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.

What's on during October half term in Devon?

There are plenty of things to keep the family busy this October half term.

The Pikachu Art Adventure at Killerton

This Autumn, explore The Pikachu Art Adventure and discover 30 new Pikachu TCG artworks hidden around the property. Track down every card, uncover fun facts about Pikachu, explore the wide range of styles that bring Pokémon's most iconic characters to life and reflect on what makes each artwork unique.

Villainous tales and magical trails at Saltram

Some of your favourite fairy tales tell a spookier story. This October, dress-up in your spookiest outfit and find the fairy tale stories hidden around the house and garden, as the villain takes the spotlight at Saltram.

Adult with child dressed in Halloween costume, crouching down surrounded by autumn leaves

Community scarecrow trail at Arlington Court

Enjoy some autumn fun as the Community Scarecrow Trail returns to Arlington Court. Pick up a free trail sheet from visitor reception and explore the gardens and grounds, spotting scarecrows created by local schools, community groups and volunteers.

A scarecrow with a purple hat and another in the background in a veg patch

Pick your own pumpkin at Knightshayes

Explore a sea of pumpkins and autumn colour at Knightshayes. Pick your own and enjoy the season. Our historic walled kitchen garden is bursting with pumpkins of every shape and size, ready to explore, admire and pick.

Two children carrying pumpkins in the Walled Garden in autumn at Knightshayes, Devon

October Half Term at Buckland Abbey

Join us for a nautical October Half Term at Buckland Abbey filled with fearsome sea monsters. Watch out for the Kraken, leviathan, Sirens and much more!

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

Pumpkins, plants and poisons at Greenway

Discover frightfully fascinating facts about poisonous plants, wicked wildlife and garden gobblers, on a family friendly autumn trail in the garden. There'll be ghoulish games to enjoy and pumpkins to help guide you on your way, so feel free to come dressed in your beastly best.

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

'Guardians of the garden' autumn tree trail at Coleton Fishacre

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. At each point, look for the crocheted tree hugging hands. Here you'll uncover spellbinding stories and ancient wisdom rooted in history, and learn how you can help keep green spaces healthy.

Children running in the garden at Coleton Fishacre, Devon

Autumn half term at Castle Drogo

Autumn is the perfect time to bring the family together to enjoy a refreshing seasonal walk and admire the changing seasons across Castle Drogo and the Teign Gorge. Especially for half-term, we’ll have a nature trail around the grounds for all visitors to enjoy, as well as an activity sheet encouraging Autumnal exploration available on arrival from our Welcome Team.

family exploring the shrubbery, Autumn, Castle Drogo

Make a bubbling cauldron model at Overbecks

Our Crafter, Elaura will lead you through the process to make your own bubbling cauldron model just in time for Halloween

Close up of a smiling child wearing a gold paper crown and holding a coloured pencil

Family-friendly houses and gardens in Devon

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.

Two children running across a field of grass holding hands, one is wearing butterfly wings

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.

Arlington Court

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.

Buckland Abbey

Whether it's a woodland adventure, an amazing story of life on the high seas or a tasty treat from the coffee shop, 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 friendly places on Exmoor

Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Looking for a fun family day out this autumn? As the leaves turn golden and the landscape is filled with seasonal colour, Dunster Castle is the perfect place for little explorers and grown-ups alike to enjoy the great outdoors. Crunch through fallen leaves, spot signs of wildlife and discover fascinating stories from the castle's past. With plenty of space to play, explore and enjoy the changing season, there's something to keep the whole family entertained.

A group of visitors walking past an archway entrance at Dunster Castle

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.

Family-friendly countryside and beaches

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 along 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.