7 Must-Visit Family-Friendly Places Managed by the National Trust in South Devon
With historic houses, subtropical gardens, unspoilt beaches and more under its wing, the National Trust in South Devon has lots to keep it busy. After all, as well as preserving some of the region’s most beautiful places, it’s also responsible for guaranteeing many of the best family days out in South Devon.
When it comes to holidaying with kids, you can trust the National Trust to think of everything. Expect accessible walking trails in memorable locations, plenty of facilities, family-friendly activities and – just when energies are flagging – the welcome sight of a National Trust cafe and gift shop. When better end to a great day out than a Devon cream tea (cream on first), while the kids spend their pocket money on treats?
To get you started, we’ve rounded up seven – yes, seven! – of our favourite National Trust adventures, all within easy reach of Flear Farm.
Greenway – Agatha Christie’s River-Valley Hideaway
“The loveliest place in the world,” said crime writer Agatha Christie, who bought this Georgian country estate by the River Dart in 1938 as a holiday home for her family. There’s stiff competition from some of the other entries in this ‘Best of the National Trust in South Devon’ list, but Greenway’s relaxed riverside gardens and time-capsule 1950s interiors are hard to beat for a family day out. Booking a parking slot before your visit is essential, or if you want to visit car-free; cycle to Dittisham, then take the little ferry across the River Dart to Greenway.
Greenway House is one of Devon's most notable National Trust properties. Photo Credit: Unknown
Coleton Fishacre – Art Deco House and Adventure-Ready Gardens
The wealthy D’Oyly Carte family chose a stunning spot – just south of Brixham – for their country retreat. The interior is all Art Deco Jazz Age elegance. Outside, tropical gardens and sea views compete for your attention. Coleton Fishacre offers access to the South West Coast Path with a 2 mile circular walking route that begins and ends on its grounds. There are also buggy-friendly routes and family activities to keep little ones entertained.
Coleton Fishacre features an RHS-accredited Garden. Photo Credit: Madeleine Deaton
Overbeck’s Garden, Salcombe – Clifftop Subtropical Escape
Overbeck’s Garden is a subtropical paradise with the added bonus of Salcombe estuary views. Terraced into the cliffs above the seaside town, its meandering paths offer multiple wow-factor viewpoints. Kids will love seeing the birds’ nests, fossils and bones in the Nature Nook. Whatever the weather, the National Trust in South Devon has you covered. If it’s sunny, there’s space to picnic on the lawn. If it’s raining, borrow a brolly from reception and turn your walk through this subtropical canopy into a rainforest adventure.
Overbeck's Garden features a variety of exotic plants from around the world. Photo Credit: Visit South Devon
Saltram, Plymouth – Parkland Play and Grand House
This 18th-century estate, including salt marshes and an estuary, has everything you need for a full day out. There are waymarked walking trails, including buggy-friendly options. It’s also a great place to bring bikes, with cycle routes and a pump track. There’s a historic mansion too. And, of course, a cafe. Strolling along the river or through the woods, you can almost forget that Saltram lies on the outskirts of the city of Plymouth.
Saltram House is the former home of the Parker family. Photo Credit: Tom Meaker
Compton Castle – A Real Medieval Fortress
The defensive walls, turrets, towers and portcullis of this fortified medieval manor house suggest its owners – the Gilbert family – may have made a few enemies over the centuries. Notable Gilberts include Sir Humphrey, half-brother of the Tudor explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. Young knights in training can try on onsite costumes, hunt for the house’s coat of arms and explore the kitchen gardens and orchard.
Compton Castle is simply magnificent to behold. Photo Credit: Andreas Lindburg
Bradley, Newton Abbot – Manor, Meadows and Woodland
Another medieval manor house managed by the National Trust in South Devon. This one is nestled among riverside meadows and woodland that’s perfect for easy family strolls and wildlife spotting. Be aware that there are no toilets or refreshments at Bradley, and only limited parking, but the town of Newton Abbot is just a few minutes away.
Bradley is a medieval manor house near the market town of Newton Abbot. Photo Credit: National Trust
Wembury – Rockpools, Marine Centre and Big-Sky Beach
While the South Hams isn’t short of beautiful coastline, Wembury’s pretty cove is always a favourite with families. Kids (and adults!) can enjoy safe rockpooling, paddling and an ice cream at the Old Mill Cafe – which also provides high chairs and sells beach shoes, buckets and spades. The Wembury Marine Centre is the place to learn more about Devon’s underwater world. It offers ranger-led Rockpool Safaris in season. Also worth noting – the beach is dog-free during the summer months.
Wembury is home to the picturesque St.Werburgh's Church. Photo Credit: Jim Monk
Ready to Book Your Family Stay?
When planning a holiday in the South Hams, think of the National Trust South Devon for families’ entertainment come rain or shine. While it takes care of the past, we’re here to take care of the present.
Nestled in peaceful countryside, our luxury holiday cottages in South Devon offer a central base for exploring this area’s historic houses and notable gardens to your heart’s content. Facilities such as an indoor pool and playbarn help keep downtime easy and enjoyable between days out with the National Trust in South Devon.
For a holiday to remember, filled with medieval fortresses, wildlife adventures and plenty of time to relax together, book one of our family-friendly cottages at Flear Farm today.