Spring into Adventure: Our Favourite Easter Days Out in North Devon
With the flowers starting to bloom and the days stretching out a little longer, there is no place quite like North Devon in the spring :-)
The local area is coming alive with hidden trails, chocolate treats, and plenty of outdoor fun.
At The Elmfield, we love being your base for these seasonal adventures. Whether you are returning from a windy coastal walk or a busy day at a theme park, our heated pool and spacious living areas are waiting to welcome the whole gang back.
1) Watermouth Castle
Just a short hop from Ilfracombe, Watermouth Castle is an absolute must-visit for families during the Easter holidays! It truly comes alive with their "Easter Eggsplorers" event, where children can embark on a magical egg trail through the beautiful Victorian castle gardens, meet the Easter Bunny himself. Between the nostalgic rides, the massive Hobbledown play village, and the stunning coastal views, it’s a full day of enchanting adventures that the whole family will treasure.
2) Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Only about 5 miles from Ilfracombe, this 28-acre sub-tropical paradise offers the ultimate prehistoric adventure mixed with real-world wildlife! Perfect for little explorers, the park normally runs fantastic Easter fun days where kids can hunt for dinosaur eggs and learn about incredible endangered animals. From roaring animatronic T-Rexes hidden in the lush valley to swimming sea lions, meerkats, and a brand-new indoor wild play area for the under-5s, it’s an unforgettable, action-packed spring day out.
3) Exmoor Zoo
Situated around 11 miles from your stay, Exmoor Zoo is a fantastic rural gem known as the "Home of the Exmoor Beast". During the Easter season, the zoo springs to life with friendly baby animals, interactive handling sessions (hold a snake or spider if you dare!), and hands-on keeper talks. What makes this zoo special is its intimate, winding valley setting and its focus on rare and unusual species like the black leopard, singing dogs, and binturongs. Kids will absolutely love the close-up animal encounters and themed holiday trails!
Visit The Site
4) Arlington Court (National Trust)
Offering a more relaxed and traditional pace of life. This National Trust estate hosts a fantastic Easter trail every year that winds through their beautiful gardens and ancient woodland. For a small fee, children get a trail map, bunny ears, and a delicious chocolate egg at the end. It is a wonderful way to see the daffodils and primroses that carpet the estate at this time of year.
The house itself is fascinating, but for families, the Carriage Museum in the old stables is the real highlight. It houses one of the most significant collections of horse-drawn vehicles in the country. If you fancy a proper leg-stretcher, the wider estate has miles of walking tracks where you might even spot the local Red Ruby Devon cattle. It is a peaceful, authentic Devon experience that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle, yet it is only a short drive from our coastal retreat.
5) The Big Sheep: Easter EGGstravaganza
The Big Sheep is legendary for its quirky sense of humour, and Easter is no exception. Their "EGGstravaganza" features live shows with the Easter Bunny and, of course, the world-famous sheep racing. It is a high-energy day out that kids absolutely adore. This year, they are introducing a new show specifically for 2026, making it a great choice even if you have visited before.
Aside from the shows, the "Ewe-topia" indoor playground is massive, featuring slides and climbing frames that can tire out even the most energetic toddlers. For the older kids, there are outdoor jumping pillows and mountain boarding. It is a business that prides itself on being "ewe-nique", and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere fits perfectly with our own values at The Elmfield. We always recommend checking out their sheep shearing demonstrations for a true taste of North Devon farm life.
You can find more details of activities in Ilfracombe on our website
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