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 — Enjoy family days out 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 you plan your visit.

The garden has buggy friendly routes, which the Welcome Team can show you on arrival.

South Walled Garden, Top Garden and the Battery are ideal spots.

Hip-carrying infant seats are also available to borrow from the house.
Baby-changing facilities are available in the access-friendly toilets located next to the Shop and Visitor Reception.

High chairs are available to borrow in the Barn Cafe - please ask a member of staff to bring one to your table.
Fancy bringing a picnic? There's benches in South Walled Garden or grassy areas dotted around, ideal for alfresco lunch.

There’s a 'pick and mix' style picnic box available for children in the Barn Cafe. Choose sandwich, drink and selection of three snacks for £5.50.

Pocket money gifts and children’s books available in the shop

Children's corner in the second-hand bookshop

Things to see and do

Whether it's exploring the woodland garden each season, 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.

Children playing in the garden during a rain shower at Greenway, Devon — Children playing in the garden during a rain shower at Greenway | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Exploring the garden

From the Boathouse quay you could count the boats on the river or try and spot signs of wildlife. When the Boathouse is open, there's binoculars to help see seals, swans and birds. At the Battery the cannon always captures little-one's imaginations – can they defend Greenway from attack by river pirates?

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Coming up this summer

Festival of Archaeology: Heritage explorer trail

19 July - 3 August 2025

Every where you look there are unusual and fascinating features that hint at Greenway's past, so come along and discover more on this fun, family-oriented self-led trail around the garden. Inside the house, take a closer look at some of Agatha and Max's finds on their digs, and have a go at dressing up like an Archaeologist.

Trail is free. Normal admissions apply.

Join us for Summer of Play

19 July - 3 September 2025

It's time for Summer of Play! Inspired by the circus, test your strength, bend and balance or juggle your way with Summer of Play activities. Try it all, find your favourite and come back again and again.

Summer of Play activities are free. Normal admission applies. Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Whizz popping Wednesdays! Circus skills and workshops

Weds 6, 13 and 20 August 2025

Step right up, the circus has come to Greenway! Join Circus Berzercus and their performers for a mesmerising show and have a go at circus skills and tricks in this whizz popping workshops. Circus Bezercus will be at Greenway on:

Weds 6 August - Matt Lemon
Weds 13 August - Ben the Juggler
Weds 20 August - Elfric

There will be two 30 minute circus performances at 11am and 2pm, with a 90 minute drop in circus skill workshop at 12pm. The performances and workshops will take place in South Walled Garden.

Circus skills and shows are part of Greenway's Summer of Play activities. The workshops and performances are free (normal admission applies). Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Heritage Open Days

12 - 21 September 2025

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences - and it's all FREE.

Between 12 - 21 September, explore Greenway, 'the loveliest place in the world', for free. Parking charges apply.

Please note if you are visiting Greenway by car, you will need to book a parking space in advance through the website.

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.