Visitors heading to the South West this Half Term can expect a programme packed with family adventures and seaside thrills

With meteorological Autumn upon us and the nights drawing in, the experts at the English Riviera have compiled a list of the top events happening across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham for those looking to plan a spooktacular half-term staycation.

From exhibitions in underground caves to murder mysteries and ghoulish games, there is something for everyone in South Devon this October.

Autumn Event Highlights on the English Riviera

Halloween Trail at Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey, a museum of history and art housed in an Ancient Scheduled Monument,  once again swings open its ancient garden gates after hours, inviting families to experience a spine-tingling, family-friendly Halloween adventure like no other. Step into the eerie world of The Abbey After Dark, where shadows stir and ghostly figures roam. As night falls, brave visitors will journey through a creepy trail filled with interactive scares, haunting illuminations, and hair-raising special effects

Ghost Walks at Kents Cavern

Journey into a place of deep time, where the walls of the ancient caves of Kents Cavern hold some of the oldest stories. Discover tales of haunted homes, restless spirits and stories of strange things in the underground cave network. In addition, the caves are running a Darker Side of History experience, where visitors can step beyond the familiar tales and discover the darker and mysterious side of this ancient place, learning about ancient rites, the last witches in England, folklore and the traditions that have shaped Devon for centuries.

Sculpture Trail at Cockington Court

The annual trail features over 30 sculptures, all inspired by the magic of the movies from space, sci-fi, and action, promising to provide plenty to discover and explore. There is also the option to have a cream tea and browse the artisan studios and workshops at Cockington Court while visiting.

National Trust Greenway House 

Discover frightfully fascinating facts at Greenway House about poisonous plants, wicked wildlife and garden gobblers, on a family-friendly autumn trail packed with ghoulish games in the garden of the National Trust’s Greenway. In this atmospheric Georgian house, crime writer Agatha Christie would spend summers and Christmases with her family.

Frightlights at Babbacombe Model Village  

Frightlights is a chilling adventure packed with spooky scenes, eerie surprises and just enough fright to delight both adults and children at Babbacombe Model Village. The intricate village transforms with ghouls, ghosts and spooky scenes causing havoc among the miniature residents, bringing Halloween magic to life like never before.

Murder mystery events

Across three different venues, the Bay is hosting several murder mystery events, including immersive dinner shows, afternoon teas, themed weekend breaks, and interactive performances with a nod to Agatha Christie, who was born in Torquay.

Dartmouth Steam Railway

The Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton runs for seven miles in Great Western tradition along the spectacular Torbay coast to Goodrington Sands, Churston and through the wooded slopes bordering the Dart estuary and on to Kingswear. The scenery is superb, with seascapes right across Lyme Bay to Portland Bill on clear days.

Paignton Zoo

Head to Paignton Zoo, the largest zoo in the South West for a great family day out, whatever the weather, in the beautiful 80 acres of land home to 1,800 animals across nearly 190 different species.

Theatre and comedy

Known for its thriving theatre scene, the English Riviera has six theatres showing a range of comedy, musicals and dramas, including Frozen the Musical at the Palace Theatre in Paignton. Also, legendary singer Van Morrison is performing for one night only on 28 October at the Princess Theatre in Torquay.

For a full list of events and activities to enjoy this October half term, take a look at the English Riviera What's On page.  

Autumn on the English Riviera

For the sunnier Autumn days, October on the English Riviera is the perfect time of year for cosy pub lunches, brisk seaside walks and dog and family-friendly outdoor adventures on the stunning South West Coast Path which runs directly through the UNESCO Global Geopark. 

Along a 22-mile stretch of coastline, there are more than 20 beaches and secluded coves to explore with four-legged friends or blow the cobwebs away at dog-friendly Berry Head National Nature Reserve in Brixham, one of the main gateways to the English Riviera Global Geopark. It is an internationally-acclaimed heritage site, home to a fascinating variety of wildlife and history, with recently-restored Napoleonic War fortifications. 

English Riviera Accommodation

With accommodation and dining options to suit every taste and budget, an Autumn adventure awaits on the English Riviera.

For more information about accommodation offerings visit our accommodation page.