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Woman holding little girl, looking at the baubles on the Christmas tree at Saltram in Devon.
Visitors admiring the Christmas decorations at Saltram, Devon | © National Trust Images/John Millar

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 around Devon and Exmoor.

Family-friendly houses and gardens in Devon

Find all the best houses and gardens for your family to visit.

Family of four walking on a grass footpath at Knightshayes
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Knightshayes 

Discover the house at Knightshayes. See the details behind architect William Burges's gothic façade and a portrait that may be by Rembrandt.

Family walking in the grounds of Arlington Court with two dogs
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Arlington Court 

There's lots of family fun to be had at Arlington Court. Discover a house full of treasures, an impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles and over 20 miles of walkways, bridleways and cycle routes to explore.

Visitors inside the Bear Hut, looking out of the window at Killerton, Devon
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Killerton 

Explore the garden, woods and parkland at Killerton. With an estate that covers 6,400 acres, you'll find fun and adventures for children of all ages.

Young visitors playing board games at Buckland Abbey, Devon
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Buckland Abbey 

Whether it's a woodland adventure, an amazing story of life on the high seas or a tasty treat from the cafe, there's something for all the family to enjoy at Buckland Abbey.

Children playing in the garden during a rain shower at Greenway, Devon
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Greenway 

From garden games to spotting wildlife on the river, there's an adventure for kids big and small.

Den building at East Riddlesden Hall, West Yorkshire
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Coleton Fishacre 

Discover a host of activities at Coleton Fishacre to keep the whole family entertained and help you create memories together. What adventures will you have next?

Children looking through binoculars outside
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Castle Drogo 

Visit this family home and castle on the edge of Dartmoor. It’s the last castle to be built in England and has views across the Teign Gorge in Devon.

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

Find family-friendly activities to do at Saltram, from exploring the estate and gardens to seasonal events.

Family friendly places on Exmoor

An adult, holding a small child, watches their child playing games on the lawn of the Green Court at Dunster Castle, Somerset
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Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill 

Looking for a fun family day out this autumn? Whether you're after

Family exploring Fyne Court
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Family-friendly things to do at Fyne Court 

Fyne Court is a brilliant place for families to explore. Find out more about the activities you can enjoy together.

Man on a mountain bike in the woods
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Things to do in Lorna Doone Valley 

Discover this hidden valley in Exmoor, made famous by R.D. Blackmore in his novel Lorna Doone and home to a wide variety of wildlife such as red deer and Exmoor ponies.

Christmas in Devon and Exmoor

There's lots of fun to be had and memories to be made at the places we look after in Devon and Exmoor this festive season.

Images show an adult holding a small girl who is reaching towards the Christmas decorations in the house at Killerton

Christmas around Devon and Exmoor 

Discover unique houses and gardens in Devon and Exmoor transformed for Christmas.

Things to do, rain or shine

The British weather can be unpredictable, so we've pulled together ideas to help keep the family busy ... whatever the weather!

Two children in coats and wellies walk along the path with umbrellas up towards East Riddlesden Hall, Yorkshire
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Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do when it’s raining 

We've compiled a selection of items from the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list that are perfect for rainy days, so grab your waterproofs and get involved.

Two visitors with colourful umbrellas brave the wet weather to walk along the pathways around the grounds at Killerton, Devon

Things to do in the rain at Killerton 

Killerton is a great place to visit whatever the weather, with the Georgian house hosting the National Trust’s biggest fashion collection, with plenty of playful interactives for young visitors.

Mother and daughter enjoy exploring Saltram house and looking at the Chinese Wallpaper

Things to do in the rain at Saltram 

Discover Saltram’s indoor treasures whilst seeking out ‘Mischief Makers’ and 'hidden critters' in the house. Enjoy varied Thursday crafts in the play tent, and don’t miss Wild Wednesday’s rainproof fun in Stable 6.

A child dressed in a crown and rainbow wings in the foreground watches another child and an adult run around

Things to do in the rain at Buckland Abbey 

With lots of indoor activities such as the Book Nook, dancing fun in the Barn, storytelling and crafts (selected dates), not to mention an amazing Abbey to explore, there’s plenty to do even if the rain pays us a visit this summer.

Family-friendly countryside and beaches

Discover places to explore in the fresh air with all the family.

Visitors rockpooling at Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon
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Wembury 

From water sports on the beach to rock-pooling with the family, discover the adventures to be had when you visit Wembury and the surrounding areas.

A family of four are strolling through woodland at Rowallane Garden, County Down, where the leaves on the trees have turned yellow. The family is looking at something out of the shot.
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Parke 

Explore the historic estate of Parke on the edge of Dartmoor, with its walled garden and mixed orchard plus abundant wildlife on the river.

Family standing on bridge looking for fish in the river at Lydford Gorge, Devon
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Lydford Gorge 

At Lydford Gorge the best winter adventure is to see Whitelady Waterfall. After heavy rain it’ll be at its roaring best. Get wellies on to splash your way around some fun ’50 things’ activities.

Two children walk down steps outside at Plymbridge Woods, Devon in the summer
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Plymbridge Woods 

Discover what you can do when visiting Plymbridge Woods, a 'bridge' between rugged open, windswept moorland and the city of Plymouth and the coast.

Visitors walking at Heddon Valley, Devon
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Heddon Valley 

Explore the wooded river valley reaching inland down to the sea at Heddon's Mouth. Heddon Valley's walking routes include two accessible routes for all-terrain mobility scooters with Tramper.

Child with a net explores rockpools at South Milton Sands, Devon
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South Milton Sands 

Follow the coast path to the pretty village of Hope Cove, enjoy some water sports or stay longer and enjoy some stargazing – there's something for everyone at South Milton Sands.

Surfer at Woolacombe on a cloudy day
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Things to see and do at Woolacombe 

From its ideal surfing conditions to its array of rock pools, Woolacombe remains one of North Devon’s best-loved beaches. Find out more about what you can see and do here.

A child explores the rocky paths with adults in the background around Baggy Point, Devon
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Things to do at Baggy Point 

Get closer to nature and explore what Baggy Point has to offer along North Devon’s rugged landscape.

All family-friendly places around Devon and Exmoor

    The South Front and lawn at Knightshayes on a sunny day

    Discover more in Devon

    Journey from wild coasts, moorland and curious historic houses to lush gardens and beaches in Devon.