I have compiled this list of Easter days out in devon on a budget because we spend most school holidays wanting to have days out of the house that won’t break the bank. We’re a family of 6 so we like to keep it cheap, not complicated, and fun! Days like these have often been our favourite days out!
This list of budget days out is made up of places you can visit for free, cheaply, utilise memberships, or simply places that have Easter trails for a small fee. We try and take picnics with us, extra snacks, and sometimes squeeze two nearby places to make a full day. Such as an Easter trail in the House of Marbles with a walk in Dartmoor.
I’m running very late publishing this Easter post, so I will just get on with sharing these fun Easter days out in Devon on a budget.
National Trust Family-Friendly Easter Egg Trails
You can’t beat a National Trust Easter trail, especially if you’re a member! If you have a membership and want to take part in the Easter egg trails then you will still need to pay the £3 per trail map per person. Usual admission charges apply for non-members as well as the Easter trail on top. Please note that the dates may vary at every venue so check before you visit:
- Arlington Court, Barnstaple – 1st to 16th April Discover a family-friendly trail that includes a trail map, pencil, leaf label to hang on the tree, and chocolate egg at the end (allergen alternative available).
- Barrington Court- 1st to 16th April Just over the border in South Somerset with a family fun activity trail.
- Buckland Abbey, Dartmoor -1 to 16 April. Hop along to Buckland this spring and join in with the fun on the Easter trail.
- Castle Drogo, near Exeter – 31 March to 17 April Explore the garden and grounds plus Join them for wild Wednesdays during the school holiday and have a go at weaving a bracelet or a bookmark.
- Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear- 24 March – 30 April Make your way along the trail and find bee-inspired activities for all the family.
- Greenway, Churston – 24 March to 30 April The garden trail includes an Easter trail sheet, pencil, bunny ears,, and chocolate egg.
- Killerton, near Exeter – 25 March to 16 April Trail map around the gardens to claim your egg.
- Knightshayes, near Tiverton – 1st to 16 April Find and complete the 10 nature-inspired activities that are hiding along the way. Egg & spoon race, welly wanting, and den building is just some of the activities you can experience at Knightshayes.
- Saltram, near Plymouth – 1 to 16 April Head around the gardens to complete some fun, active games and challenges inspired by nature.
Find out more on the National Trust Website
Clovelly Easter Trail
Clovelly village admission charges apply but I have included this as a budget day out, as we feel it’s really fairly priced, plus there is enough to explore to make this a whole day out. If you’re staying nearby you can return for free within a 7-day period. From 7th to 10th April- Children receive a village map at the visitor’s centre on which to mark the location of a number of Easter chicks perched up and down the cobbled High Street to the quay. If they spot at least 10 chicks, they can return the map to the visitor centre reception to win a prize. Check the website for admission prices and opening times.
Woolacombe Easter Trail
Find the clues hidden in this adventurous trail around Woolacombe Warren to claim your chocolate prize. Pick up your trail map from the Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre on the Esplanade. Then head back to the tourist Information centre before 5pm to claim you prize!
£3 per trail and do check their website for dates.
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth
The donkey sanctuary (Free admission) in Sidmouth, 1st to 16th April- Combine family fun, exercise, and brainpower for just £5 per trail, including an Easter prize when you complete the trail. Head to the Gift Shop to pick up a trail sheet and you’re ready to uncover the wildlife.
With the kids’ play area, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, award-winning gardens, and of course, hundreds of adorable donkeys to meet, there’s so much to explore with your own herd, whatever the weather. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome too! Top tip, If you have a day when a picnic feels like a chore then we can recommend the Donkey sanctuary cafe for good food with a lovely view.
Wildwood
An admission fee applies with Wildwood but we feel compared to other wildlife/farm parks that it’s really fairly priced. If you’re local a reasonable membership is also something to think about.
This is definitely one of our go-to days out when the weather is mixed and those days when being home might involve a bit of refereeing! The distraction from seeing the animals and the play equipment dotted around the park provide us all with a good dose of fresh air and sanity! Plus the animal talks are well worth hanging around for, we found out loads of interesting facts about the Wolves.
Complete an Easter trail to win a prize and take part in daily Easter egg hunts – with a twist. Throughout Easter, the Saxon village will be humming with activity. There will be story-telling, crafting, face painting, and more
House of Marbles
Over the bank holiday weekend take a visit to the House of Marbles (free to enter) to discover all about glass blowing, marble making, giant marble runs, pick and mix your own marbles with pocket money and this Easter use your detective skills to find the Easter Bunny by following the trail of eggs?
Dartmoor Easter Fortnight Events
Visit the Dartmoor National Park this fortnight from animal tracking to moonwalks to longhouses and tin mines, this National Parks Fortnight is a great time to get outside and explore. There is a range of things to see and do from free to paid activity sessions in the national park.
Lambing Sunday at Martinsfield Farm
Martinsfield farm Broadclyst 23rd April -Booking is essential.
I have found most farm parks are pretty pricey to visit nowadays and feel like they’re more about novelty rides than the actual animals. This event albeit after the Easter holidays looks really lovely and is much more reasonably priced. Head to see this season’s newley-born lambs with a chance to hold and touch the new arrivals.
Seaton Wetlands
Turn left into Seaton Cemetery, and continue through to the Seaton Wetlands car park. The nearest postcode is EX12 2SP.
There are plenty of fun play prompts around the nature reserve. The walk is flat and accessible but no dogs are allowed on the reserve. The island hide was popular with our kids for bird and duck spotting, as the views are wonderfully peaceful and we ate lunch alone in there! seaton tramway has a stop at the reserve if you wish to extend your day out further. There is also a small on-site cafeand toilet.
Zog Trail at Haldon Forest
The Forestry Commission-run Haldon Hill near Exeter has a fun Zog Activity Trail to help encourage little trekkers to walk around the woods. There are bikes to hire, and the trails are fabulous, well-marked, and accessible. There are longer walks off the beaten track for the more adventurous.
Lydford Gorge Waterfall
Head into Lydford Gorge to find the 30-metre-high Whitelady Waterfall on this slightly steep but rewarding circular walk.
Feel history under your feet, from Devonian fossils and temperate rainforest climes. The crystal clear waters and nature facts along the trail make for a fun walk for all the family. Pushchairs only advisable if you fancy a decent workout, I would recommend taking a baby carrier /toddler backpack instead!
Heron Farm
Heron Farm Near Honiton, this lovely farm cafe, restaurant, and vineyard is hosting an Easter trail 1st – 16th April.
Find the hidden rabbits, each with a clue to the mystery crossword! Once you’ve completed the word, head back to claim your wooden prize, and a chocolate egg! £5 per child.
There will be just one golden egg hidden each day, which wins the finder a special extra prize!
Darts Farm
Darts Farm in collaboration with the RSPB are bringing an egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt around their Farm Walk, Nature Trail & Wetlands.
Get outside in the fresh air with the children during the Easter holidays as you explore our farm & find all of the clues to unscramble and claim a chocolatey prize!
From 10am – 4pm, simply head to the RSPB gazebo on the front field, collect your clue sheet, and set off around the farm! £3.50 per child with all proceeds going to RSPB!
Totnes Springtime Festival
Hop along to Totnes on the 13th of April, and enjoy their free spring festival; bouncy castle, soft play, spring crafts, and music/entertainment all for free. You can also take part in a springtime treasure hunt.
We hope that our suggestions for Easter days out in Devon on a budget help give you an idea or two for an outing this month.
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