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.

Stranger Folk digital adventure

A crack has formed between our world and the spirit world, and all sorts of old folklore creatures have escaped. Gather your team and download the free Stranger Folk app, available on the App Store and Google Play Store, to communicate with the Old Crone who will lead you on your journey. Head to visitor reception as you arrive, and start your spooky adventure filled with sneaky goblins, cunning boggarts and more. You'll only need one mobile phone to follow the folklore-inspired game and work together to immerse yourselves in a rich story of physical play and strange goings-on, set against the backdrop of some of the places we care for.

The game can be played at a fast-pace for around 20 minutes or make it a day-long adventure, pausing for scones then picking up where you left off.

Join the fun at:

On a black background, strange creatures in blue and white are 'dancing' — Stranger Folk are coming to Kingston Lacy, Knightshayes, and Snowshill Manor this October | © National Trust

Find your family days out this October half term in the South West

Cornwall: Cornish legend comes alive at Trelissick as Dark Cornwall create an immersive journey through the magic and myths of Cornwall along the winding paths of Trelissick Garden. Go on a pumpkin hunt at Antony, where autumn fun meets mystery. Step into a world of magic and mystery at Trerice where dragons awaken and enchantment fills the air. Awaken your sense at Trengwainton Garden as you make leaf bunting, play pumpkin hoopla and fish for pumpkins in this hands-on seasonal trail.Plan your family adventures in Cornwall
Devon: Step into mystery at Knightshayes, where nothing is quite as it seems. Discover the illusions, secrets, and spellbinding wonders of the Victorian era in a trail full of magic and intrigue. Celebrate apples and autumn at Killerton as you follow the seasonal trail through the garden, take on fun-filled games, and soak up the best of the harvest season. Dress to impress at Saltram in your spookiest costume and follow the Magic and Myths trail. Discover magical beastly beings and collect spells to complete your magical training.Explore Devon as a family this autumn
Somerset: Step back in time at Tyntesfield and uncover Victorian Halloween traditions. Complete each activity and play a game of Trick or Truth — can you tell which customs are real and which are just playful tricks? The School of Magic trail returns to Dunster Castle, and a spell has been cast — can you help break it in time and match each professor to their magical familiar before it’s too late? The pumpkins are popping up at Barrington Court, wander the grounds in search of hidden gourds — some are in clever autumnal disguise. Can you find them all?Plan your family day out in Somerset
Bath and Bristol: Head outdoors at Dyrham Park for a buzzing insect-themed trail, play bug-tastic games and grab a picture with a giant creepy-crawly. Follow the pumpkins at Lacock where autumn crafts and activities come with a delightfully spooky twist. Step back in time at Tyntesfield and uncover Victorian Halloween traditions. Complete each activity and play a game of Trick or Truth — can you tell which customs are real and which are just playful tricks?Family days out in Bath and Bristol
Dorset: At Corfe Castle the daring teddy zip wire rides have returned, listen to gory tales from the castle's grisly past, and take part in spooky ghost detective quests and solve mysteries hidden in the ruins. Step into enchantment on Brownsea Island, where a mystical woodland quest awaits. Wander through ancient trees and uncover magical folklore woven into the oak, birch, and yew trees.Family adventures in Dorset
Wiltshire: Join Bat at Stourhead on their first-ever autumn journey, race on broomsticks, tackle fun challenges, and get creative with seasonal crafts and colouring. Follow the pumpkin trail at Lacock, where autumn activities come with a spooky twist, perfect for little monsters and crafty ghouls alike. Explore Avebury’s nature-inspired activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for the great outdoors.Family fun in Wiltshire
Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds: Follow the bewitching bats trail at Hidcote, can you uncover all the spooky secrets hidden along the way? Step into a world of Roman wealth and discover how money powered the ancient world at Chedworth Roman Villa. Head outdoors at Dyrham Park for a buzzing insect-themed trail, play bug-tasticgames and grab a picture with a giant creepy-crawly.Family adventures in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds

Christmas in the South West

Enjoy festive days out in the South West this Christmas, and discover houses dressed to impress, winter illuminations after dark, and plenty of family fun.