Half term is just around the corner! For some of our colleagues, the people we support and their families, it’s a chance to enjoy some quality time together.

At Havencare, we know that school holidays can bring extra pressures – especially when outdoor plans get washed out and indoor activity costs start to mount. To help, we’ve rounded up some free, thrifty and accessible things to do across Devon and Cornwall.

From cultural afternoons to budget-friendly adventures, these accessible ideas are all about making the most of the week whether you’re taking time off, or fitting plans around everyday routines.

 

Free, Thrifty and Accessible Indoors

Rain doesn’t have to mean staying in — these indoor hotspots are well worth stepping out for.

Place Town What You’ll Find Accessibility Cost / Entry Info
The Box Plymouth Art, history and natural science galleries. Don’t miss the woolly mammoth or the new Beryl Cook exhibition. Step-free access, lifts, wheelchairs and scooters available, accessible toilets, pushchair friendly Free
Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) Exeter Family friendly galleries spanning natural history, world cultures and local heritage Step-free, lifts, accessible toilets Free general admission. Some special exhibitions ticketed (£6 for Grayson Perry: Aspects of Myself if booked in advance) (rammuseum.org.uk)
Penlee House Gallery & Museum Penzance Light-filled galleries showcasing Cornish art and history. Calm, easy to explore and suitable for all. Step-free through galleries, accessible toilets, pushchair friendly. Wheelchair available to borrow Free for Penzance residents with a free Penzance Pass
National Marine Aquarium Plymouth Sharks, deep-sea exhibits and tanks featuring Friday the Turtle and local sea life. First visit gives free annual membership. Ramps and lifts throughout, wheelchairs available, accessible toilets, carers free  £26 adults, £16 children (under 3 free),
Local Libraries Various towns Storytelling, crafts, and cosy reading spaces. Some have dedicated sensory rooms. Most have step-free access, baby change and are pushchair friendly Free
Falmouth Art Gallery Falmouth A compact and vibrant gallery suitable for all ages. Easy to see in around 30 minutes Step-free access, seating, accessible toilets Free

 

Free, Thrifty and Accessible Outdoors

If there’s a break in the weather, these outdoor options can make great low-cost days out, especially when paired with a tea break.

Activity Town What you’ll find Accessibility * Cost
Beryl Cook Sculpture Trail Plymouth A self-guided city walk spotting new life-sized sculptures inspired by Beryl Cook’s iconic work. Paved pavements, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs Free
Room on the Broom Trail Haldon Woods, Exeter A 1.5 mile woodland trail with interactive activities for children. There’s also a natural playground, bike trails and café near the car park. Trail has a mix of firm and natural surfaces; not fully wheelchair accessible without an all‑terrain chair, but parts are suitable for sturdy pushchairs; accessible toilets at main area Free trail optional activity pack £4.

(Forestry England car park — £5.50 for 2 hrs, £9.50 all day)

Fairy House Trail Saltram Estate, Plymouth Gentle estate walk discovering magical hidden houses around the garden

Normal garden admission applies for non-National Trust members, but the wider park is free.

Estate paths are mainly level and wide, good for pushchairs and some wheelchairs; National Trust also offers manual wheelchairs and off‑road Tramper hire. Free trail with National Trust Membership card
Mount Batten Plymouth A flat sea-front walk with great views across Plymouth Sound. Promenade is flat and firm, good for pushchairs and wheelchairs; accessible toilets and seating along the seafront Free
Wembury Beach Wembury Coastal paths and rockpooling Steps to beach. Accessible toilet in Marine Centre. Level access circular walk at Wembury Point Free

(Parking charges apply for non-National Trust members)

Brent Island South Brent 1km ‘there and back’ level 1 ramble onto Brent Island Tarmac and gravel route onto Brent Island Free trail.

(Parking charges apply in South Brent)

Perranporth Beach Perranporth Wide open beach and promenade Excellent beach access with sand chairs and ramped access from car park. Beach is flat and town promenade is wheelchair friendly. Free

(Seasonal parking fee applies)

Find out more about accessible beaches in Cornwall and ‘Miles Without Stiles’ trails on Dartmoor.

*Accessibility details are based on publicly available information and may vary by route, surface conditions and weather. We recommend checking venue websites or contacting locations directly if you have specific access needs.

 

Year-Round Money Saving Hacks

 A few simple ways of stretching the budget well beyond half term.

  • Blue Light Card – Sign up for a Blue Light Card for discounts on attractions, holidays, fashion and tech. It costs £4.99 but if you’re a Havencare staff member we’ll reimburse you.
  • Get more for your ticket – Plymouth Aquarium isn’t the only place offering free annual membership with a visit; Dartmoor Zoo and the Eden Project run similar schemes.
  • Check Groupon and local discount sites – Groupon and local deal sites often have offers on family attractions — worth a quick look before you book.
  • Turn Tesco Clubcard points into days out – Points can be exchanged for attraction tickets and days out, helping keep costs down.

Whether you’re working, supporting others, or spending time with family, we hope these ideas help spark some extra – ordinary moments this February half-term.

Have a favourite free or low-cost “hidden gem” we’ve missed? Let us know over on our socials — we’d love to share it!

 

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