February Half-Term Activities Update 2026 | Exmoor Family Guide

February Half-Term Activities on Exmoor is one of those special weeks that families come back to year after year. The moors are quiet, the snowdrops are in full bloom, and there’s a wonderful sense of space and freedom that children (and parents) absolutely thrive on. Whether you’re chasing wild goats at the Valley of the Rocks, exploring the ancient halls of Dunster Castle, or watching your little ones race across Dunster Beach, Exmoor in February is a genuinely magical place for a family holiday.

For 2026, February half-term in Somerset and Devon runs from Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February. This updated guide brings you the latest information on everything that’s open, what’s new, and the best ways to fill your week with adventure. We’ve checked opening times, updated walk details, and hand-picked the best family cottages so you can plan with confidence.

Whether this is your first visit to Exmoor or you’re a seasoned regular looking for fresh ideas, read on for our complete guide to February half-term activities on Exmoor in 2026.

Half-Term Dates 2026

Most English and Welsh schools share the same half-term week this year, so expect Exmoor to be pleasantly busy but never overcrowded – one of the big advantages of holidaying on the moor rather than a traditional seaside resort. Scottish families visiting a week earlier will enjoy even quieter trails and attractions.

Snowdrop Valley – Exmoor’s February Highlight

If there’s one thing that defines February on Exmoor, it’s the breathtaking display at Snowdrop Valley near Wheddon Cross. Every year, thousands of delicate white snowdrops carpet the woodland floor along the River Avill, creating one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in the South West.

For 2026, Snowdrop Valley is open from 24 January to 22 February, which means the display will be at its absolute peak during half-term week. The timing could not be better.

The walk itself is a gentle 1-mile flat woodland path that’s suitable for pushchairs and wellingtons alike. There’s no charge for entry – just a donation box at the entrance – and parking is available at Wheddon Cross village hall. Allow about an hour for the walk, more if the children want to explore every twist and turn of the path (they will).

Read our full guide: Snowdrop Valley on Exmoor

Above image and Featured image Credit: Shaun Davey

February Half-Term Activities – Family Walks for All Ages

Exmoor is a walker’s paradise at any time of year, and February is no exception. The air is crisp, the woods are atmospheric, and without the summer foliage you’ll often spot wildlife more easily. Here are five of the best family-friendly walks for half-term.

Tarr Steps

Exmoor’s most famous landmark, Tarr Steps is an ancient clapper bridge spanning the River Barle. The bridge itself is a fascinating sight – over 50 metres long, made of flat stone slabs that have been here for centuries. The walk from the car park to the bridge is just half a mile through beautiful riverside woodland. In warmer months, children love paddling in the shallow river, but even in February the dramatic setting makes this a must-visit.

Read more: Tarr Steps – Complete Visitor Guide

Horner Woods

Horner Woods is one of the finest ancient oak woodlands in England, and walking through it in February feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The 3-mile circular route takes you through towering oaks, along babbling streams, and into clearings where you might spot red deer grazing on the hillside. It’s best suited for children aged 5 and over who are confident walkers, though shorter routes are available from the car park.

Valley of the Rocks, Lynton

Few places on Exmoor are as dramatically beautiful as the Valley of the Rocks, just west of Lynton. Towering rock formations rise above the coastal path, and a herd of wild goats roam freely among the crags. Children are always thrilled to see the goats up close. The main valley walk is about a mile on good paths, with stunning views out over the Bristol Channel.

Read more: Valley of the Rocks Circular Walk

Image Credit: Shaun Davey

Dunster Beach to Minehead

For a completely flat, easy walk that even the youngest children can manage, try the coastal path from Dunster Beach to Minehead. This 2-mile stroll follows the shoreline with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. It’s perfect for beachcombing, collecting interesting pebbles and shells, and burning off energy. On a clear February day, the views are spectacular.

Watersmeet

Watersmeet is where the East Lyn River meets Hoar Oak Water in a spectacular gorge near Lynmouth. The 2-mile walk down to the National Trust tea garden at Watersmeet House is a real adventure for children – steep wooded valleys, rushing water, and moss-covered boulders everywhere. It’s moderate in difficulty with some steep sections, so best for confident walkers aged 6 and up.

Read more: Watersmeet Circular Walk Guide

February Half-Term Activities Updates – Castles, Trains & Animals

When the family fancies something beyond walking, Exmoor has plenty of brilliant attractions to fill a half-term day. Here are our top picks for 2026.

Dunster Castle (National Trust)

Dunster Castle is an absolute showstopper – a medieval fortress perched on a wooded hill overlooking the village of Dunster. During half-term, the National Trust typically puts on special children’s activities including trails, crafts, and storytelling. The castle interior is full of fascinating rooms to explore, from the grand dining hall to the leather-hung gallery, and the subtropical garden is a wonderfully unexpected treat in February. The on-site tearoom serves excellent cream teas.

