Family days out in Devon

From rock pooling on beautiful beaches to exploring colourful gardens and crunching through fallen leaves, there's plenty to keep the family busy as summer turns to autum. Arlington Court, Buckland Abbey, Castle Drogo, Coleton Fishacre, Greenway, Killerton, Knightshayes, Lydford Gorge, Overbeck's and Saltram are all open: please book ahead of your visit.

Autumn highlights

Children running across the grass

Things to do at Arlington with the family 

A day spent at Arlington is a day full of family fun; there's always something to keep your little ones occupied. Cloud watching and bird watching are some of the '50 things' activities this autumn. Look out for the old photos dotted around the grounds - compare the old with the new, take a pic and share it with us on social media.

Child, and family looking at a trail sheet

Family garden trail at Buckland Abbey 

Can you find all the items that were once grown by the Medieval monks and tick them off your shopping list?

Children enjoying an autumn walk with crispy leaves

Autumn family fun at Castle Drogo 

Come and experience the seasons change walking on the estate. Learn the mischievous ways of the Dartmoor pixies in the October family trail and find out which '50 things to do before you're 11¾ we think are best for autumn adventures.

A family on the South West Coast Path near Coleton Fishacre

Family fun at Coleton Fishacre 

Join us this autumn at Coleton Fishacre and create wild crowns, hide inthe bamboo and complete some of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾.' We’ve kept the grass longer this year, what can you see? What can you hear?

Family walking through woodland, National Trust

Family fun at Greenway 

With the leaves turning on the trees, there are lots of things for families to enjoy in this woodland garden. Agatha Christie and her family spent their glorious holidays at Greenway, walking through the woodland garden, playing games and spending quality time together. Why not follow in their footsteps?

Killerton's garden and parkland dazzle in autumn.

Family fun at Killerton 

Soak up a palette of dazzling autumnal colour around the estate. Enjoy exploring off the beaten track to come across secret paths and crunch leaves underfoot. From the best places to for children to play at Killerton, to the '50 things' fun and family trails they can complete, find out about everything on offer for families.

Two children climbing a small tree in autumn

Autumn family fun at Knightshayes 

From the best places to for children to play at Knightshayes, to '50 things' fun and family trails to complete, find out about everything on offer for families.

Overbecks cliff top gardening

Family fun at Overbeck's 

This autumn the garden at Overbeck's is filled with fun waiting to be had by families. You can complete some of the '50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ here, create a journey stick, and watch boats on the sea.

A family walk amongst autumn leaves

Family fun at Saltram 

Golden crunchy leaves, blushing blackberries and shiny conkers are awaiting welly walks this autumn. Or go on a cycling adventure at the pump track or tick off some '50 things to do before you're 11¾' in the parkland.

Family fun this half term at Baggy Point

Visitors on a walk at Baggy Point, Devon

Bee trail

This half term, families can follow the bee trail around Baggy Point with eight different pollinator themed stops for you to explore with interactive activities to experience, all of which can help give pollinators a home. You don't need a pen or piece of paper, this trail is self led and you can turn up anytime to do it until Sun 1 Nov inclusive.

A family enjoying the easy access walk at Baggy Point

Spooky Halloween trail

On Wednesday 28 October, 11am-3pm, head to the Dynamic Dunescapes gazebo to pick up your free activity sheet and follow the spooky Halloween trail around Baggy Point (please bring a pencil or pen with you).

Family activities for outdoor adventures 

We've got lots of fun activities to try on your next family adventure. Discover wildlife at the places in our care using our handy spotter guides or have a go at activities inspired by the colours and sounds of nature.

Get ready for your family adventure
Places to take the family this season
The hot garden pictured in the mist at Coleton Fishacre

Great gardens in Devon 

There's plenty of late summer colour to be found in a garden near you. Here's a list of some of our favourites, which we've reopened in line with Government guidelines.

Discover Devon gardens
Visitors in the house at Tyntesfield wearing masks

Indoor days out in the South West 

Stuck for something to do on a rainy day, or looking for houses to explore for a dose of history? In the South West, we're reopening the buildings you love, safely and in line with government advice.

Plan your visit
Winter walking
Walking trail 

Walks in the South West with a café

Whether you’re looking for fuel to kick-start a chilly ramble on the coast, or are returning from a gentle stroll in the woods, you’ll find these kiosks, cafés and tea-rooms are great places to refuel and enjoy a treat or two. What's more, every visit you make and piece of cake you buy helps us carry on looking after special places for everyone to enjoy, for ever.

Find a walking route
Campsite field in a Valley at Cloud Hill Campsite.
Lorna Doone Valley   Devon

Camping at Cloud Farm

Located in the Doone Valley on the Devon border Cloud Farm campsite is the perfect location for exploring the area.

Cloud Farm campsite
A mother holds her child aloft at Bucks Mills, North Devon

Beaches and coast in Devon 

Secluded coves, sandy playgrounds and rugged coast; there are many places in Devon for a day beside the seaside.

Read the list
A visitor walking through the grounds of a National Trust site in the autumn

Autumn walks around Devon  

Wrap up warm and see the autumn colours on some of these favourite walks in Devon.

11 Devon autumn walks
Family taking part in craft activities

Recreating places from the South West at home 

If you're in need of a National Trust fix but can't get out at the moment, we have some different ways you could recreate your favourite places from the South West at home, from baking to knitting to cut-out and create models.

Have a go

Places to visit in the South West 

Find out which other gardens and outdoor spaces we care for in the South West are open by county, and how to book to visit.

Find out where you can book to visit in the South West

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Many historic houses are open in England. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. In line with Welsh Government legislation, all places in Wales will close from 24 October to 9 November. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Read this article to find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

Plan your visit