Hello! An honest one this week. It's the last weekend of half-term and there's not masses happening in the city itself, but if you've got anything left in the tank there are some genuinely good options a short drive away.
Three of the five picks are free, which helps if the holiday has already done a number on the budget. Here's what's worth knowing about...
This Weekend's Pick
Canonteign Falls Half-Term Fun
Canonteign has Devon's tallest waterfall, lakes, woodland trails, adventure playgrounds, zip-wire, trampolines, and alpacas wandering about. Plenty to fill a full day and tire them out.
The free return visit is the real hook here. Pay once, come back again later in the season for free. If your lot liked it, that's a second day out already sorted.
Worth knowing: there's a separate Alpaca Experience on Saturday (£40 per alpaca, ages 6+, book in advance). A 45-minute session where you meet, hand-feed, and walk with an alpaca, with photos along the way. One family of up to two adults and two children per alpaca. The ticket also gets you 20% off day admission. Budget accordingly, but if alpacas are their thing, it could be the one.
| When | Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May, 10am to 5pm. |
| Where | Canonteign Falls, Christow, EX6 7NH. About 25 minutes from Exeter. |
| Cost | Family (2+2) £48.50, Child (4-15) £8.75, Under-4s free. Free return visit with every ticket bought this half-term (valid to end of season). |
More Good Stuff
Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is open daily and free to visit, and the spring wildlife trail is still running this weekend. Pick up a trail pack (£5, includes a prize) and follow the wildlife boards around the grounds, or just wander the trails and meet the donkeys for free.
There's a new play area, scenic walks, award-winning gardens, and a really good cafe. A reliable free day out that's perfect to keep up your sleeve.
| When | Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May, 9am to 5pm. |
| Where | The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, EX10 0NU. About 40 minutes from Exeter. |
| Cost | FREE. Donations welcome. |
Worth the Drive
River Dart Country Park 50th Birthday
River Dart Country Park turns 50 this year and Sunday's "Picnic at the Park" is the official birthday celebration, with live music, food, and family activities alongside the park's regular offer.
And the regular offer is already excellent: lake swimming, a pirate ship, bike park, high ropes, zip lines, and assault courses across 90 acres of Dartmoor parkland. A full day out.
| When | Sunday 31 May. |
| Where | River Dart Country Park, Ashburton. About 40 minutes from Exeter. |
| Cost | Day admission applies (check riverdart.co.uk for current prices). Annual pass £65 per person. |
Starlings: Inclusive Drama Sessions
A lovely free indoor option for Saturday afternoon. Starlings is a regular drama workshop at Exeter Library, funded by the Ragdoll Foundation, open to children and young people with additional needs, their siblings, and others from the community. Welcoming, creative, and completely free.
| When | Saturday 30 May, 2pm. |
| Where | Exeter Library. |
| Cost | FREE. |
One free thing
Exeter Morris 75th Anniversary Day of Dance
A fun bit of traditional colour to add to a Saturday in town. Exeter Morris celebrates its 75th birthday with a full day of dancing across the city, with sixteen Morris sides from around the region performing Cotswold, Border, North West, and other styles.
If you're in town anyway, it's the kind of thing that works brilliantly when you stumble across it. Cathedral Green is the main spot, with performances popping up at various locations throughout the day.
| When | Saturday 30 May, 10am to 4:30pm. |
| Where | Cathedral Green and spots around Exeter city centre. |
| Cost | FREE. |
That's everything for this week. If you make it to any of these, hit reply and let me know how it went, it comes straight to the inbox. Have a good weekend.
Details can change. Worth a quick check with the organisers before you head out.
