Family-friendly things to do at Coleton Fishacre

Boy amongst giant bamboo in the garden at Coleton Fishacre, Devon — Enjoy family days out at Coleton Fishacre | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Have a family adventure at Coleton Fishacre whatever the season. Discover a host of family-friendly activities to take part in, from outdoor challenges to garden trails and more.

Planning your family visit

Here is some useful information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out to Coleton Fishacre.

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

The den building area and Scout Point are popular areas for families.

Buggy parking and free lockers to store items and bags can be found at the side of the house.

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

High chairs are available to borrow in Cafe Coleton - please ask a member of staff to bring one to your table.
Fancy bringing a picnic? There's benches in the orchard car park or grassy areas dotted around the garden ideal for alfresco lunch. During summer we have picnic blankets available for you to borrow.

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

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

Children's books in the second-hand bookshop on Seemly Terrace
If you need to take five somewhere a little quieter, there's plenty of spots dotted around the garden.

Wander along the path to the left of the house for the wildflower meadow

Head across the Rill Garden to the slopes opposite the house

Make your way down through the garden to the fern and bamboo glades

Things to see and do

There's plenty of adventures to be had at Coleton Fishacre. Whether it's exploring the garden and spotting signs of the changing season to 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.

A girl wearing a yellow rain coat and wearing noise blocking headphones holds her ears and smiles — The sensory station can be found just inside the house doorway | © Annapurna Mellor

Exploring inside the house

We've got lots of ways to help you enjoy your visit in the house. You can choose from borrowing items from the sensory station, get creative with the interactive sensory projector full of inclusive motion-active activities, or pick up the free trail.

A smiling woman holding a toddler in a lush green garden at Hill Top, Lake District, Cumbria — Explore the garden on a free toddler session | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Little Acorns

Every Wednesday during term time, 9.30am-11.30am (no session on Weds 25 June) Perfect for toddlers, join a free 'Little Acorns' session in the garden before we open to the public. There'll be seasonal activities along the way, so come dressed for play whatever the weather. Little Acorns takes place every Wednesday during term time. Please note this activity does not take place during school holidays. Admission is free.

A female toddler in a blue woolly hat and white raincoat handling leaves — Explore the autumn woodland, Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire | © ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Nature spotter trails

From designing your own natural colour palette or spotting the signs of nature in the garden, the outdoor trails are free and a great way to keep minds occupied while exploring the garden. You can pick these up and a pencil from Visitor Reception on arrival and claim a sticker for completing any of the trails.

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Coming up

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 Coleton Fishacre for free. Parking charges apply.

Nature explorers: Get to know Barn Owls

Wed 29 October, 1.30-3.30pm

Join The Barn Owl Trust in the loggia for a pop-up talk on all things Barn Owls. Get hands on with pellet analysis and discover lots of fun and fascinating facts about these nocturnal creatures.

Normal admissions apply.

Free entry weekends: TQ postcodes

Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 and Saturday 15 - Sunday 16 November

If you're local to Coleton Fishacre and fancy a late autumn wander, why not wrap up warm and head to Coleton Fishacre for free? For two weekends in November we're offering free entry to TQ residents. Just bring proof of your postcode to redeem.

Parking charges apply.

Roaring Twenties Christmas

Weekends and selected dates from 22 November 2025

We're finishing the year with bang at Coleton Fishacre, with a Christmas party straight from the Roaring Twenties. Get hands on with kneading dough in the kitchen or polishing the silver with the Butler. Why not pose for a photo in the dressing room, complete with sparkly accessories, and see if you can learn how to dance the Charleston like they did 100 years ago.

Normal admissions apply.