Family-friendly things to do at Greenway

Visitors inside the library at Greenway, Devon. One visitor has a baby in a baby carrier, smiling as they explore the room. In the background a volunteer can be seen pointing out something to a visitor. — Visitors in the Library at Greenway, Devon | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

At Greenway you'll find a host of activities to keep the family entertained. With outdoor trails and winding paths to explore in the garden, and seasonal events throughout the year, you'll make great memories together at Greenway.

Planning your family visit

If you’re visiting Greenway for  a family day out, here’s some handy information at a glance to help your plan your visit:

If coming by car, please book your parking in advance
Free garden trails available to pick up in visitor reception
Baby-changing facilities in access-friendly toilets
Buggy-friendly routes around the garden
Hip-carrying infant seats available for loan in the house
Children’s menu available from the Barn Café
Pocket money gifts and children’s books available in the shop
Children's books in the second-hand bookshop.

Coming up

Whether it's exploring the woodland garden as autumn arrives, discovering how the team looks after the house or finding a new bedtime read in the second-hand bookshop, there's fun rain or shine.

Child reading in the bookshop at Gibside, Tyne & Wear — Explore the Children's corner in the second-hand bookshop | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Gobblefunk workshops

Sat 28 September, 11.30am and 1.30pm. £3 per child (one adult free)

Inspired by Road Dahl, this workshop includes playing with words, drawing and lots more. Perfect for young creatives between 5 yrs and 11yrs, join award-winning author Jenny Kane for a one hour workshop full of creative gobblefunk. Limited spaces available, booking essential.

Seal talk at the Boathouse

Fri 18 and Fri 25 October, 1-3pm

Did you know grey seals and common seals can be spotted on the river at Greenway? Join Sarah Greenslade, founder of The Seal Project, for a talk about these fascinating animals.

Christmas at Greenway

Weekends from 23 November - 22 December, daily 7-31 December

'Rock around the Christmas wreath' on a fun, family friendly outdoor trail this winter. Explore the garden and find the twelve wreaths inspired by your favourite Christmas songs - don't forget to sing loud for all the hear. Inside, the house is dressed for a cosy traditional family Christmas.

Father playing with toddler son among colourful autumn leaves in a wooded area with fallen leaves on the ground. — Family enjoying autumn moments | © Chris Lacey

Family friendly things to do in the house

Inside the house, there's a fun family friend trail inspired by Agatha Christie and her travels. Can you help them find all the items they need? Pick up the packing list trail, clipboard and pencil at the house entrance.

Adventures at the Boathouse and Battery

From the Boathouse quay you could count the boats on the river or try and spot some autumn wildlife. Can you see any seals, or swans? At the Battery the cannon always captures little-one's imaginations – can you defend Greenway from attack by river pirates?

Looking for a quiet spot?

If you need to take a breather somewhere quiet, head for Top Garden where the orchard and river views provide a peaceful area to settle down.

Afternoons are normally less busy than mornings, so if you prefer fewer people around, try and visit after 2pm.

The River Dart is in the foreground with a tree-lined riverbank behind and Greenway House seen through the trees high on the hill in the background.

Book your parking

You don't have to book your visit in advance, but if you are travelling by car you will need to book parking at Greenway. You can book for today up until 8am. Every Thursday time slots will be available for the next 14 days.

Check parking availability and book

Visitors on a boat ride on the River Dart at Greenway, Devon

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Planning your visit to Greenway

You don't need to book your visit in advance to Greenway, but if you're coming by car, you will need to book a parking space ahead of your visit. To help plan a visit to Greenway, find out in this article how to book your car parking space, travel by ferry and everything else you need to know to arrange your visit.