Have a family adventure at Coleton Fishacre whatever the season. Discover a host of family-friendly activities to take part in, from outdoor challenges to garden trails and more.
Planning your family visit
Here is some useful information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out to Coleton Fishacre.
The garden has buggy friendly routes, which the Welcome Team can show you on arrival.
The den building area and Scout Point are popular areas for families.
Buggy parking and free lockers to store items and bags can be found at the side of the house.
Hip-carrying infant seats are also available to borrow from the house.
Baby-changing facilities are available in the access-friendly toilet located next to Visitor Reception.
High chairs are available to borrow in Cafe Coleton - please ask a member of staff to bring one to your table.
Fancy bringing a picnic? There's benches in the orchard car park or grassy areas dotted around the garden ideal for alfresco lunch. During summer we have picnic blankets available for you to borrow.
There’s a 'pick and mix' style picnic box available for children in Cafe Coleton. Choose a sandwich, drink and a selection of three snacks for £5.50.
Pocket money gifts and children’s books available in the shop
Children's books in the second-hand bookshop on Seemly Terrace
If you need to take five somewhere a little quieter, there's plenty of spots dotted around the garden.
Wander along the path to the left of the house for the wildflower meadow
Head across the Rill Garden to the slopes opposite the house
Make your way down through the garden to the fern and bamboo glades
Things to see and do
There's plenty of adventures to be had at Coleton Fishacre. Whether it's exploring the garden and spotting signs of the changing season to discovering how the team looks after the house or finding a new bedtime read in the second-hand bookshop, there's fun rain or shine.
Every Wednesday during term time, 9.30am-11.30am
Perfect for toddlers, join a free 'Little Acorns' session in the garden before we open to the public. There'll be seasonal activities along the way, so come dressed for play whatever the weather. Little Acorns takes place every Wednesday during term time. Please note this activity does not take place during school holidays. Admission is free.
We've got lots of ways to help you enjoy your visit in the house.
You can choose from borrowing items from the sensory station, get creative with the interactive sensory projector full of inclusive motion-active activities, or pick up the free trail.
From designing your own natural colour palette or spotting the signs of nature in the garden, the outdoor trails are free and a great way to keep minds occupied while exploring the garden. You can pick these up and a pencil from Visitor Reception on arrival and claim a sticker for completing any of the trails.
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Nature explorers: Fascinating facts about Barn Owl
Weds 18 February, 11am-1pm
Join the Barn Owl Trust for a pop-up talk on all things Barn Owls at Coleton Fishacre. Learn about their habitats and conservation, to how the extreme weather and climate change is affecting them and even get hands on with pellet analysis. Normal admissions apply.
Free entry during National Lottery Open Week
7 - 15 March
To say thank you to the Lottery players who have made so much of our conservation work possible, we’re taking part in the National Lottery Open Week. Just present your lottery ticket or scratch card to explore Coleton Fishacre for free. Parking charges apply.
Easter egg hunt at Coleton Fishacre
Daily 21 March - 19 April
This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Coleton Fishacre on an Easter trail. Make your way along the trail and find 10 activities for all the family. The trail takes place between 21 March - 19 April 2026 from 10.30am - 4pm, with last entry at 3.30pm. Come along and explore the beautiful garden by the river at Greenway this spring. Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg.
*Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies.
Normal admissions apply.
Discover more at Coleton Fishacre
Find out when Coleton Fishacre is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
With a climate as mild as South Cornwall, exotic and tender plants thrive in the garden at Coleton Fishacre. From formal terraces to woodland, the garden is varied and filled with year-round interest, and RHS accredited.
Step inside the 1920s country home of the D’Oyly Carte family where Art Deco features, sea views and light and airy designs create an intimate atmosphere.
Winter is the perfect time for many of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities. Wrap up warm and go welly wandering, fossil hunting or stargazing.
