Family-friendly things to do at Compton Castle
From traditional games inside and out to medieval costumes to try on, there's lots to keep the family entertained at Compton Castle.
Planning your family visit
If you’re visiting Compton Castle for a family day out, here’s some handy information at a glance to help your plan your visit:
- Compton Castle is open between April and October, Tuesdays-Thursdays and Bank Holiday Mondays
- If coming by car, please note there is a small car park near the main gates plus additional parking at Castle Barton Tearoom opposite
- Free garden trail available to pick up in visitor reception
- Free garden games to play
- Medieval costumes to try on in the Old Kitchen
- Pop up talks led by volunteers
Heritage explorer
Uncover years of history around the garden and castle with a self-led heritage explore spotter trail. Have you heard of a Haha? Or can you spot the Coats of Arms?
Family friendly things to do in the castle
Inside the house there's pop up talks from the House Experience volunteers, or test your skills on the cup and ball game.
Did you know the family's crest features a squirrel? See if you can spot any around the castle and gardens during your visit.
Family friendly things to do in the gardens
Try your hand at traditional gardens games such as skittles or quiots in the inner courtyard, see if you can smell the herbs from the kitchen garden or explore the paths with the nature spotter trail.
Which kind of Tudor are you?
There's a range of medieval costumes for kids big and small to try on. Walk the halls of the castle in a dress fit for royalty, or imagine you're running the castle in comfortable garbs. Pop into the Old Kitchen to discover what Tudor you would have been.
'50 things to do before you're 11¾'
We've put together a list of 50 activities for you to enjoy, from building a den to watching the stars glitter in the night sky. You'll be a seasoned adventurer by the time you've managed to try out all 50 activities. And it doesn't end there. You can enjoy doing our '50 things' again and again, in all seasons. Explore the nooks and crannies of Compton Castle and get really close to nature with some of our top '50 things' to do:
-
No. 9 Eat a picnic in the wild: The orchard at Compton Castle is a great spot for a picnic. What can you see and hear around you?
-
No. 48 Keep a nature diary: From the towering walls around Compton Castle to the dark corners inside, there's lots of places where you can sport signs of nature. Start a diary and see what you discover.
You might also be interested in
Things to see in Compton Castle garden
The garden at Compton Castle is small but perfectly formed, its character and appearance changing with the seasons. Discover the variety of plants, sights and smells to be found, including a rose garden and medieval knot garden.
History of Compton Castle
Follow the changing fortunes of this medieval castle, home to the Gilbert family for over 600 years, though its periods of disrepair and restoration.
Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities in summer
Enjoy a memorable family day out this summer. Plan your own wild adventures and see how many of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities you can try out wherever you are.
Family-friendly places around Devon and Exmoor
From rock pooling on beautiful beaches to exploring historic houses, there are plenty of places to enjoy a great family day out. .