A family exploring the gardens at castle drogo, The two little boys are running ahead of their sister and mother — Exploring the gardens | © James Beck

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.

Saltram

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

Knightshayes

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

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.

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.

Family walking in the grounds of Arlington Court with two dogs

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 this autumn.

Greenway

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

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?

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.

Children looking through binoculars outside

Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Looking for a fun family day out this autumn? Whether you're looking to get outdoors and discover nature's changing colours or uncover castle stories, there's something for everyone to get involved in.

Visitors walking in the grounds of Dunster Castle with trees either side

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.

Things to do in Lorna Doone Valley

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

Discover family fun across Devon this half term – from enchanted woodland quests to mysterious illusions and garden games, there’s something for everyone at National Trust places.

Apple Antics at Killerton

Follow the garden trail to celebrate all things apple and autumn and take part in seasonal games and activities. 4 Oct - 2 Nov. 10am-5pm.

A child wearing a warm coat and boots kicks up a pile of leaves on the lawn, with an ornamental urn behind

Magic, mystery & illusion: Halloween at Knightshayes

Visit Knightshayes for a Halloween experience full of interesting illusions and mystery. Enter the House and find that not everything is always as it seems as you discover optical illusions of the Victorian era. Venture into the gardens to discover more mysteries. 18 Oct - 2 Nov. 10am-5pm. House 11am-4pm.

A family of two adults and two children laughing, with autumn tree colour

Magic and Myths Trail at Saltram

Dress in your spookiest outfit and follow the trail around the garden to discover the folklore tales surrounding the superstition and magical properties of trees. And not forgetting those pesky pumpkins are back! But can you spot them all as you wander around the garden? 25 Oct - 9 Nov. 10am-4.15pm.

Two children play around in the play area in the grounds of Saltram, Devon

Piskies vs. Trolls trail at Buckland Abbey

Are you #TeamTroll or #TeamPiskie? The Piskies that caused mischief at Buckland Abbey during the Spring are back and this time they’re squabbling with the resident Buckland Trolls who have just woken up from their summer slumber. 18 Oct - 2 Nov. 10am-4pm.

A girl in a pink coat looks happy as she throws fallen leaves into the air

It's About Time trail at Castle Drogo

Join us in the October half term for a tour around the gardens featuring games and activities all about time. Do you know what the time is? Have you asked Mr Wolf? Make sure to pop up to Castle Drogo... if you have time! 25 Oct - 2 Nov. 10am-5pm.

Viking trail at Lydford Gorge

In 997 the Vikings advanced on Lydford in search of plunder. Follow the trail around the orchard to learn how they fared on this family-friendly trail. 8 Oct - 2 Nov. 10am-3pm.

A family watching the birds from the bird hide at Lydford Gorge, Devon

Autumn trail at Baggy Point

Take part in the Baggy Point Autumn trail, starting at the welcome hut in the car park and finishing at Sandleigh Café. Take part in 10 activities as you explore this 2 mile route around the coastal headland. 25 Oct - 2 Nov. 10am-4pm.

A child explores the rocky paths with adults in the background around Baggy Point, Devon

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

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.

Boy jumping in a puddle. The boy is wearing a woolly hat and wellies

Things to do in the rain at Killerton

Killerton is a great place to visit whatever the weather, with the Georgian house hosting the National Trust’s biggest fashion collection, with plenty of playful interactives for young visitors.

Two visitors with colourful umbrellas brave the wet weather to walk along the pathways around the grounds at Killerton, Devon

Things to do in the rain at Saltram

Discover Saltram’s indoor treasures whilst seeking out ‘Mischief Makers’ and 'hidden critters' in the house. Enjoy varied Thursday crafts in the play tent, and don’t miss Wild Wednesday’s rainproof fun in Stable 6.

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

Things to do in the rain at Buckland Abbey

With lots of indoor activities such as the Book Nook, dancing fun in the Barn, storytelling and crafts (selected dates), not to mention an amazing Abbey to explore, there’s plenty to do even if the rain pays us a visit this summer.

A child dressed in a crown and rainbow wings in the foreground watches another child and an adult run around

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

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.

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.

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.

Lydford Gorge

This autumn explore a prehistoric world full of crashing water as the trees turn from green to gold, with plenty of outdoor fun and adventure for all the family at Lydford Gorge.

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.

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.

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.

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.