10 Free Things to Do in Mid Devon

Check out our round up of Free things to do in Mid Devon for low cost solutions to entertain the family this summer.

1. The Flock That Rock Swan Trail

Discover the charming town of Tiverton while you hunt for 12 beautiful swan sculptures that have made their home in the town for until October Half Term! Free ‘The Flock That Rock’ Trail Guides can be picked up from Tiverton Museum or Tiverton Library, and you can get your free badge from the same places when you complete the trail and find all 12!

Make sure you keep a look out for our naughty 13th swan, Swanning Around, who has escaped and keeps popping up in different locations!

2. Discover Mid Devon’s Libraries

Mid Devon’s libraries offer some great free or low cost events all year round. During the summer you’ll find a range of family friendly events and activities at Tiverton Library, The Hayridge in Cullompton, Crediton Library and Bampton Library and Resource Centre. You’ll find Lego Clubs, craft activities, author meets and family shows. Find out more at the Devon Libraries website or via their individual Facebook pages (linked above).

3. Splash About

Cool off on hot summer days (hopefully!) in our free paddling pools. Have fun splashing about at Newcombes Meadow in Crediton or West Exe Park in Tiverton, open 7 days a week throughout the summer! Check out the Mid Devon District Council website for more information.

4. Free Events

There is a whole host of free events coming up this summer across Mid Devon! You’ll find plenty of family friendly activities at Tiverton Pannier Market alongside their usual markets, from craft activities to fun trails. Have a chance to go on free heritage bus rides and free open-top tours at Tiverton Bus Station on Sunday 1st September at Devon General Remembered.
Keep an eye on our What’s On page for more information about events including music events and food festivals coming up over the next few months.

5. Tiverton Museum Photographic Trail

If you’re young people are interested in history then head to Tiverton Museum and pick up a copy of their free Tiverton Photographic Trail. The trail takes you around Tiverton town centre to find old photos of Tiverton as it looked in the past in the windows of shops and businesses. It’s a great glimpse back into the past to help you imagine how the town would have looked. The trail runs until the 29th September.

6. Have a Picnic

Take your snacks and head out for a picnic under the sky! There are lots of great picnic spots in Mid Devon surrounded by lovely countryside and scenic views. The Grand Western Canal Country Park is always a winner, or why not head up to Culmstock Beacon for lovely views while you eat. Look out for our blog on picnic spots coming later in the summer.
If you can stretch to it, buy your picnic ingredients from one of our markets or farmshops for yummy local flavours.

7. Free Attractions

There are a couple of great volunteer run free attractions that are well worth a visit. Bampton Heritage & Visitor Centre based in the church in Bampton has lots of fascinating information about town’s history with children’s activities include dressing up costumes, quizzes, and an interactive video game. They also offer a free family trail and quiz.

Dunkeswell Heritage Centre and the WW2 Nissen Hut & Upottery Airfield Heritage Centre tell you all about the part that our little corner of the world played in World War Two. You’ll find lots of photos and information as well as real objects, weapons and even uniforms to try on.

While both of these attractions are free to visit they do welcome donations if you are able to support the work they do.

8. Go for a Walk or Bike Ride

Lace up your boots or get your feet on the pedals and head out onto our trails and country lanes. Take the whole family for a scenic stroll or gentle bike ride. There are plenty of easier routes to choose from that will suit all abilities in your family group. The Grand Western Canal offers flat terrain, try out one of our old railway tracks, or head off road at Eggesford Forest. For more routes have a look at our Interactive Map.

9. Play Time

There are some play areas and parks across Mid Devon for the little ones to have some fun and burn off some energy! Some particular highlights are the Bampton Motte play area and the play area at the Grand Western Canal Basin. You’ll find a full list of parks and play areas on the Mid Devon District Council website.

10. Make Your Own Treasure Hunt

Simple fun to keep the little ones entertained – grab a piece of paper and a pen and jot down a list of things for them to find or spot on a short journey or in a particular area. You can have great fun making it competitive, or get them working as a team!