13 Family-Friendly Things To Do In October Half-Term 2022 In South Devon

Child-Friendly Not-So-Scary Thrills For Hallowe’en 2022 In South Devon

Hallowe’en dates all the way back to ancient Celtic times, when it started as a celebration of the lives of the dead known as Samhain (pronounced Sow-en).

31st October was also known as All Hallow’s Eve or All Hallow’s Even in the 16th century before it was truncated to ‘Hallowe’en’.

Even our Hallowe’en tradition of trick or treating for sweets and treats came from an early Christian celebration called ‘souling’, where people would walk through their neighbourhood, asking people in each house for cakes in return for praying for their souls.

Besides trick or treating, there’s plenty to do to keep the kids entertained this October half-term in South Devon.

From Hallowe’en events to spooky walks and attractions, you’re bounced to have a frighteningly fantastic Hallowe’en at the Langstone Cliff Hotel.

Whether you’ve got toddlers in tow, babes in arms, or bigger kids to amuse, there’s something for everyone in Devon this Hallowe’en.

Please note, some events may be subject to change or cancellation due to Covid-19 restrictions – this guide is correct at the time of publishing, but we’ll do our best to keep it updated.

1. Devon Pumpkin Picking

2022 Dates to be confirmed (Stoneford Farm, Bickington, Newton Abbot TQ12 6LH)
Approx. 35 minutes drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

Hallowe’en wouldn’t be Hallowe’en without a good, old fashioned pumpkin to carve into a jack o-lantern!

So why not pick your own pumpkin in South Devon?

Devon Pumpkin Picking is the perfect place to pick your pumpkin, with family-friendly activities and a professional photographer onsite to snap those precious family moments.

Entry is free, and there’s no need to book in advance, you simply need to pay for your pumpkins and any optional activities or photographs you choose on the day.

Wellies are recommended, as you’ll be tramping through the fields.

If you’re feeling peckish, you can enjoy an array of pumpkin-related treats, like pumpkin soup and pumpkin pie, along with other warming snacks like cheese toasties and rice pudding.

Find out more about Devon Pumpkin Picking

2. Hallowe’en at Crealy Theme Park & Resort

22nd – 30th October 2022
Approx. 35 minutes drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

Ideal for kids of all ages, the Hallowe’en Spook-Fest at Crealy Theme Park & Resort is a perfect way to spend October half-term.

Featuring child-friendly ghost stories, a scary maze and stage shows, along with their indoor and outdoor rides and play areas.

Find out more about Spook-Fest at Crealy Theme Park & Resort

3. Hallowe’en Fun at Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park 

Year-round
Approx. 40 minutes drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

Becky Falls is a stunning place to visit all year round.

Bring the whole family to explore this beautiful ancient woodland on a waterfall walk or stop by with a picnic – just make sure you dress for the weather!

Becky Falls Woodland Park also usually hosts a week-long Hallowe’en Fun event, full of exciting activities and a show where you can meet their creepy snakes and lizards – great for braver kids.

Details of this year’s Hallowe’en event haven’t been disclosed yet, so stay tuned for more information.

Find out more about Becky Falls

4. Dartmouth Food Festival

Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd October 2022

Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

Great fun for children and adults alike, the Dartmouth Food Festival is chock-full of street entertainers, food and drink stalls, cooking contests, demonstrations, and activities for the little ones.

Most of the festival is free with a small selection of ticketed events. Book your tickets in advance, and bring your appetites!

Find out more about Dartmouth Food Festival

5. Ghost Stories at Berry Pomeroy Castle

Year-round
Approx. 40 minutes drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

Berry Pomeroy Castle is a hidden gem in South Devon, with scenic views for adults and amazing historic ruins for the kids looking for a ‘haunted house’ experience.

Legend has it that the ruins are haunted, and their audio tour shares the ghostly tales of the family castle – listen, if you dare!

Find out more about Berry Pomeroy Castle

6. Spookilluminations at Babbacombe Model Village

Miniature Pumpkin Hunt 22nd – 230th October 2022

Evening Illuminations 25th, 26th, & 27th October 2022

Approx. 30 minutes drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

Babbacombe Model Village is a fantastic family attraction in South Devon throughout the year.

But if you want to make things a little spookier for Hallowe’en, they usually offer twilight sessions with special ‘Spookilluminations, so you can see the models at night.

Find out more about Babbacombe Model Village

7. Paignton Zoo

Year-round
Approx. 40 minutes drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

Details of Paignton Zoo’s October half-term activities for 2022 haven’t yet been released, but regardless, it’s a great place to visit for families.

Usually, over Hallowe’en, Paignton Zoo will host a spooky trail with a scavenger hunt and the chance to test your bravery at their bug exhibit, where you can get face-to-face with creepy crawlies.

If bugs and beetles aren’t your thing, they also have a menagerie of animals, from adorable agouti to zippy zebras.

Find out more about Paignton Zoo

8. A-SCARE-ium at the National Marine Aquarium

Year-round
Approx. 1 hour drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

Sharks, vampire fish, spider crabs… if you’re in for a family-friendly fright this Hallowe’en, why not pop over to the National Marine Aquarium.

The NMA usually hosts an annual A-SCARE-ium event for kids, but details haven’t been published for 2022 just yet.

Whether they choose to host their spooky event this year or not, the NMA is still a great place to visit with the kids.

Find out more about the National Marine Aquarium

9. Hallooscream! at Woodlands Family Theme Park

October half-term
Approx. 1 hour drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

Once a year, Woodlands Family Theme Park transforms into Woodlands Family Scream Park, with a ghostly Tractor Ride, pumpkin patch, ghost walk, mystical maze, and ghoulish gravestones scattered around.

Information about the 2022 Hallooscream! event isn’t available just yet, but we’ll update this page when more information gets released.

Find out more about Woodlands Family Theme Park

10. Hallowe’en Half Term at Kent’s Cavern

October half-term
Approx. 30 minutes drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

There’s not much spookier than a creepy cave – Kent’s Cavern is perfect for family-friendly spooks and activities.

Find the hidden pumpkins and woodland bats for your chance to win a spooktacular prize!

Find out more about Kent’s Cavern

11. Canonteign Falls

Year-round
Approx. 30 minutes drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

For a relaxing getaway from all things spooky and creepy, take your family on a waterfall walk by Canonteign Falls.

The kids will love the Under 5s Spotter Guide, where they can make their own trail through the falls while spotting lots of fascinating bits and bobs.

Meanwhile, the adults will unwind during the walk, as the leaves change colour for the autumn in October – Canonteign Falls is truly a stunning autumnal paradise.

Find out more about Canonteign Falls

12. Torquay’s Dinosaur World

Year-round
Approx. 35 minutes drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

What could be scarier than life-size dinosaurs?

Your little archaeologists can get stuck in at Torquay’s Dinosaur World, discovering fossils, learning about Jurassic beasts, taking part in their Explorer Quiz, and even sitting on a deadly dinosaur!

The exhibition is indoors, so if the weather takes a chilly turn over October half-term, it’s a great place to retreat and stay warm.

Find out more about Torquay’s Dinosaur World

13. Exeter’s Underground Passages

Year-round
Approx. 30 minutes drive from Langstone Cliff Hotel

For a truly unique half-term experience, it’s time to go underground in Exeter‘s Underground Passages!

A tour of the passages will make for a truly unforgettable half-term treat with narrow, dark, passages providing a thrilling adventure for kids of all ages.

You can also pop into the heritage centre before you begin your tour to learn a little more about the labyrinth below.

To avoid disappointment, pre-booking is advisable, especially during school holidays.

Find out more about Exeter’s Underground Passages

Devon is clearly the place to be this October half-term!

All of this excitement is happening within a stone’s throw of the Langstone Cliff Hotel, one of the best family-friendly South Devon hotels by the sea.

If you can’t wait to get your half-term Devonshire adventure underway, book here or call Langstone Cliff on +44 (0) 1626 868000.