Victorian Kitchen Tours (weekdays)
8–9 Oct, 15–16 Oct…
A guided tour takes visitors through Dunster Castle’s Victorian kitchen and larders, exploring the work and stories of the cooks, maids and other staff who kept the castle running.
Devon
Devon is a scenic coastal and rural county in South West England with historic towns, national parks, and popular seaside resorts, accessible by rail and bus.
Near Yarn Market, Dunster
The Yarn Market in Dunster, Somerset, is a historic Grade I listed octagonal building from the early 17th century, originally built to support the local wool and cloth trade, featuring a unique central pier with timber roofing and marked by Civil War history.
Autumn Book Fair
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Fyne Court’s Autumn Book Fair offers a selection of second-hand books and information about National Trust volunteering. Families can also take part in free paper crafts, including making bookmarks and paper pumpkins.
Near Fyne Court
Fyne Court is a National Trust nature reserve and visitor centre in Somerset, featuring historic estate grounds with woodland, ponds, meadows, and remnants of a 19th-century country house. Visitors can explore outdoor natural habitats as well as indoor visitor facilities including a café and shop.
Apple Grafting Workshop
15 Feb, 17–18 Feb
A practical apple-grafting workshop at the Watermill Tearoom, led by David Ramsay. Participants learn about grafting, practise the techniques and take home a grafted apple tree.
Near Dunster Castle and Watermill
Dunster Castle and Watermill in Somerset offer a rich experience combining a historic castle, working Victorian watermill, beautiful gardens, and scenic parkland with panoramic views. Visitors can explore the castle interiors, gardens with diverse plants, enjoy family-friendly activities, and visit cafés and shops on site.
October Half Term at Buckland Abbey
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
October half-term at Buckland Abbey features a nautical theme, with visitors invited to look out for sea monsters including the Kraken, leviathan and Sirens.
Near Buckland Abbey
Buckland Abbey is a 700-year-old Grade I listed former Cistercian abbey in Devon, converted to a historic house museum notable for its connection to Sir Francis Drake. Visitors can explore the unique architecture, museum collections, and extensive grounds including historic barns and gardens.
Branscombe Heritage Guided Walk
25 Oct
A guided 1km walk through Branscombe explores the village’s history, including local trades, ghost stories, ancient sarcophagi and smuggling. The route includes views of a thatched forge and a working watermill, with a mill tour as part of the walk.
Guided Tours of Shute Barton, 6 & 7 October 2026
6–7 Oct
Visitors can take a guided tour of Shute Barton, a historic house near Axminster. Tours are offered in timed slots.
3 miles from Blackbury Camp
Blackbury Camp is an Iron Age hill fort in Devon featuring large earthwork ramparts and an oval enclosure, situated within a scenic natural area. Visitors can explore the outdoor archaeological site and enjoy views of the surrounding valleys.
Garden Design (2-day workshop)
17 Oct, 7 Nov
This two-day workshop introduces garden design principles, including colour, light and shade, line and form, balance and contrast. Participants will consider examples at RHS Rosemoor and develop and review design ideas for their own gardens.
Near RHS Garden Rosemoor
RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon offers beautiful seasonal gardens with accessible paths, a restaurant, café, and a garden centre. It welcomes dogs on specific days and supports group visits. The garden provides a diverse visitor experience both indoors and outdoors.
Learn the Charleston with Swingout Swingdance
21 Nov, 29 Nov…
Dance teachers demonstrate the Charleston and invite attendees to learn and try the steps, rhythm and beat in the house’s Saloon. The class is suitable for all ages, with moves that can be danced solo or with a partner.
Near Coleton Fishacre
Coleton Fishacre is a historic Arts and Crafts style country house with 24 acres of rare, exotic gardens running down to the sea in Devon. Owned by the National Trust, it offers visitors a combination of beautifully preserved interiors and scenic outdoor garden walks along the coast.
