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.

This October half-term there are spooky Halloween trails, spell binding adventures and apple celebrations waiting for you.

Father playing with toddler son among colourful autumn leaves in a wooded area with fallen leaves on the ground.

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October half-term at Hidcote

This October take part in a spooky family trail around the gardens. Explore the witch's garden and help find the missing ingredients from her recipe...

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

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October half-term at Chedworth Roman Villa

Embark on an interactive quest through the ancient villa, piecing together clues to uncover the truth and solve the mysterious murder that has taken place

An adult and children outside the south front of Newark Park, Gloucestershire

Autumn 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.

A family exploring the garden in winter at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire

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October half-term at Dyrham Park

Swoop your way around Dyrham Park with a bat-themed trail around the 270-acre site

Children in the play area at Tyntesfield, Somerset in winter

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October half-term at Tyntesfield

Gertrude – the witch who lives in Tyntesfield’s woods – is having a very bad day. Her mischievous cat Whiskers has torn her Book of Spells & Potions and now she can’t finish making Frog Fudge for her Halloween party. Can you help her find the missing ingredients...

A child explores the outdoors with their family in autumn

Autumn 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.

Adults and children wrapped up warm walk down a track away from the house at Stourhead

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October half-term at Stourhead

The Oak King is missing the words for his autumn spell, and it's not long before he must sleep for the winter. Can you find the words for the spell and put it back together?

A family walking with pushchairs surrounded by autumnal trees

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October half-term at Lacock

Escape into autumn and have an adventure in nature this October half term. Add your favourite leaf to the bunting pathways in the Orchard, pick up a tree detective sheet and get creative with crafts

A young boy wearing a blue knitted tank top points at a natural woven bauble on a Christmas tree glowing with fairy lights

Autumn adventures in Wiltshire

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

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October half-term at Corfe Castle

Send your teddy down the zip-wire and join a quest and explore the ruins to find all the hidden critters that call the castle home

A family walking through the grounds of Wray Castle, Cumbria, in autumn

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October half-term at Brownsea Island

Leap, scamper, climb, and get nutty about red squirrels. Wear a squirrel mask and discover amazing facts about the furry creatures, try the pine cone toss game and build a drey

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

Autumn 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.

Two adults and two small children walking in the parkland with Dunster Castle in the background, Somerset

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October half-term at Dunster Castle

Dunster Castle school of magic returns for another adventure. It's time for the Pumpkin Games at the Dunster School of Magic. Get your sports shoes on and be ready to compete

Two children run around in the garden at Lytes Cary Manor

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October half-term at Lytes Cary Manor

Put your wellies on and come on a spooky adventure. Can you crack the riddle? Are you brave enough to take part in Lytes Scary Halloween trail??

A child smiles as she sits on a horse-shaped swing, hanging from a tree with golden autumn leaves

Autumn 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.

Woman holding little girl, looking at the baubles on the Christmas tree at Saltram in Devon.

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October half-term at Saltram

Dress in your spookiest outfit, make your way around the garden and collect all the spells and charms to add to your spell book and complete your magical training

A woman and child wrapped in cloaks sit and look up towards the top left of the shot. They are at a long wooden table covered in wooden cups and bowls with a silver helmet in the foreground.

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October half-term at Buckland Abbey

Baby dragons have hatched and taking over Buckland Abbey. Help track them down and discover some dragon secrets along the way

A family exploring the gardens at castle drogo, The two little boys are running ahead of their sister and mother

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October half-term at Castle Drogo

Join us for a tour around the garden featuring local myths and legends, before showing off your magical flourishes with magic tricks inside the castle

Children playing in the Autumn leaves, Killerton garden, Devon

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October half-term at Killerton

Follow the pumpkin trail around the garden to take part in seasonal games and activities

Autumn 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. .

Family enjoying an autumn walk across the countryside with trees in the distance at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

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October half-term at Lanhydrock

Some cheeky Cornish Pixies have stolen some items from the house at Lanhydrock. Can you find them all and get what they've taken back to where it belongs?