Family-friendly things to do at Greenway

A family of two children and one adult playing with bats and a ball on the lawn outside the house at Greenway — There's lots of fun to be had this summer at Greenway | © 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 and spotting wildlife, 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.

Heritage explorer spotter trail

Daily from 1 - 31 July 2024

Celebrate the Festival of Archaeology with this self-led heritage explore spotter trail. Discover the history of Greenway as you explore the gardens - what historical features can you spot? This free family-friendly trail is available to pick up from Reception.

Cirque du Summer

27 July - 1 September

Get set for a summer you'll never forget, as Greenway is turned into 'Cirque du Summer'. Fun has no age limit and with a range of activities designed to test your circus skills, there'll be fun for everyone. Test your strength and balance, twist and bend with circus inspired yoga and try out your juggling skills - there's even free circus skills workshops and demonstrations on selected dates.

Summer of Play activities are free (normal admission applies). Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Join a circus workshop

A family picnicking on the grass at Fell Foot Park, Lake Windermere, Cumbria — There's plenty of picnic spots in the garden | © National Trust/Steven Barber

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, which is always bustling with activity; trawlers, river cruises, a paddle steamer and kayakers can regularly be seen. 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.