Family of four walking on a grass footpath at Knightshayes — Family in formal gardens at Knightshayes | © National Trust/Chris Lacey

Family-friendly places around Devon and Exmoor

From rock pooling on beautiful beaches to exploring historic houses, there are plenty of places to enjoy a great family day out around Devon and Exmoor.

Find all the best houses and gardens for your family to visit.

The library at Knightshayes with bookshelves wrapping round the walls, gold wallpaper and sofas.

Article

Knightshayes

Discover the house at Knightshayes. See the details behind architect William Burges's gothic façade and a portrait that may be by Rembrandt.

Family walking in the grounds of Arlington Court with two dogs

Article

There's lots of family fun to be had at Arlington Court. Discover a house full of treasures, an impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles and over 20 miles of walkways, bridleways and cycle routes to explore.

Visitors inside the Bear Hut, looking out of the window at Killerton, Devon

Article

Killerton

Explore the garden, woods and parkland at Killerton. With an estate that covers 6,400 acres, you'll find fun and adventures for children of all ages. Join in the fun during the Summer of Play, from 22 July to 3 September 2023.

Young visitors playing board games at Buckland Abbey, Devon

Article

Buckland Abbey

Whether it's a woodland adventure, an amazing story of life on the high seas or a tasty treat from the cafe, there's something for all the family to enjoy at Buckland Abbey.

Children playing in the garden during a rain shower at Greenway, Devon

Article

Greenway

From garden games to spotting wildlife on the river, there's an adventure for kids big and small.

Family enjoying an Easter visit to Wallington

Article

Coleton Fishacre

Discover a host of activities at Coleton Fishacre to keep the whole family entertained and help you create memories together. What adventures will you have next?

Children looking through binoculars outside

Article

Castle Drogo

Visit this family home and castle on the edge of Dartmoor. It’s the last castle to be built in England and has views across the Teign Gorge in Devon.

Mother and daughter enjoy exploring Saltram house and looking at the Chinese Wallpaper

Article

Saltram

Find family friendly activities to do at Saltram from exploring the estate and gardens to seasonal events.

An adult, holding a small child, watches their child playing games on the lawn of the Green Court at Dunster Castle, Somerset

Article

Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Looking for a fun family day out this spring? Whether you're after outdoor games or a fun trail for the kids, we've got lots for you to enjoy.

Article

Family-friendly things to do at Fyne Court

Fyne Court is a brilliant place for families to explore. Find out more about the activities you can enjoy together.

Visitors enjoy the scenery from the garden at the Buttery Tea Room, Lorna Doone Valley

Article

Things to do in Lorna Doone Valley

Discover this hidden valley in Exmoor, made famous by RD Blackmore in his novel Lorna Doone and home to a wide variety of wildlife such as red deer and Exmoor ponies.

The British weather can be unpredictable, so we've pulled together ideas to help keep the family busy ... whatever the weather!

Two children in coats and wellies walk along the path with umbrellas up towards East Riddlesden Hall, Yorkshire

Article

Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do when it’s raining

We've compiled a selection of items from the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list that are perfect for rainy days, so grab your waterproofs and get involved.

Visitor looking for insects with a butterfly net at Crom, Country Fermanagh.

Article

Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities in summer

Enjoy a memorable family day out this summer. Plan your own wild adventures and see how many of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities you can try out wherever you are.

Discover places to explore in the fresh air with all the family.

Visitors rockpooling at Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon

Article

Wembury

From water sports on the beach to rock-pooling with the family, discover the adventures to be had when you visit Wembury and the surrounding areas.

A family of four are strolling through woodland at Rowallane Garden, County Down, where the leaves on the trees have turned yellow. The family is looking at something out of the shot.

Article

Parke

Explore the historic estate of Parke on the edge of Dartmoor, with its walled garden and mixed orchard plus abundant wildlife on the river.

Family standing on bridge looking for fish in the river at Lydford Gorge, Devon

Article

Lydford Gorge

This spring find a prehistoric world full of crashing water and new growth with plenty of outdoor fun and adventure for all the family at Lydford Gorge.

Two children walk down steps outside at Plymbridge Woods, Devon in the summer

Article

Plymbridge Woods

Discover what you can do when visiting Plymbridge Woods, a 'bridge' between rugged open, windswept moorland and the city of Plymouth and the coast.

Visitors walking at Heddon Valley, Devon

Article

Heddon Valley

Explore the wooded river valley reaching inland down to the sea at Heddon's Mouth. Heddon Valley's walking routes include two accessible routes for all-terrain mobility scooters with Tramper.

Child with a net explores rockpools at South Milton Sands, Devon

Article

South Milton Sands

Follow the coast path to the pretty village of Hope Cove, enjoy some water sports or stay longer and enjoy some stargazing – there's something for everyone at South Milton Sands.

Article

Things to see and do at Woolacombe

From its ideal surfing conditions to its array of rock pools, Woolacombe remains one of North Devon’s best-loved beaches. Find out more about what you can see and do here.