Shake off the winter blues and enjoy a fun-packed week of activities and attractions for all the family in Ilfracombe this February half term. Whether you’re visiting for a week or you live in our lovely town, there’s plenty to see and do—indoors and outdoors (weather permitting)!
Make for Ilfracombe Museum
On a blustery day, it is well worth visiting Ilfracombe Museum on the seafront to browse a huge collection of exhibits and interactive displays featuring local history, exotic beasties and much more.
There plenty of displays to browse and fascinate youngsters, as well as the weird and wonderful collection of wildlife curated almost a century ago by the museum’s founder.
Plus exhibitions of key events as they affected Ilfracombe such as World War One, which are educational as well as interesting.
There will be exhibits and activities from numerous local organisations including North Devon Biosphere, Plastic Free North Devon, the Earth repair Shop, Devon Wildlife Trust, North Devon National Trust, Capstone Whale Watch and many more.
The museum will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm throughout half term, offering a quirky and educational experience for all ages. While there are no special events planned this year, it’s still a great place to explore, rain or shine.
For more details, visit the Ilfracombe Museum Facebook page.
Ilfracombe Aquarium
Enter the fascinating world of aquatic life and meet the finny residents of Ilfracombe Aquarium on the Pier – another undercover option and a great way to introduce youngsters to a whole new world.
Watch the daily fish feeds, follow the journey of North Devon’s aquatic life from an Exmoor stream to the deeps of Lundy Island and marvel at the many fresh and salt waters creatures that live right on our doorstep.
The aquarium provides free quiz trails for children and afterwards you can enjoy a coffee or lunch at the Pier Café, or browse the Funky Fish Gift Shop.
Exmoor Zoo
Another wonderful opportunity to see some amazing animals, Exmoor Zoo is open throughout the year and has a great menagerie of many species including its very own Exmoor Beast (the mighty black leopard) as well as a variety of cats including cheetahs, sand cats, caracals and the fishing cat.
Not to mention several different monkeys, lemurs and other primates, wallabies, wild dogs, wolves, meerkats and many, many more – right down to numerous bird species, stick insects, hissing cockroaches and tarantulas – that you may meet in an animal encounter, if you dare!
The zoo holds daily talks and encounter events as well as once in a lifetime experiences such as being a keeper for a day or the carnivore experience (bookable in advance).
The zoo has a large café plus an extensive shop, with plenty of outdoor space to relax in too.
Exmoor Zoo is open 10am to 5pm for half term. Pay at the entrance or book online for a 5% discount.
The Big Sheep
Meet the spring lambs at The Big Sheep, climb on board a variety of theme park rides, enjoy live shows including the Sheepy Show and Duck Trials, a café, its own brewery and a lot more besides.
With a great deal of the attraction undercover it’s the perfect place for restless youngsters, with a huge indoor play zone filled with slides, imaginative soft paly, climbing areas, ball pots, tumble towers, mazes and even a sensory room for babies.
The attraction has a range of rides from the white knuckle to the sedate, with the Twister, train ride, tractor safari and more open for February half term.
Lambing season is in full swing and youngsters can feed the new born lambs, cuddle a puppy, see day old chicks, stroke a kid goat and many more at The Big Sheep petting farm.
The Big Sheep is open throughout February half term from 10am to 5pm. For tickets and more information, visit here.
The Milky Way Adventure Park
A very popular theme park packed with rides for all ages and family attractions is The Milky Way.
Ride the Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster, have fun on the gravity rider donut slide, explore the maze and experience fantastic outdoor displays from the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre.
Pilot a Cyber Scooter and shoot lasers on Ziggy’s Blast Quest, giggle on the Droid Destroyer Dodgems, leap around with the family on the Jumping Jupiters, dive into the Planet Play adventure play area and kick back on the Milky Way Railway – there’s something here for everyone!
Fans of TV’s Ninja Warrior might want to tackle the parks new Ninja Stars Arena, with tag active scoring to see how far you can progress up the leaderboard – suitable for ages six plus.
Another good all-weather attraction, the park includes the Little Stars soft play area, with adjacent café, the Planet Play Café by the Ninja Star arena and the Starlight Restaurant.
For more information and to book tickets, CLICK HERE.
Family fun at The Landmark Theatre
All ages will enjoy the fast-moving North Devon Gang Show at the Landmark from February 19th to February 22nd, packed with song, dance, music and laughter for the whole family.
The performers are youngsters and adults from the Scouting and Girlguiding movements in North Devon who perform musical items using popular music, linked together with some comedy sketches and a few surprises.
So for a great night of family entertainment, come and experience the special Gang Show atmosphere, courtesy of a great Gang of youngsters, all having fun.
CLICK HERE for tickets and information.
Low cost family fun in Ilfracombe – crabbing, rockpools and more
Ilfracombe Library Viking Craft Session (Wednesday 19th February, 10:30 AM)
Step into the world of the Vikings at Ilfracombe Library! This interactive craft session includes storytelling and hands-on creative fun, perfect for young explorers. A great indoor activity for a creative half-term morning.
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
For breathtaking views of North Devon’s coastline, take a ride on the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway. This historic water-powered railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth and is one of the most scenic journeys in the region. It’s a great activity for a dry day and a brilliant way to soak in the area’s stunning coastal scenery.
Monkey Tribe Kids Club at North Devon Resort
Looking for half-term fun for the kids? Monkey Tribe Kids Club at North Devon Resort offers a fantastic range of activities, from arts and crafts to games and entertainment. A great way for youngsters to burn off some energy and make new friends during the school break.
Low-Cost Family Fun – Crabbing, Rockpools & Walks
Not everything has to cost a fortune! Some of the best fun in Ilfracombe is absolutely free. Grab a bucket and line for a spot of crabbing from the pier, or explore the fascinating rockpools at low tide. There are also plenty of coastal walks to enjoy, from the dramatic cliffs of Valley of Rocks to the golden sands of Woolacombe Beach.
Visit our blog to discover a few low cost activities that will keep youngsters amused for hours. There are also plenty of coastal walks to enjoy to suit all ages and abilities.
We hope to see you in Ilfracombe soon and welcome you to enjoy your February half term break in our charming town.
