Skip to content

Family-friendly things to do at Overbeck's

A child looks through yellow binoculars directly at the camera with a big smile on his face.
Keeping lookout for boats in Salcombe estuary | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Rain or shine, explore a world in a garden. Pick up a spotter trail, run wild on zig zag paths or go on a seasonal nature spot.

Family friendly things to do in the garden

Pick up your seasonal trail and explore a world in a garden. There are adventures for all ages as you follow the Overbeck's Garden map exploring zig zag paths and subtropical terraces.

Spot boats in the bay through our outdoor telescope. The Nature Nook is a place to investigate natural curiosities – bird’s nests, fossils and bones - inspired by the naturalist’s study.

Bringing a picnic? The lawn is a great place to spread out.

For rainy day fun, bring a brolly and experience the sounds of a rainforest under a tropical canopy. Warm up with a hot drink from the Gastrobox.

Planning your family visit

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children’s menu options and highchairs available at the Gastrobox

Useful things to know when visiting the gardens

We have a large number of delicate and spiky plants and trees in the garden. Please, no climbing.

Paths are uneven and there are a number of steep places. The garden is unsuitable for bikes and buggies.

Banana palms and a stone arched gateway at Overbeck's Garden, Salcombe.
Explore a world in a garden | © ©National Trust Images/Jason Ingram

50 things before you’re 11 ¾

No. 28 Climb a huge hill

Overbeck’s Garden is set on a hillside with zig zag paths to explore. Right at the top are the best views of all in the Olive Garden and Gazebo Garden.

No. 33 Go cloud watching

Find a patch of grass or a quiet seat, and watch the clouds go by. With a little imagination you can create whole worlds from the shapes you see in the clouds. See if you can guess the weather from looking at the clouds.

No. 44 Watch a bird

We have plenty of your favourite garden birds at Overbeck’s - the garden team are often accompanied by a robin.

No. 45 Find your way with a map

Pick up our garden map at visitor reception.