Family days out in the South West

Visitors in the Library at Montacute House, Somerset — Family exploring the Library at Montacute House, Somerset | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Looking for something to do with the kids? Discover the best family-friendly places to visit in the South West and enjoy great days out all year round.

Cornwall: Treat the whole family to a fun-filled day out at the places we care for in Cornwall. Explore exotic gardens, historic houses, and long stretches of beaches. At Lanhydrock, play in the Victorian nursery with board games, dressing up, a rocking horse and a theatre with props. Afterwards, relax at the café whilst the children explore the adjacent play area. Explore the garden and orchards at Cotehele and head out around the estate on the buggy-friendly paths. Little ones can burn off steam in the play areas by the Cherry Orchard and at Cotehele Quay. At Trelissick, follow buggy-friendly routes around the garden, orchard and countryside as you embark on a family adventure. Children's lunchboxes are available from the café, and sensory bags are on hand for use during your visit.Plan your family adventures in Cornwall
Devon: Enjoy a family day out in Devon. Run wild at Knightshayes with over 200 acres to explore. Let off steam in the woodland play area, and wander the buggy-friendly paths in the formal & woodland garden. At Killerton, discover the Lady Cott (Bear's Hut) in the garden. Little ones can enjoy the playground area and explore the garden, woods, and parkland. Saltram has a garden for all seasons, with free sensory trails throughout the year to get children connecting with nature. There are buggy and wheelchair friendly routes, and cycling routes that venture further into the estate.Explore Devon as a family
Somerset: At Dunster Castle, pick up a free Castle Explorer trail sheet and enjoy the castle from a new perspective, with fun activities along the way. Settle down on the comfy sofas and play some games in the Morning Room, or try on costumes in the Hat Room. Play your way in the different play areas at Tyntesfield for smaller and bigger children. Clamber on the big tractor, make your way down the slides, and build a den. Inside the house, see what treasures you can spot as you explore.Plan your family day out in Somerset
Near Bath and Bristol: Play your way in the different play areas at Tyntesfield for smaller and bigger children. Clamber on the big tractor, make your way down the slides and build a den. Inside the house, see what treasures you can spot as you explore. Discover the Old Lodge play area at Dyrham Park where youngsters can play on climbing equipment, balance beams, a log tunnel, and play kitchens. Inside the house there are interactive ways to explore, from 17th-century hats and wigs to try on to replica object to feel.Family days out in Bath and Bristol
Dorset: Explore the ruins at Corfe Castle and take part in the many seasonal trails and family activities. Little ones can run free in the play areas at Kingston Lacy. Scramble, clamber and slide in the Woodland Trail play area, where the equipment might be a castle, a ship or a fort – let your imagination decide. Or hop over to the Kitchen Garden, where the play area takes inspiration from its surroundings for younger children; you can ride on a wooden cow, plant wooden veg in the mini greenhouse and relax on the buddy swing, suitable for even the smallest babies.Family adventures in Dorset
Wiltshire: Let off steam at Stourhead as little ones explore the play area, enjoy a swing and clamber on the climbing ropes. Inside the house, pick up a children's spotter trail - can you spot all the special items around the house? Head to the garden at Avebury Manor where little explorers can borrow an 'explorer backpack' from the garden gate. It has everything you need to inspect the nature around the garden including binoculars, magnifying glasses, spotter sheets and bug bingo cards.Family fun in Wiltshire
Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds: Discover the Old Lodge play area at Dyrham Park where youngsters can play on climbing equipment, balance beams, a log tunnel, and play kitchens. Inside the house there are interactive ways to explore, from 17th-century hats and wigs to try on to replica object to feel. Nature explorers can discover wild animal carvings in the woodland play area at Newark Park, with animal carvings that were designed specially for Newark and feature a number of animals to spot including an owl, mice and deer. At Woodchester Park, follow the wooden rounds along the grassy paths and take time in nature. See what plants, birds and animals you can spot. Take some time cloud gazing and have fun exploring.Family adventures in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds