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Family days out in the South West

Family with dog on lead walking along the river at Lydford Gorge, Devon
A family walking along the River Lyd at Lydford Gorge, Devon | © National Trust/Dianne Giles

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.

Plan your next family adventure and discover special places across the South West, from enchanting castles to a Bear’s Hut and an island filled with wildlife. Let off steam in the thousands of acres of woodland and parkland, before finding the perfect picnic spot for a well-earned rest. With buggy friendly routes, children’s menus and nature-inspired trails, there’s lots to keep the family entertained. On rainy days you can retreat inside the magnificent houses and explore the histories of the families that once lived there.

Join us this May half-term for a jam-packed programme of family friendly events and activities at the places we care for across the south west.

May half term in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds

A mother holds a baby while walking the garden
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May half term at Hidcote 

It's all about our little feathered friends. Follow the trail to find the birds hidden around the gardens and take part in bird-themed crafts

Children playing with garden games at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire.
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May half term at Chedworth Roman Villa 

Slide along the Roman Snail Trail and discover the fascinating world of Helix Pomatia, the famous Roman Snail

The woodland play area at Newark Park

Family-friendly adventures in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds 

Gardens, family trails and winding walks await in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. Plan your day out for a memorable visit that the whole family will enjoy.

May half term in Bath and Bristol

Two adults and a child walk down a path towards the house at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire
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May half term at Dyrham Park 

Get active in the great outdoors with some garden garden. Expect jenga, ring toss, hula hoops, chess, and dominoes

Visitors walking in the garden in August at Tyntesfield, Somerset
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May half term at Tyntesfield 

Complete the garden trail that highlights different plants used to convey messages throughout history and symbolise things like love, hate, victory or despair

Visitors walking on the main drive at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire

Family-friendly adventures in Bath and Bristol 

Discover the best places to explore as a family in Bath and Bristol this season. Plan your days out for a memorable visit that the whole family will enjoy.

May half term in Wiltshire

Family exploring the garden at Stourhead, Wiltshire
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May half term at Stourhead 

Join us at the Stableyard for crafts, get active with games, and complete the obstacle course

Two adults and two children make their way through the gate at Avebury, Wiltshire
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May half term at Avebury 

From the familiar bee to the tiny ant, celebrate the amazing pollinators who help out in our garden, and celebrate blossom

A family looking out over the lake with the Pantheon in the distance at Stourhead, Wiltshire

Family-friendly adventures in Wiltshire 

Ancient landscapes, world-famous gardens and outdoor adventures await in Wiltshire.

Easter adventures in Dorset

Family playing in Corfe Castle
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May half term at Corfe Castle 

Go back in time and get lost in adventure, join the Corporal of the Castle with interactive storytelling tours and take flight with our new family quest

Children creeping through a forest of bamboo
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May half term at Kingston Lacy 

Calling all little explorers and nature enthusiasts, enjoy hands-on nature walks featuring bug hunting, bird spotting, and tree identification, and more

Two children play with toy swords in front of Corfe Castle in Dorset

Family-friendly adventures in Dorset 

There's all sorts to do in Dorset with the family, including discovering places to explore in gardens, parks, the countryside and on the beach.

Easter adventures in Somerset

A family group playing giant snakes and ladders on the Green Court in front of Dunster Castle
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May half term at Dunster Castle 

Come for an adventure in nature, discover the garden with our brilliant bee trail

Visitors embracing the cold and enjoying the sensory delights of the season
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May half term at Barrington Court 

There's lots to keep everyone entertained, from falconry displays to getting hands and helping the rangers create wildlife next boxes with battery-operated tools

Three children run across the grass at Tyntesfield, Somerset, with the house in the background

Family-friendly adventures in Somerset 

There's all sorts for families to do around Somerset, from visiting a natural pier to running across the grass. Start planning your day out for the family to enjoy.

May half term in Devon

Mother and Son enjoying the garden at Knightshayes
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May half term at Knightshayes 

Did you know that every flower has a secret meaning? Discover how the Victorians used flowers to convey messages on our fascinating flower trail

Two little twin in floral dresses hold a flower in the spring sunshine at Saltram
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May half term at Saltram 

Discover what life was like as a plant hunter, pick up your passport and collect all the plants around the garden

Children playing on balance equipment at Killerton
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May half term at Killerton 

Follow the Roundheads and Cavaliers trail to the royalist outpost at Columbjohn, spot clues along the way and carry out a mission to help your side

A family walk up a path between flowerbeds in the garden in August at Killerton, Devon.

Family-friendly adventures in Devon 

From rock pooling on beautiful beaches to exploring historic houses, there are plenty of places to enjoy a great family day out. .

May half term in Cornwall

Girl playing tennis at Fell Foot Park, Cumbria
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May half term at Trelissick 

Explore the garden finding a series of activities that celebrate just some of the ways the Copeland family shaped Trelissick

A girl playing on the rocking horse in the Nursery at Lanhydrock
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May half term at Lanhydrock 

Follow the trail around the garden as you discover clues about Lanhydrock's magnificent Antwerp Cabinet. Can you put the clues together to solve the puzzle?

A family playing in the garden at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Family-friendly adventures in Cornwall 

With long stretching beaches, exotic gardens and historic houses in Cornwall, there are lots of places to explore and visit for family fun.

Dog-friendly days out

Find out our top dog-friendly places to visit and our Pooch Passport

A couple walking their dog in the grounds of Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire
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Pooch Passports 

The Pooch Passports scheme has now ended – thank you to everyone who has visited one of the places in our care with your dog. Find out more about the scheme and discover dog-friendly places to explore together.

A family playing on the lawn in summer at Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.

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Children exploring the pond in the Italian Garden at Mount Stewart

Family-friendly places to visit 

Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.