Put a spring in your step with our must-do activities to get you exploring Devon.
Have a picnic
Going on a picnic is an inexpensive way of eating out that encourages activity and helps to boost your mood. You don’t even have to go very far; a picnic in the back garden can be just as fun as exploring somewhere new. Eating outdoors is good for family-bonding and the fresh air and Vitamin D will help you feel revitalised too!
Go on a bluebell walk
Towards the end of April and the beginning of May, many of Devon’s woodland areas turn into a vibrant sea of colour as we see stunning carpets of bluebells emerging into full view. This spectacle is only able to be seen once a year so make the most of the magic by going out on a bluebell walk. There are loads of places to find them. The National Trust highlight their best bluebell walks online: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events
Be a farmer for a day
Get down and dirty and try your hand at what it takes to run a Devon farm. This unique experience at Dartington Hall, Totnes will see you rising with the dawn chorus on a 6:30am start to see what the day brings. Milking the cows, feeding the animals, moving herds around the estate and lambing as its spring could all be on the agenda after a hearty farmhouse breakfast to get you going. By the end of the day you’ll certainly know what Devon farm life feels like! Find out more at: www.dartington.org
Camping
Leave the TV, internet and games consoles behind for a weekend. Camping is the perfect way to learn more about nature and living outdoors. Whether it’s all out survival, a weekend of camping in a family campsite or even pitching a tent in the back garden, camping is a relatively inexpensive way of relieving stress, connecting with nature and really helps to break the technology addiction – that goes for both children and adults!
Meet the spring lambs
Spring lambs are one of the cuter signs of new life that spring is synonymous with. National Trust property Arlington Court will be inviting visitors to meet their new flock of lambs and talk to a local farmer on selected days this April to find out more about the sheep and how they help the estate. Find out more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arlington-court-and-the-national-trust-carriage-museum
Bird Watching
Watch out for birds returning north after the winter and encourage them into your garden. Try placing a number of bird feeders around your garden with different types of food in each to attract as many different bird species as you can. Or why not make your own birdhouse for them to call home? Make sure your feeders and houses are set up near a window that you can set up a comfortable viewing station in front of to marvel at your new feathered friends.
Sheep Racing
Head to the Big Sheep in Bideford for some unique racing! Place your bets using the Big Sheep’s own currency, the EWE-RO and cheer your favourite sheep on as they run the 250 yard course. You can also watch daily sheep shearing shows and so much more. See more at: www.thebigsheep.co.uk
Get snappy
Capture your spring memories from your child’s perspective by handing them the camera and seeing what the world looks like from their point of view. Letting children be the photographer helps to exercise their creativity and can result in some unique shots that you can cherish and look back on.
Spring Festivals
There are loads of festivals coming into bloom this spring to satisfy all interests. Whether it’s food & drink, arts & crafts or local spring fetes and fairs, there’s plenty to get out and get involved with. There’s even the entirely unique International Festival of Wormcharming in Blackawton, South Devon on the 30th April! See more at: www.wormcharming.co.uk
Try a traditional Devon Cream Tea
It’s a contentious topic, we know, but slathering your scone with cream first and then that delicious strawberry jam is in fact the true Devonshire way of making your cream tea. No matter how you eat yours, spring is a great opportunity and the perfect excuse to tuck in and enjoy. See some of our favourite places to have afternoon tea online at: www.one-mag.co.uk/devons-best-afternoon-teas
