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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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Saltram

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Greenway

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

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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