Outdoor Activities: May Bank Holiday Local Outdoor Activities

This year we are blessed with not one, not two but THREE bank holidays this May and with any luck, the British Weather will be on our side so we can make the most of it. To make life easier for you, we’ve found some great local activities for everyone to enjoy!

It only makes sense to kick things off with all things water-related as we are blessed to live in Britain’s Ocean City;

South West SUP

If you’re a complete newbie or looking to paddle board regularly with like-minded suppers, then this award-winning school is just for you. Located on the waterfront at the Royal William Yard they offer everything from Junior clubs and 1-1 sessions to group sessions and guided tours. To finish off your paddle boarding adventure, you will find their organic coffee shop, The Shack, offering local refreshments, snacks and of course ice cream.

Wellness Warriors Yoga Studio

Tailoring towards all areas of well-being, the Modbury-based Yoga studio supports all your physical goals from improving sleep to increasing mobility. Offering a wide variety of classes but one to mention for May is the weekly Beach Yoga session held at Bigbury Beach. You’ll be taken through the gentle flow and deep relaxation class, all whilst being serenaded by the ocean and immersed in the beautiful surroundings.

Bike Trails

With those brighter mornings and warmer evenings rolling in, a great escape to the outdoors is a good old fashion bike ride. Perfect for all the family or by yourself and it’s a great opportunity to explore, all from the comfort of your padded seat. National Forests such as Cann Woods and Dartmoors Drake’s Trail are perfect for bike rides with a variety of cycle paths. Bathe yourself in the woodland wonders and lose yourself in nature. No bike? No problem. As part of Plymouth’s environmental efforts, you can now find Berly Bays dotted around Plymouth where you can hire an e-bike and take yourself around the Plymouth Sound. Or if you have a car, we recommend the Camel Trail where you can hire a bike and take the track from Wadebridge to Padstow.

Tinside Lido

Consistently voted in the top 10 of Europe’s Outdoor pools, we have the privilege of having this beautiful and historical attraction right on our doorstep. It’s easy to take for granted something so close to home but the Grade II listed pool is so unique to our city and holds an archive of memories as far back as 1935 when it was first built. Since its regeneration in 2003, the Lido has been open to the public and been a great hub for summer days out. We welcome with open arms the reopening for the season on 27th May, just in time for the bank holiday. Time to grab those goggles!

Go Paddling Week
23rd – 31st May

If you love the great outdoors and fancy trying something new, then ‘Go Paddling’ week could be the perfect chance. The British Canoe Union have designated a week to encourage paddlers old and new to get on the water in a canoe or kayak and lucky for us, we’re surrounded by water. Mount Batten Watersports is a great place to start with their Try Sessions to introduce all new comers or if you’re feeling a little rusty. If the idea of kayaks gives you sea legs then Reactive Watersports in Ivybridge offer lessons in Surfing, Wing Surf and even have SUP Safari’s when you’ve mastered the basics.

Pennywell Farm

A full day of farmyard fun for all of the family, with activities every half hour from 9:00am – 4:00pm so there’s no shortage of entertainment. Enjoy the exhilarating ferret race at 10:00 am, Pamper the Pony’s at 1:00pm and end the day with some Piggy Cuddles. The farm also offers 4 farmyard rides from the Red Rockets to the Run Rabbit Go Carts, all included in the admission price!

Dartmoor Zoo

Enjoy the 30-acre zoo and all the splendour and marvel at the largest variety of big cats in the South West from the tigers, lions and cheetahs. The zoo celebrates a vast array of animals at the zoo from mammals and birds to reptiles and amphibians, so there’s something for everyone. Once at the zoo you can enjoy daily and educational talks, upgrade your visit with one of their ‘Experience’ packages and join in with the ultimate detective trail which begins on 27th May.

Camel Creek Theme Park

A vibrant and welcoming family theme park delivering great adventures and days out for the whole family. The all-weathers attraction is open all year round with seasonal activities such as the Fusion Extreme Bike Show on 13th and 14th May and Storytime with Paddington to round off the month on 30th and 31st May. Enjoy the thrilling rides, pet some furry and scaley friends and fuel up with a range of different eateries and sweet treats, it’ll be a day to remember at Camel Creek.

River Dart Country Park

“With over ninety acres of woods, scenic walks and beautiful lakes, the River Dart Country Park is the perfect setting for all kinds of outdoor activities. With over 25 park attractions, children can rough-and-tumble over space nets, swing through trees on jungle ropes, or even capture a wooden pirate ship surrounded by water! Toddlers aren’t left out either with our Toddlers Beach and Playground (Lilliput), just perfect for tiny explorers.

You can visit for the day, camp on our award-winning camping and touring site, or stay in our luxurious en-suite rooms in Holne Park House and the refurbished Coach House. For the more adventurous, during high season, at extra cost, “Dare Devils” offer instructor supervised activities on-site, including mega zip wire, high ropes course, open boat canoeing and more!” – River Dart Country Park.

Local Walk Trails

It’s no secret that the South West is in ample supply of beautiful scenic walks and what better way to spend your bank holiday then lacing up your walking boots, grabbing your water bottle and allowing your feet to take you on an adventure. Whether you are wanting to explore more of Dartmoor or stick to the South West coasts there are many walking trails to explore or you could even create your own.

These are just a few of the many activities that happen locally and hopefully, these have sparked some excitement to try something new or inspired some ideas of your own to go outside and create some new memories.

Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram of your adventures!
@omplymouthmagazine