Dunster Castle is open daily during February half-term. We recommend checking the National Trust website for the latest opening hours and half-term event details.

Image Credit: Neville Stanikk

West Somerset Railway

There’s something irresistible about a heritage steam train, and the West Somerset Railway is one of the longest in the country. Running from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard (20 miles), it chugs through gorgeous countryside with views of the Quantock Hills and the coast. Children love the experience of riding in vintage carriages and watching the engine at work. Check the West Somerset Railway website for the half-term timetable, as services may run a special schedule during February.

Exmoor Zoo

Exmoor Zoo is open every day of the year, making it a reliable half-term destination come rain or shine. Set in a sheltered valley near Barnstaple, the zoo is home to wolves, lynx, otters, meerkats, and an impressive collection of birds and reptiles. There are covered viewing areas throughout, so a rainy day is no obstacle. Keeper talks and feeding sessions run throughout the day, and children can get up close to some of the smaller animals.

Quince Honey Farm

Quince Honey Farm near South Molton offers a family-friendly experience that goes beyond the buzz. Explore nature trails, discover local wildlife, and learn about the incredible world of bees through interactive displays. It’s an enjoyable and educational outing that works well for all ages, and there’s a well-stocked shop if you want to take some Exmoor honey home.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Did you know that Exmoor is one of only a handful of International Dark Sky Reserves in the world? With minimal light pollution, the night skies above the moor are truly extraordinary. February’s longer, darker evenings make it one of the best months for stargazing – and it’s an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.

On a clear February night, you can see the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon, spot the Orion Nebula with the naked eye, and watch shooting stars streak across the sky. The best stargazing spots on Exmoor include Holdstone Hill near Combe Martin, Brendon Two Gates on the B3223, and Webbers Post above Horner Woods.

No special equipment is needed – just wrap up warm, bring a blanket or camping chairs, a flask of hot chocolate, and give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. For families staying with us during half-term, stargazing from your cottage garden can be just as magical as heading out to a dedicated viewpoint.

For more on Exmoor’s Dark Skies, read our guide: Exmoor Dark Sky Discovery Trail

Rainy Day Ideas

Let’s be honest – February on Exmoor might include a rainy day or two. But that’s no reason to stay indoors all day. Here are our favourite wet-weather activities for families.

• Minehead Aquasplash: This family swimming pool has slides, a wave machine, and a toddler splash area. It’s fantastic for burning off energy on a rainy morning and is just a short drive from most of our cottages.
• Dunster Castle Interior: If you’ve already visited the grounds, spend a rainy afternoon exploring the castle’s interior rooms, historic kitchens, and fascinating collections. The children’s trail keeps younger visitors engaged.
• Exmoor Zoo (Covered Areas): Much of Exmoor Zoo can be enjoyed under cover, making it a perfect rainy-day option. The tropical house and reptile house are completely sheltered.
• Cream Tea Trail: Embrace the weather and hop between Exmoor’s cosy pubs and tearooms for cream teas, hot soup, and cake. Children love the novelty of afternoon tea out, and you’ll discover some real gems.
• Explore Minehead: The seaside town of Minehead has shops, arcades, cafes, and a lovely harbour area to explore. See our full guide: Things to Do in Minehead

Where to Stay – Family Cottage Recommendations

The best way to experience February half-term on Exmoor is from a cosy self-catering cottage. With a real fire to come home to, a kitchen for warming soups, and space for the whole family to spread out, our cottages are the perfect base for your adventures. Here are 10 of our favourite family-friendly properties.

Luccombe Cottage Dunster · Sleeps 6 Book Now	Grist Mill Dunster · Sleeps 8 Book Now	Red Deer Cottage Wheddon Cross · Sleeps 6 Book Now
Cascade Cottage Exford · Sleeps 6 Book Now	Elthorne Porlock · Sleeps 8 Book Now	The Wool Barn Exford · Sleeps 8 Book Now
Bossington Green Cottage Porlock · Sleeps 6 Book Now	The Dog House Porlock · Sleeps 8 Book Now	Withycombe Cottage Dunster · Sleeps 6 Book Now
Ball Cottage Winsford · Sleeps 5 Book Now	Plum Tree Cottage Porlock · Sleeps 6 Book Now	Chapel Cottage Exford · Sleeps 6 Book Now

Browse All Family Cottages →

Frequently Asked Questions

Make It a Half-Term to Remember

February half-term on Exmoor offers the rare combination of space, beauty, and adventure that families are increasingly looking for. Whether you spend your days following snowdrop trails, climbing castle battlements, riding steam trains, or simply stargazing from the garden of your cottage, you’ll create the kind of memories that children talk about for years.

With Snowdrop Valley at its peak, Dunster Castle running half-term activities, and the moor at its most atmospheric, there really is no better time to introduce your family to Exmoor – or to come back and discover something new.

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