October half term: Spooky Plants
23–31 Oct
An October half-term event exploring unusual plants through craft workshops and an interactive garden trail. Highlights include a Beowulf storytelling performance with puppetry, animal encounters and potion-making workshops.
Winter Foliage in Festive Bas Relief Casting
15 Nov
Participants make three to five festive decorations by imprinting collected winter foliage and other plant materials into clay, then creating small casts and embellishing them. The workshop takes place mostly indoors, with time in the garden for inspiration.
Crop Rotation Planning for 2027
10 Oct (this Saturday)
RHS Advisor Ian Smith leads a workshop on the principles and techniques of crop rotation, helping participants plan vegetable growing for 2027 in a garden or allotment. The session takes place mostly in the Peter Buckley Learning Centre, with some time in the garden.
Willow Wintry Wildlife
29 Nov
Participants weave a four-legged willow animal sculpture, choosing from wildlife such as deer, reindeer, foxes or badgers. A willow sculptor guides attendees through shaping and detailing the sculpture, with a short visit outside to see where willow is grown.
Tree management walk at Greenway
12 Oct (next Monday)
Join a Greenway Gardener for a walk around the garden to learn about tree safety management, tree decay fungi, structural defects and the ecological importance of trees.
Near Greenway
Greenway House is a historic Georgian estate on the River Dart in Devon, once home to Agatha Christie. Visitors can explore the house, riverside gardens with diverse plants, and the Barn Gallery showcasing local art, with connections to Christie's literary legacy.
Christmas at Cotehele: Christmas through the Decades Family Trail
21 Nov–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–5 Jan 2027
This family trail explores how Christmas has been celebrated since the 1950s and the history of Cotehele’s Christmas Garland. Visitors can discover details such as a post-rationing Christmas dinner and popular toys, open the Advent Calendar, and create a Christmas advert.
Near Cotehele
Cotehele is a Grade I listed medieval and Tudor manor house in Cornwall with extensive historic gardens, a working restored mill, and riverside quay, offering both indoor and outdoor historic experiences. It features original Tudor interiors, chapels, and has been used as a film location.
Merry and Bright, Knightshayes
28 Nov–23 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–2 Jan 2027
Merry and Bright at Knightshayes features colourful Christmas decorations inside the house, a festive trail with family games in the gardens, and seasonal lights illuminating the house, pool garden and trees after dark.
Near Knightshayes Court
Knightshayes Court is a Victorian country house near Tiverton, Devon, known for its architecture by William Burges and extensive historic gardens. The Grade I listed house and Grade II* listed gardens offer a blend of indoor heritage and outdoor landscape experiences, including rare features like a stické court and a golfing memorabilia exhibition.
Outdoor Live Music: The Hunting Horns of Le Lion d'Angers
23 Oct
The Hunting Horns of Le Lion d'Angers perform traditional French hunting-horn music, including classical fanfares and contemporary compositions, on Green Court at Dunster Castle.
Near Dunster Butter Cross
The Butter Cross in Dunster is a historic 15th-century market cross, a Grade II* listed building and scheduled ancient monument, managed by English Heritage and the National Trust, offering visitors a glimpse into medieval market traditions in Somerset.
Christmas at Killerton
28 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Christmas at Killerton features a traditionally decorated house recreating a 1924 Christmas, an outdoor play trail with activities for children, and community-decorated Christmas trees displayed around the property.
Near Killerton
Killerton is an 18th-century Georgian country house in Devon with extensive gardens and an estate including ancient hill forts and Roman sites, open to the public under the National Trust with historical costume displays indoors and scenic outdoor walks and landscapes.
Stitching Christmas together: crochet drop in sessions
9 Oct, 23 Oct…
Visitors can drop in to the House Kitchen at Greenway to learn or practise crochet and help make squares for a community Christmas tree. Participants can also take a patchwork pack to crochet a square at home and return it for Greenway’s Christmas display.
3 miles from Bayard's Cove Fort
Bayard's Cove Fort is a 16th-century artillery blockhouse located at the entrance of Dartmouth harbour in Devon. It features historic military architecture with multiple gunports and is managed by English Heritage, open to the public for exploration of its significant coastal defence heritage.
[SOLD OUT] Sashiko Stitching workshop
7 Oct
A beginner-friendly workshop introducing sashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching technique for repairing and embellishing fabric. Participants can learn simple running stitches and practise visible mending, with materials provided.
Near Cotehele Mill
Cotehele Mill is a 19th-century Victorian watermill set in a wooded valley in Cornwall, offering visitors traditional craft workshops, baking demonstrations, and scenic outdoor areas by the Morden stream with wildlife. Dogs are welcome on the extensive paths, and food such as ice cream is available seasonally. The site blends indoor historic workshops with enjoyable outdoor nature experiences.
Doggy Drop In - Family Session with the RSPCA
28 Oct
A family-friendly drop-in session at Fyne Court where visitors can meet the RSPCA outreach team, learn about dog welfare and local walks, and enjoy craft activities. Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs, which must be kept on leads.
2 miles from Halswell Park
Halswell Park is a Grade I-listed Elizabethan and Baroque house set within historic 18th-century parkland with temples and lakes. Visitors can explore restored state rooms and join behind-the-scenes tours of the full restoration project. The site offers both indoor exploration of the house and outdoor enjoyment of the gardens and water features, with refreshments available on the roof overlooking scenic views.
Piano Recital: An Evening with Janusz Piotrowicz de Jagiellon
22 Jan
An evening piano recital by Janusz Piotrowicz de Jagiellon, featuring expressive music performed on the Bluthner Grand Piano in Dunster Castle’s Inner Hall.
Victorian Kitchen Tours (weekends)
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
A guided tour takes visitors through Dunster Castle’s Victorian kitchen and larders, with stories about the cooks, maids and other staff who worked there.
Near Dunster Castle
Dunster Castle is a historic motte and bailey castle and 17th-century manor house in Somerset, featuring medieval gates, Victorian Gothic remodeling, and extensive gardens including a National Plant Collection. It offers both indoor and outdoor experiences as a National Trust property.
Stored secrets exhibition
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition at Castle Drogo revealing unusual objects kept in the house’s collection, including items requiring special storage and large objects displayed in custom-built frames.
Near Stone Lane Gardens
Stone Lane Garden is a tranquil woodland and water garden near Dartmoor National Park featuring national plant collections, wildflower meadows, woodland walks, and annual sculpture exhibitions. It offers a peaceful outdoor experience with a seasonal tea room and plant sales.
Festive wreath workshop at Greenway
11 Dec
Participants learn to decorate a natural Christmas wreath using fresh foliage and natural materials from Agatha Christie's garden, with guidance and hands-on support. The workshop includes materials and festive refreshments.
3 miles from Dartmouth Castle
Dartmouth Castle is a historic artillery fort in Devon, built from the 14th century onward to protect Dartmouth harbour with significant gun batteries and fortifications. Now managed by English Heritage, visitors can explore both indoor historic buildings and outdoor gun platforms, enjoy scenic views, and learn about its military history from medieval times to World War II.
Indoor Theatre: 'A Christmas Carol', one-man performance by Toby Burchell
15 Dec
A candlelit one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, presented by Behind the Door Productions in Dunster Castle’s Inner Hall. The production tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounters with the ghosts of Christmas.
Near Dunster Working Watermill
Dunster Working Watermill is a restored 18th century watermill in Dunster, Somerset, featuring working overshot wheels to grind organic flour, set within the grounds of Dunster Castle. Visitors can explore the historic mill machinery indoors and enjoy the surrounding outdoor area including the castle grounds and a cafe.
Dreaming up a castle
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A display in Castle Drogo’s Study explores the origins of the castle and the work of architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, featuring plans, drawings, sketches and objects from the collection.
Near Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo is the last castle built in England, located in Devon. It is a Grade I listed country house designed by Edwin Lutyens, featuring a mix of medieval and Tudor revivalist architecture. Visitors can explore the castle's interiors, formal gardens, and enjoy facilities including a café and shop provided by the National Trust.
A Family Christmas at Cotehele Mill
21–22 Nov, 27–29 Nov…
Visitors follow festive lights along the stream to Cotehele Mill, decorated in a traditional Victorian style, and learn how families celebrated Christmas there. The event includes toys to play with, costumes to try on and craft activities on the mill’s first floor.
Christmas at Cotehele: Wassail!
19 Dec
Join Cotehele’s annual wassail to drive away evil spirits and encourage a good apple harvest. Attendees can follow the procession to the orchards, join in with songs and make noise with instruments or pots and pans.
3 miles from Pentillie Castle
Pentillie Castle is a historic castellated house set on the Cornish bank of the River Tamar, featuring extensive woodland gardens, outdoor pool, and indoor leisure facilities. It operates as a private hire venue with accommodation and hosts weddings and events in a scenic setting.
Pop up mini market at Arlington
21–23 Nov
North Devon Handmade Collective brings a Christmas pop-up shop and mini market to Arlington, with local arts, crafts and other goods for visitors to browse.
Near Arlington Court
Arlington Court is a neoclassical country house in Devon featuring historic architecture, period interiors, and a notable collection of horse-drawn carriages, set within registered Grade II* gardens. It offers indoor tours of the house and carriage museum along with outdoor exploration of the estate and gardens. The venue also provides dining facilities and activities suitable for children.
The Woodlands in Winter and Woodland Management
15 Oct (next Thursday)
Join a guided walk through RHS Garden Rosemoor’s woodlands to learn about its woodland management plan, management objectives and plans for resilient woodland. The route includes an area not normally open to the public and covers uneven terrain.
Chapel Yoga at Killerton
21 Oct, 18 Nov…
A yoga session at Killerton featuring flowing Vinyasa-inspired movement, breathwork and slower yoga poses. The class takes place on the chapel lawn, or inside the chapel in rainy weather, and is suitable for beginners and experienced participants aged 16 and over.
2 miles from Clyston Mill
Clyston Mill is a historic agricultural watermill in Devon where visitors can explore the mill's ground floor with level access, enjoy the adjacent orchard by the River Clyst, and experience a nearby scenic cycle path. Access to upper floors is limited due to steep stairs, and the mill features an original 1880 waterwheel. Entry is free for National Trust members, with a small charge for non-members.
Choosing and Growing Roses
14 Nov
A workshop on choosing, planting, pruning and training roses, including a visit outdoors to Rosemoor’s rose gardens to see varieties and maintenance techniques. Participants will also discuss common rose-growing problems and take home a related book or plant project.
Royal Geographical Society: Earth Photo 2026
12 Sep–21 Oct (another 12 days)
An outdoor exhibition presents shortlisted photography and film exploring nature, people, places and environments, including the impacts of and adaptations to climate change. The exhibition takes place throughout the garden at Coleton Fishacre.
Near Brownstone and Coleton Camp
Brownstone and Coleton Camp in Devon offers a coastal outdoor experience featuring rugged cliffs, dog-friendly beaches, historical WWII battery, and scenic walking trails along the South West Coast Path with opportunities to enjoy wildlife and countryside.
Baggy Point autumn trail
24 Oct–7 Nov
Explore Baggy Point on a 2-mile autumn trail featuring 10 activities, starting at the welcome hut in the car park and finishing at Sandleigh Café.
Near Baggy Point
Baggy Point is a scenic headland on the north coast of Devon, England, featuring walking and cycling trails, diverse wildlife including seals and birds, and geological and botanical significance as a protected area within the North Devon Coast AONB.
