Barceló Torquay Imperial Hotel

Animated Exeter screens around 140 animated films and stages an exciting programme of workshops, exhibitions and other events throughout the city of Exeter. The 13-day programme ranges from new features to classic shorts.

Aiming to appeal to as broad a spectrum of interests as possible, part of the programme comprises various activities for budding animators, while masterclasses allow a more intricate consideration of the animation and creation process.

Animated Exeter Website

Kids and adults of all ages gather at Exeter Racecourse where hundreds of stands display all manner of weird and wonderful toys. Visitors are invited to bring along special toys of their own that might interest the stallholders.

Toy Collectors' Fair Website

Vibraphonic brings together an impressive array of distinguished national and international names in Exeter playing jazz, electronic dance, ska, blues and reggae. Performances take place at venues including the Phoenix and the Lemon Grove.

Vibraphonic Website

Travel back in time on a Great Western Railway coach steam engine, as you ride the South Devon Railway between Totnes and Buckfastleigh along the valley of the River Dart. A charming return to the olden days of rail.

South Devon Railway Website

The Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway runs for seven miles along the English Riviera. It provides train-mad children (and adults) with a fabulous opportunity to enjoy the spectacular Devon coastline.

Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway Website

There aren't many towns where a visit to the council headquarters is a major experience, but Totnes Guildhall is truly fascinating. Built in 1553 on the ruins of the medieval priory, it has served as court, prison and meeting place.

The Guildhall is located on the site of a 10th-century Benedictine Priory refectory, and was rebuilt for the Merchant Guild in the 16th century.

From 1624 to 1974 it became the local magistrates' court and the Town Gaol (in use until 1887). Visitors can see the cells where prisoners awaited trial and punishment, then head upstairs to the Council Chamber, where Oliver Cromwell sat in 1646.

Powderham Castle is the impressive 600-year-old home of the Duke of Devon, situated on the River Exe estuary just outside Exeter. Every year between Easter and October, thousands of people pay the Courtenay family home a visit.

The estate offers a tour of the sumptuous castle interiors, beautiful formal gardens and the prized Woodland Garden, at its best in spring when it is carpeted with daffodils. Other highlights include a walk to the Belvedere Tower, which has fabulous views of the Exe estuary, a glimpse of the deer in the Deer Park, and the Secret Garden.

Children will love the House of Marbles at the Courtyard Tea Rooms. Home to the world's largest collection of marbles, it has marble runs, marble puzzles, toys and gifts to suit every pocket.

Dominating the upper end of the town, Totnes Castle is a classic example of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle. Walk the battlements of this English Heritage castle and take in views over the River Dart and towards Dartmouth, Dartmoor and beyond.

Originally built by Judhel, the Norman overlord of Totnes, the castle has dominated the town for hundreds of years. The once-great surrounding ditch is filled today with cottages and gardens.

Newton Abbot's Tuckers Maltings hosts one of the few beer festivals that is actually set in a brewery or, to be precise, a Victorian malthouse. Take the opportunity to sample from the scores of West Country ales available.

The Maltings Beer Festival attracts in excess of 3500 ale lovers, who come from far and wide to twizzle their tastebuds on brews from Guernsey, Helston, Swindon and the West Country. Dozens breweries are represented in total, so you'll need to pace yourself if you want to try all the beers on offer - bottoms up!

Beer Festival Website

The Exeter Record & CD Fair, held at regular intervals throughout the year, attracts collectors and dealers from all over the country. St George's Hall fills with CDs, tapes, records and memorabilia covering all kinds of recorded music.

Exeter Record & CD Fair Website