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Family-friendly things to do at Coleton Fishacre

A family walks through the oak woodland in Borrowdale on a sunny autumn day
Explore the garden as it changes with the season | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

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.

What's on?

Guardian of the garden trail

17 October - 15 November 

This autumn follow the path of 'The Green Man' to discover fascinating facts and spellbinding folklore about ancient woodlands on a free trail in the garden. Spot tree hugging hands, uncover the stories and find out how you can help the Green Man in your own natural spaces.

Normal admissions apply. 

 

What do barn owls eat?

Wed 28 October, 1.30-3.30pm  

Get hands on dissecting owl pellets, identify the bones and find out more fascinatin facts from The Barn Owl Trust, as they talk all things Barn Owls. The talk will take place on the loggia at Coleton Fishacre house.

Normal admissions apply. 

 

Storytelling in the house

Sun 1 November, 11am - 3pm  

Complete with blankets, cushions and story books, you can sit and read together or stay for a storytelling session with one of our volunteers, as they explore tales and poems from children’s books written in the 1920s and 1930s. Storytelling takes place in the house. 

Normal admissions apply. 

 

Roaring Twenties Christmas party

Weekends from 21 November - 13 December, daily 16 December - 3 January 2027 (exc Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

With glittering trees and fun dance classes, to a mini vintage cinema and spotter trail indoors and out, there's lots of fun to be had this Christmas at Coleton Fishacre.  

Normal admissions apply. 

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. 

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Planning your family visit

Here is some useful information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out to Coleton Fishacre. 

A view of the flowers in the garden with the house in the background at Coleton Fishacre, Devon

Discover more at Coleton Fishacre

Find out when Coleton Fishacre is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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Visiting the garden at Coleton Fishacre 

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.

View through trees to flower borders and a long, narrow water feature

Things to do in the house at Coleton Fishacre 

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.

The Sitting Room at Coleton Fishacre, Devon, featuring the limestone fireplace

Eating and shopping at Coleton Fishacre 

A visit to Coleton Fishacre would not be complete without browsing the National Trust Shop or picking up a tasty treat from Café Coleton.

Throws and a cushion in autumnal colours on a sofa, with homeware items including a mug, plant pot and small decorative bowls in the background.

What’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ all about? 

Discover how and why we created the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list to help children connect with nature and the natural world.

Visitors to the Lake District enjoying a cooking woodland activity at Footprint, Windermere, Cumbria

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. .

A family exploring the gardens at castle drogo, The two little boys are running ahead of their sister and mother