Hop on the train this half-term, with kids travelling half price (5-15yrs old) and under 5s free. With great things happening across Devon and Cornwall, here are five of our top picks:
A Kernewek half-term at Cotehele
Calstock
Sat 24th – Sat 31st May 2025, 10:00 – 16:00
Hop on the scenic Tamar Valley Line to Calstock and head to Cotehele National Trust for a celebration of all things Cornish! Enjoy Cornwall inspired games throughout the garden – from jam-first cream tea races, to postcard writing and even Morris dancing. As you explore the house, garden and estate keep an eye out for prompts teaching you fun Cornish words and phrases!
No booking required. Free event (normal admission applies).
Tues 27th – Fri 30th May 2025, 10.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30
Get creative this half-term with free hands on activities at The Box! Kids can dive into the future by sculpting imaginative sea creatures from clay, inspired by artist Sonya Dyer. Perfect for children aged 4 to 11 and their adults, these fun drop-in craft sessions are a great way to spark creativity. No booking needed – just turn up and join the fun!
Rock Pool Explorers at the National Maritime Museum
Falmouth
Sat 24th May – Sun 1st June 2025, drop-in from 10am – 4.30pm
Take a deep dive into the wonders of Cornwall’s coast at Falmouth’s National Maritime Museum! Explore a mobile rock pool filled with fascinating sea creatures (pictured at the top of this blog), learn how to identify marine life, and get hands-on at the Seaweed Identification Stand – where you explore the scientific art of drawing seaweeds.
There’s plenty for young explorers too, with craft activities to make a seagrass crown and a museum trail to follow.
Half-term activities free as part of the Museum’s annual admission fee. Pay once and get in free for a year.
There’s a different activity each day from Tuesday to Thursday at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum. On Tuesday, get crafty with Fedoras and Flappers (£3.50 per child), where children can design their own cardboard fedora or Flapper headband – perfect for channeling the spirit of the Jazz Age. On Wednesday, dive into design and Print an Art Deco Tote Bag (£3.50 per child), a hands-on session exploring bold 1920s patterns.
Then on Thursday, don’t miss the chance to meet Characters from the Past (free). From curious Tudors to prehistoric figures, you never know who you might bump into as you explore the museum!
Visit Liskeard & District Museum for a fun Spitfire making workshop! Drop into a free 45-minute session to build your own cardboard Spitfire – the perfect takeaway for young history buffs and craft lovers!
Walks from the railway
Rail Ale Trails
Beaches by train
Arts & culture
Book Trail
Vinyl Trail
Times and prices
Parking and public transport
Travelling with kids
Taking bikes
Travelling with dogs
Assisted travel
