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.

Illustration of Julia Donalsons The Gruffalo's Child. Wintry snowy forest scene with Gruffalos child carrying a stick man.

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?

Visitors walking by the stream at Bodnant Garden, North Wales

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 historic houses in Devon dressed in seasonal splendour, creative trails through winter gardens, and cosy moments with music, crafts and treats.

Christmas at Killerton

Immerse yourself in festive cheer and community spirit. Enjoy the stunning 'Red Dress Project', hand-crafted decorations, twinkling lights, seasonal music, games, trees dressed by local groups, hearty food and winter walks.

Visitors looking at a Christmas Tree in the entrance of Killerton House

Christmas at Knightshayes

Sweeping garlands, showstopper trees and glittering lights set the scene for a truly magical Christmas at Knightshayes.

A mum and her young child enjoy twinkling festive lights.

The Gruffalo's Child at Saltram 2025

Join us this Christmas at Saltram and experience the magic of the beloved Gruffalo’s Child story brought to life within Saltram’s garden.

Woman holding little girl, looking at the baubles on the Christmas tree at Saltram in Devon.

Christmas at Buckland Abbey

Get into the festive spirit at Buckland with seasonal shopping, treats, music and a beautiful historical display in the Great Barn and Abbey.

Three decorated and lit Christmas trees stand in the Great Hall with a volunteer decorating each one.

Christmas at Castle Drogo

Get into the festive spirit at Castle Drogo this winter. The castle will be decorated in the style of the 1970s. Prepare for glitz, glam, paper garlands and of course lots of colourful lights to give that feel-good glow of Christmas nostalgia.

A young boy wearing a blue knitted tank top points at a natural woven bauble on a Christmas tree glowing with fairy lights

Christmas at Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre turned 100 years old in 2025, so what better way to celebrate than with a Christmas straight from the Roaring Twenties? End the year with a bang as we host the party of the year, learn to dance the Charleston and even stop by the secret Speakeasy.

Blue baubles scattered on a table with white shells and starfish, and blurred fairylights in the background.

Christmas at Greenway

Inspired by one of Agatha Christie's short story collections, explore the decorated rooms in her former holiday home and join a festive mystery trail.

Wooden sign with words Merry Christmas from Greenway with green foliage and red berries.

Christmas at Arlington Court

Get ready for a Nutcracker Christmas at Arlington Court. This festive season, see the house transformed into the magical realms of sweets, flowers and snow.

Father Christmas meets 3 children with his elf in the harness room in the old stables

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 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

At Lydford Gorge the best winter adventure is to see Whitelady Waterfall. After heavy rain it’ll be at its roaring best. Get wellies on to splash your way around some fun ’50 things’ activities.

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.