EX1 1EZ (city centre) |
| Cost: | Free taster (junior membership £12/year thereafter). Ages 5-8. Booking essential. |
Know someone who'd find this useful?
Family Fun Day at Newton Abbot Racecourse (Sunday)
A full afternoon out at the races, 12:30 to 7pm, where under-18s go free (you still need to book them a ticket) and adults are £15 on the day or £13 booked in advance. The Course Enclosure is the family one, with a gated play area, free inflatables, face painting, Hook a Duck, a roaming magician, and a mascot race with mascots from across the South West.
It's about 25 to 30 minutes down the A380, with free parking on site.
| When: | Sunday 19 July, 12:30 to 7pm |
| Where: | Newton Abbot Racecourse, Kingsteignton TQ12 3AF (25-30 minutes from Exeter, free parking) |
| Cost: | Adults £15 on the day, £13 in advance. Under-18s free (ticket still needed). |
One free thing
Whitestone Summer Fun Day (Saturday afternoon)
A classic village fun day just 15 minutes from the city centre, 2pm to 5pm at Whitestone Play Park and Parish Hall. Races, children's activities, a bouncy castle, a bird of prey experience, a BBQ and live music, all free to wander into, and the play park behind the hall has its own parking and toilets.
| When: | Saturday 18 July, 2pm to 5pm |
| Where: | Whitestone Play Park and Parish Hall, EX4 2JS (about 15 minutes from Exeter) |
| Cost: | Free |
That's everything worth knowing about for this weekend. If you go to anything and it's either brilliant or a disaster, hit reply and say so. It comes straight to the inbox. Have a good one.
Details change. Check each venue's website before setting off, especially for timed entry or one-off events.
Found this useful? Share it with another family.
