#blogmas – Christmas Activities for Families in Exeter

04/12/201725/11/2023 Lisa

#Blogmas – Day 4 – Christmas Activities for Families in Exeter

I think we’re really lucky living in Exeter as there are so many things to do and see, and we’re definitely spoilt for choice at Christmas. Here are some of the things that we have done in the past as well as some things we think you will love.Exeter

1. Cathedral Christmas Market

Don’t forget to take a trip to the Christmas Market which is held in the Cathedral Green. It’s packed full of lovely local sellers where you can buy lots of unusual and unique gifts. There are also lots of food stalls so you can make a bit of an event of it with a bit of shopping, something to eat and a glass of mulled wine. It’s even nicer if you go on a Thursday evening for late night shopping, but be warned if you take the kids as it’s usually heaving. If you want to check out what kind of stalls are there then head on over to the Exeter Cathedral Website where they are listed.

2. Spark at Princesshay

Thursday 7th December. Performances will take place at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm and last about 30 minutes. Spark combines high impact drumming with kaleidoscope lighting. It looks like a real treat. We’re going to head to Princesshay to watch this and am looking forward to it.

Spark! by Worldbeaters Music from Fools Paradise on Vimeo.

3, A Touch of the Wild Christmas Family Fun Day

Saturday 16th December. Taking place at Grammarcombe Woods this festive celebration involves Christmas Craft Activities. All children get that chance to make a Christmas gift to take home and keep. There will be a surprise visit from Santa and his elf helper where all children will receive a special gift. Tickets (booking essential) are priced at £9.50 for children over 18 months, £6.50 for adults. The price includes a Christmas gift for the children and hot chocolate or hot drinks for all.

4. Cotley Farm Christmas

If you’re looking for a real Christmas Tree then head to Cotley Farm and make it into a christmassy experience. Visit the farm shop, pick out a tree and then head to meet the reindeer (including one year old Willow). They are also holding Kids Craft Events in December where the kids can make a creation that they can take home to keep. Booking is advisable for the crafting but you can pop to the farm during opening hours at your leisure.

Christmas Family Activities in Exeter

5. Christmas at Killerton – Wind in the Willows

It’s a while since I read Wind in the Willows, and we’ve yet to read it to Isabelle. Killerton is one of the places that we like to and explore, often with our dog in tow. It’s a beautiful setting. This year you will find Toad, Ratty Mole and Badger throughout the rooms where scenes are set up to tell the story. As well as the house, you can wander through the twinkling outdoor trails where you will find activities themed on the classic story. Dates for this are available throughout December and end on the 5th January. Booking is essential as all events do get really busy.

6. Carols by Candlelight at the Donkey Sanctuary

Join the donkeys and Santa himself for a magical evening of Christmas carols illuminated by thousands of candles. There will be 20 jazz saxophonists from the Saxminster band who will play a host of merry tunes followed by a 45 minute Christmas Carol Service starting at 5pm. Mulled wine, hot drinks and mince pies will be available as well as hot food served in their restaurant. The event is free to attend so I imagine you will have to get there nice and early.

7. Cofton Christmas with Father Christmas Story Time – 20.12.17

For one day only there is a very special surprise for all the very lucky boys and girls who have been well behaved this year! Santa will share his favourite Christmas Story, and you will get to meet his trusted Reindeer and Snow Dog. You can even pop to the North Pole Workshop and make your own gift. For the adults there will be the opportunity to buy some Christmas gifts at the Christmas Market where local traders will be selling their wares. Admission is £8.00 for children which allows one adult free admission. Additional adults will be charged at £4.

I hope this give you a good start with things to do. This is going to be an ongoing post that I will update as I find or go to exciting events. Do you have somewhere great that you like to take your children?

Free or paid events welcome.

Lisa x

#SchoolHols2017 – Killerton House

29/07/201722/01/2024 Lisa

Killerton House

I think our favourite National Trust property by far is Killerton House. The grounds are beautiful and you can either take a short walk or a long walk dependent on your stamina or if you have little legs with you.

What is there to do?

The house and grounds are family-friendly with baby changing and feeding facilities. You can take pushchairs into the house, but some of the off-path walks may be a bit tricky.

There is a children’s play area and several interesting things around the grounds to climb on. Don’t forget to check out the Bear House.

It’s a great place to take a picnic but you can of course opt to go to one of their two cafes for refreshments.

You can also take dogs on leads (not in the house).

Take a walk around the house and discover the history and take part in the Builder Mouse Trail which area dotted throughout the building and see what jobs they’re doing.

Try it Tuesdays – Take the kids along and let them take part in a new sport.

1st August – Laser clay shooting and rugby skills.
8th August – Frisbee golf and archery.
15th August – American football and archery.
19th August – Frisbee golf and American football.
22nd August – Tennis and cricket.

Wicked Wednesdays – Themed activities for the kids to take part in. Here are the ones upcoming:

2nd August – We’re going on a Bear Hunt 2 pm – 4 pm.
9th August – Pirates 2pm – 4pm.
16th August – Knights, Dragons, and Damsels 2 pm – 4 pm.
23rd August – Fairies and Elves 2 pm – 4 pm.
30th August – Jungle Explorers 2 pm – 4 pm.

Check out the website for 50 things to do before you’re 11.

They also have a Secret Supper Club which we haven’t experienced ourselves, but it sounds like a really nice thing to do.

Opening Times

10.00am – 5.00pm Every day.

How much does it cost?

Child £5.50
Adult £11.00
Family £27.50

What did we think?

We love Killerton. Thankfully Isabelle likes to walk as long as there are interesting things to look at and do along the way. Killerton has everything you need for the perfect family day out so a big thumbs up from us.

Lisa x

Don’t forget to leave us a comment if you’ve been to Killerton – and if you’re looking for inspiration this school holidays then don’t forget to have a look at our #SchoolHols2017 page where we have lots of days out in the South West listed.

Devon Days Out – Killerton National Trust

02/04/201711/01/2024 Lisa 1 Comment

Devon Days Out – Killerton National Trust

Living in the South West we have beautiful surroundings and loads of things to do with the kids.

Since getting our lovely Labradoodle (now 3) a lot of our days out are places that the kids can have fun and the dog gets walked at the same time. We pack the car up with food, drinks, wellies, dog treats and plenty of pooh bags and off we go.

Friends of ours recommended Killerton ages ago but it was only on Bank Holiday Monday that we went for the first time, and it definitely won’t be the last.

Killerton is a National Trust Property with lots to offer.

It was a nice surprise when we arrived that they were hosting the Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunt. So off we set looking for clues…..

You had to collect letters to make a word at the end to claim your Chocolate prize.

Amazing Outdoor Space

There are parts where the dog wasn’t allowed so Daddy did a bit of walking whilst we carried on the hunt and came across the Bear Hut where a real bear was kept by the family in the 19th century. The picture on the right was the walls and the ceiling inside the hut.

The whole place was beautiful with lots of places for Isabelle to stretch her legs and climb on.

We didn’t venture inside the house as we had Charlie, so we’ll have to make a trip back without him so we can have a look around and stay for tea and cake.

After hiding under a tree during a huge downpour with hailstone we found this low rainbow in font of the chapel.

All in all it was a great day and we’ll be going back again soon.