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A family walk up a path between flowerbeds in the garden in August at Killerton, Devon.
Family visitors in the garden in August at Killerton, Devon. | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

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.

Summer of Play

Ready for a fun-filled summer? Take part in Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, and create memories with the whole family. However you choose to play, your adventure starts today.

A family walk up a path between flowerbeds in the garden in August at Killerton, Devon.

Killerton 

Discover the sights and sounds of the great outdoors, with games for all ages across the property. Fun has no age limit and there's play activities for all. Get ready for an action-packed summer of fun at Killerton. From 19 July to 7 September, 09:30am - 5pm.

Visitors enjoying a picnic in the grounds of Saltram estate, Devon

Saltram 

Saltram’s garden will be transformed into a playful celebration of all things performance, imagination and adventure – perfect for young creatives, budding films stars or movie makers, and families ready to make magical memories in the summer sunshine. From 19 July to 31 August, 10am - 4:30pm.

A woman with two children look at a trail sheet in the gardens at Dunster Castle

Knightshayes 

Summer of Play returns to Knightshayes this summer holiday. Get ready for an adventure in the gardens - follow the fairies to see what they've been up to, completing activities along the way. From 19 July to 2 September, 10am - 5pm.

Two boys playing at an outdoor water sensory station

Arlington Court 

Summer of play is back! Explore Olde Arlington and meet chess-playing tax collectors, sword-fighting bandits, and brave the laundry labyrinth. From 7 July to 1 September, 10am - 4pm.

A blonde toddler wearing a blue dress sits in front of a tennis net, holding a green tennis racquet and an orange football

Buckland Abbey 

Join us for the Quest of King Arthur's Round Table! This summer visitors are invited to learn how to joust, sword fight and fire an arrow like a Knight of the Round Table! Maybe you'd like to make a potion in Merlin's nature kitchen? Next you can build your own castle in our loose parts play area - giving it the best defences. From 19 July to 31 August, 10am - 5pm.

Children playing with binoculars as part of Summer of Play activities.

Castle Drogo 

From space hoppers to swingball, the gardens will be filled with classic 1970s toys and games for you to find and enjoy. There will be ten stations in the garden alongside some 70s things to spot as you wander around the house as well. It's guaranteed to be perfect for parents and kids alike. From 18 July to 7 September, 10am - 5pm.

Children running in the garden at The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire

Coleton Fishacre 

Summer at sea begins here. Embark on a hands-on adventure packed with challenges and problem solving games. Explore sensory moments, get creative with building or play 1920s vintage games, from Battle Ships to Ludo and a giant version of Peggity. From 19 July to 3 September, 10:30am - 5pm.

A family of two children and one adult playing with bats and a ball on the lawn outside the house at Greenway

Greenway 

Join us for a jam-packed summer that's full of ways to play at Greenway, from circus skills to balancing games and more. Inspired by a travelling circus, test your strength and balance, twist and bend with circus inspired yoga and try out your juggling skills. From 19 July to 3 September, 10:30am - 5pm.

A young girl wearing a summer dress and hat is playing croquet in the lawns at Oxburgh Estate. Behind her you can see colourful bunting and Oxburgh Hall.

Lorna Doone Valley 

Enjoy a playing of lawn games including croquet and boccia among others. Take part in a space hopper race around the track to see who can get around the fastest. See who can climb the quickest to the top of the climbing frame in the wild play area. From 7 July to 31 August, 11am - 3pm.

Family-friendly houses and gardens in Devon

Find all the best houses and gardens for your family to visit.

Two little twin in floral dresses hold a flower in the spring sunshine at Saltram
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Saltram 

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

Mother and Son enjoying the garden at Knightshayes
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Knightshayes 

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

Visitors inside the Bear Hut, looking out of the window at Killerton, Devon
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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.

Family walking in the grounds of Arlington Court with two dogs
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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.

Young visitors playing board games at Buckland Abbey, Devon
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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 summer.

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

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

Child running along a path in the garden at Coleton Fishacre, Devon
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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?

Children looking through binoculars outside
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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.

Family friendly places on Exmoor

A family group playing giant snakes and ladders on the Green Court in front of Dunster Castle
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Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill 

Looking for a fun family day out this spring summer? Whether you're looking to play games, learn something new, or simply get out in the sunshine, there's something for everyone to get involved in.

Family exploring Fyne Court
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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.

Man on a mountain bike in the woods
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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.

Things to do, rain or shine

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

Two children in coats and wellies walk along the path with umbrellas up towards East Riddlesden Hall, Yorkshire
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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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

Family-friendly countryside and beaches

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

Visitors rockpooling at Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon
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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.

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.
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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.

Family standing on bridge looking for fish in the river at Lydford Gorge, Devon
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Lydford Gorge 

This spring find a prehistoric world full of crashing water and new growth with plenty of outdoor fun and adventure for all the family at Lydford Gorge.

Two children walk down steps outside at Plymbridge Woods, Devon in the summer
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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.

Visitors walking at Heddon Valley, Devon
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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.

Child with a net explores rockpools at South Milton Sands, Devon
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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.

Surfer at Woolacombe on a cloudy day
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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.

A child explores the rocky paths with adults in the background around Baggy Point, Devon
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Things to do at Baggy Point 

Get closer to nature and explore what Baggy Point has to offer along North Devon’s rugged landscape.

All family-friendly places around Devon and Exmoor

    The South Front and lawn at Knightshayes on a sunny day

    Discover more in Devon

    Journey from wild coasts, moorland and curious historic houses to lush gardens and beaches in Devon.