With Christmas a not-so distant memory, many of you are busy planning for February half term. Whether you live locally or are planning to visit us over the holiday, there are plenty of options in and near Tavistock to keep the brood entertained.
Keep reading for our top picks.....
Explore with the Tavistock Detective Trail
Explore Tavistock on this self-guided detective mystery themed Treasure Trail. Can you solve the sneaky clues set on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments to eliminate the suspects to discover whodunit?
Tavistock is a treat to explore and this Trail has just the right mix of natural beauty, fascinating history, and wonderful architecture. Suitable for all ages from 6 – 106 (no children necessary!) and can be done in your own time at your own pace, or even over a couple of days.
Location: Tavistock Town Centre – order your sheet in advance online
Times: Any.
Cost: £9.99.
Duration: The trail is approximately 1.5 miles, taking 2 hours to complete.
Find out more: www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/detective-trail
Watch Puss in Boots at Tavistock Wharf
Take in the latest blockbuster at this wonderful arts and entertainment venue. Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll: he has burnt through eight of his nine lives. Puss sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his nine lives.
Catch it all half term week.
Location: Tavistock Wharf, Canal Road PL19 8AT.
Times: Showings at 11am, 2pm and 7pm throughout half term.
Cost: Child prices from £5.50.
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes.
Find out more: https://tavistockwharf.com/home
Why not take in a swim at Meadowlands next door to complete the day?
Enjoy snowdrops at The Garden House
Visit The Garden House near Yelverton for its first joyful seasonal event of the year – its Snowdrop Festival. A mecca for Snowdrop lovers from all over the country, there will be more than 350 varieties of snowdrops to spot making it one of the most diverse collections of named and naturalised snowdrops in the UK.
Snowdrops hold a fascination and delicate beauty, keeping the garden ‘alive’ and interesting throughout the shortest days of the year and the collection at The Garden House is one of the best locations to view them.
Dates: Until 12th March.
Location: The Garden House, Yelverton, Devon PL20 7LQ.
Times: Trail open during normal visiting hours - 10.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm).
Cost: Normal admission applies (members have free entry and includes up to 3 children or grandchildren for free).
Find out more: www.thegardenhouse.org.uk/whats-on
Experience the Tudors at Buckland Abbey
Follow the fun family trail around the Abbey on your visit this February half term and learn more about Tudor food and Lent with interactive displays and things to spot.
You can also join in the Costume Group on Tuesday 14th and Saturday 18th February 11am-2pm for Tudor Cookery demonstrations in the Abbey.
Dates: 11th – 19th February.
Location: Buckland Abbey, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6EY.
Times: Trail open during normal visiting hours - 10.00am to 4pm.
Cost: Normal admission applies but the trail is free.
Find out more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/buckland-abbey
Get Outdoors
Walk onto Dartmoor | Pew Tor Circular
This circular walk is a great family-friendly activity – easy to reach but plenty of scrambling opportunities for those little legs! Starting at Pork Hill Car Park, it is a relatively flat walk past Windy Post and up to the summit of Pew Tor. The vista from the top is stunning and well worth it – a 360 degree view taking in the distinctive formations of surrounding tors with far-reaching views over Tavistock and into Cornwall.
Walk back to the car park along the leat and enjoy an ice-cream treat at the end.
Find out more: https://www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/pew-tor
Ride onto Dartmoor with Cholwell Riding Stables
Riding straight out onto open Moorland on horseback is exhilarating and, if you have never done it before, it’s an experience not to be missed! Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy the sense of freedom and love of riding that you find at Cholwell Riding Stables. Situated on the A386 between Okehampton and Tavistock, next to the famous ‘Wheal Betsy’ Silver Lead mine, the stables is perfectly located to ride straight out onto Dartmoor. This allows you to enjoy your whole ride on the moor and admire its breathtaking views (weather permitting!)
Never ridden before – don’t panic as all types of rider are catered for.
Find out more: https://www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/cholwell-riding-stables
Cycle at Tamar Trails
Make the most of those new bikes the kids got for Christmas and explore the 25km of dedicated off-road biking trails. No bikes? Then explore them on foot. A perfect activity for the whole family. Where will the trails lead you?
The trails are free to use and open all year round. There is a parking fee of £2 for the day, and free after 6pm.
Find out more: https://www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/tamar-trails
All this and more can be found at www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/tavistock-for-families