Family of four walking on a grass footpath at Knightshayes — Family in formal gardens at Knightshayes | © National Trust/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.

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

The library at Knightshayes with bookshelves wrapping round the walls, gold wallpaper and sofas.

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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.

Family walking in the grounds of Arlington Court with two dogs

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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.

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. Join in the fun during the Summer of Play, from 22 July to 3 September 2023.

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.

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.

Den building at East Riddlesden Hall, West Yorkshire

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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.

An adult and child look up admiring the decorations on the Christmas tree at Saltram, Devon

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Saltram

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

An adult, holding a small child, watches their child playing games on the lawn of the Green Court at Dunster Castle, Somerset

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Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Looking for a fun family day out this summer? Whether you're after outdoor games or a fun trail for the kids, we're got lots for you to enjoy.

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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.

Visitors enjoy the scenery from the garden at the Buttery Café, Lorna Doone Valley

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Things to do in Lorna Doone Valley

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

A family walk along a path, shaded by trees at Arlington Court

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Family-friendly things to do at 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.

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

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Family-friendly things to do at 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.

A woman is helping a child to walk over rocks. They have two boarder collies with them. The woman and child are wearing rain coats and wooly hats.

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Family-friendly things to do at Castle Drogo

Explore the garden and Teign Gorge at Castle Drogo. With miles of paths to explore, there’s an adventure for children of all ages. Discover the Bunty House in the garden, let off some steam along the river or tick off some of your '50 things to do before you're 11¾'.

A family exploring the trails in Autumn at Gibside, Tyne & Wear

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Family-friendly things to do at Greenway

You'll find plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained at Greenway, with trails in the house and garden and wildlife to spot. What adventures will you have next?

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Family-friendly things to do at 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?

Images show an adult holding a small girl who is reaching towards the Christmas decorations in the house at Killerton

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Family-friendly things to do at 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. Join in the fun during the Summer of Play, from 22 July to 3 September 2023.

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Family-friendly things to do at Knightshayes

Explore the gardens, house and parkland at Knightshayes. With seasonal trails and events, you'll find adventures for children of all ages.

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Family-friendly things to do at Saltram

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

A gold heart and red stocking Christmas decoration in the branches of a Christmas tree

Add a little bit of sparkle this Christmas

There's plenty of sparkle around Devon and Exmoor this winter. Look out for twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, festive fun and plenty of cheer at a National Trust place near you.

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

Girl stood in a puddle a Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire

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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.

Visitor looking for insects with a butterfly net at Crom, Country Fermanagh.

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Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities in summer

Enjoy a memorable family day out this summer. Plan your own wild adventures and see how many of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities you can try out wherever you are.

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

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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