Right then. Good news: this is one of those weekends where most of the best stuff is totally free! Exeter Pride takes over the city centre on Saturday, there's a pirate festival in Plymouth worth the drive/train, and there's even an event for dog lovers at Haldon. Here's the full rundown.
This Weekend's Pick
Exeter Pride
The biggest free Pride festival in the South West, right in the middle of Exeter. The march sets off from Sidwell Street around midday, then it's two stages of live music, 50+ traders, and a packed community celebration across Northernhay and Rougemont Gardens all afternoon.
The family angle: there's a dedicated Youth Space in Rougemont Gardens with arts and crafts, a dog show, and creative workshops. RAMM are running a related workshop too. Here's our tip: from 9:15am, kids can visit the children's section of Exeter Library where there's a free flag-making station. So they turn up to the parade with something they actually made, which is worth getting out of the house a bit earlier for.
- When: Saturday 9 May. Flag-making from 9:15am, march from 12pm, festival all afternoon
- Where: Northernhay Gardens and Rougemont Gardens, Exeter city centre
- Ages: All ages, dedicated Youth Space
- Cost: Free
Exeter Pride guide and full programme
More Good Stuff
Blossom Mile and Free Print Workshop at Killerton
Two things in one trip here. The Blossom Mile is a waymarked trail through Killerton's grounds when the cherry blossom is at its best. Then on Saturday afternoon, drop into Clyston Mill for a free print-making workshop run by Double Elephant printmakers (1pm to 3pm, drop-in). It's also National Mills Weekend, so the historic watermill is open to explore.
Honest note: if you're already a National Trust member, this is a no-brainer. If you're not, the admission cost on top (around £13.50 adult, £6.75 child) might feel steep for a trail and a workshop. Your call.
- When: Saturday 9 May. Trail 10am to 5pm, workshop 1pm to 3pm
- Where: Killerton, Broadclyst, Exeter, EX5 3LE (about 20 minutes from Exeter)
- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free for NT members. Non-members: around £13.50 adult, £6.75 child. Print workshop free with admission.
Killerton events and visiting info
"Worth the drive" Pick
Plymouth Pirates Weekend
This one's about 45 minutes from Exeter, but it's worth the drive. Plymouth's entire waterfront turns into a two-day pirate festival, and it's completely free. Sword-fighting workshops, cannon displays, treasure hunts, puppet shows, sea shanties, musket firing, stilt walkers, parades, and a Captain Jack impersonator roaming the Barbican.
Runs across the Barbican, Sutton Harbour, West Hoe, and Royal William Yard on both Saturday and Sunday.
- When: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May, from 10am both days
- Where: Barbican and Waterfront, Plymouth, PL1 2JL (about 45 minutes from Exeter)
- Ages: All ages, strongest for 4 to 11
- Cost: Free
Plymouth Pirates Weekend full programme
Jurassic Coast Cruise from Exmouth
If you're after a Sunday plan, Stuart Line run a cruise along the Jurassic Coast from Exmouth Marina at 11am. You sail past 185 million years of red sandstone cliffs with live commentary from the skipper, and there's a heated lower deck if the wind picks up. Optional cream tea for £4.50 a head, which feels like a nice extra.
Fair warning: it's a 2 to 3 hour trip, so younger kids who aren't great at sitting still might find it long. But for the right age, it's a genuinely different kind of day out. 104 spaces, booking recommended.
- When: Sunday 10 May, 11am departure
- Where: Exmouth Marina, EX8 1DU (about 25 minutes from Exeter)
- Ages: All ages, but best suited to 6+
- Cost: £12.50 adult, £9.50 child. Optional cream tea £4.50pp.
One free thing
Haldon Forest Bark
This one's for dog-owning families. Haldon Forest's annual Bark day is on Saturday, with a dog show, trade stands, competitions, and Wallace and Gromit themed forest walkies. Free entry, big community atmosphere. Parking charges apply (around £4 to £10) but that's it. If you've got a dog and kids, this is a good Saturday morning.
- When: Saturday 9 May, 10am to 3:30pm
- Where: Haldon Forest Park, Kennford, EX6 7XR
- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free entry. Parking around £4 to £10.
That's your lot for this week. If you end up going to any of these, hit reply and let me know how it went. It comes straight to the inbox. Have a good weekend.
Details change. Check each venue's website before setting off, especially for timed entry or one-off events.