A 1950s Christmas at Buckland Abbey
28 Nov–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–4 Jan 2027
Visitors can explore Buckland Abbey and its Great Barn decorated for a 1950s Christmas, with festive displays, period music, toys and games, and a display of handmade decorations.
Harvest Weekend
24–25 Oct
Harvest Weekend celebrates the season at Buckland Abbey, with the garden team displaying the squashes and pumpkins they have grown in an autumnal display inside the Abbey.
Near The Garden House
This charming garden in a quiet valley near Dartmoor National Park features a historic walled garden with terraces, medieval ruins, and diverse plantings including wildflower meadows and an arboretum. It offers refreshments and plant sales, with free access for RHS members on specific days.
Learn the Charleston with South West Lindy Hoppers
22 Nov, 28 Nov…
A drop-in Charleston dance class led by Jane and Derek of South West Lindy Hoppers. Attendees can watch a demonstration and learn the steps, rhythm and beat of the dance.
A Roaring Twenties Christmas
21–22 Nov, 28–29 Nov…
A festive Roaring Twenties-themed event at Coleton Fishacre, with Jazz Age decorations, Charleston dancing in the Saloon and the chance to sample a cocktail. Visitors can also take winter walks in the coastal garden.
Christmas centrepiece workshop at Greenway
11 Dec
A hands-on workshop at Greenway where participants learn to make a natural Christmas table centrepiece using fresh foliage and other natural materials. The session includes guidance from a volunteer and is suitable for beginners and experienced crafters.
2 miles from Little Dartmouth
Little Dartmouth in Devon offers scenic coastal and countryside walks, including a circular path passing historic ruins. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, wildlife, and a natural environment with an on-site car park. Dogs are welcome with some restrictions near livestock.
Spirit of Autumn
17 Oct–8 Nov
A family autumn trail through the garden at Knightshayes explores how plants and animals prepare for winter. Visitors can take part in hands-on activities about wildlife behaviours such as storing food, migrating and hibernating.
Near Knightshayes
Knightshayes is a National Trust estate in Devon with a distinctive Gothic Revival house, extensive formal and woodland gardens, and large parkland. Visitors can enjoy exploring the house interior, walking gardens with over 1200 plant species, a restored Victorian kitchen garden, and woodland adventure play. Facilities include a café and shop, and the venue is dog friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Guided wider estate walks - Fungi foray
3 Nov, 7 Nov…
A guided walk around the Arlington Court estate introducing participants to fungi growing in the area. The walk covers 1.5–3 miles over stoned paths or fields, supported by walking volunteers.
3 miles from Exmoor Zoo
Exmoor Zoo is a conservation centre in North Devon, specializing in rare and smaller animals with a focus on conservation breeding programmes. It offers outdoor animal exhibits including rare carnivores and birds, alongside visitor facilities including the African Café. The zoo provides an engaging family-friendly experience in a scenic national park setting.
Traditional Festive Wreath
6 Dec
Florist Sarah Pepper leads a workshop in making a traditional festive wreath using seasonal foliage, berries, cones, dried orange slices, ribbon and fairy lights. Participants create and personalise a wreath on a bound straw base.
Flautist Christmas carol performances in the house
19 Dec
Visitors can explore the house, where each room is decorated around a much-loved storybook, and hear a flautist perform Christmas carols in the staircase hall.
3 miles from Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is a 28-acre wildlife sanctuary in Devon featuring live animals like meerkats and lemurs alongside animatronic dinosaurs, a dinosaur museum, a soft play area, and a miniature railway ride, offering a family-friendly mix of indoor and outdoor experiences.
Autumn fun and folklore day
29 Oct
A half-term event in Parke’s walled garden featuring nature-themed craft activities, a hunt-the-squash game and performances of Dartmoor folklore stories.
Near Parke
Parke is a peaceful woodland estate near Bovey Tracey, Devon, offering scenic walks, a walled garden, riverside wildlife, and a café. It's ideal for outdoor activities, dog walking, and family-friendly exploration close to Dartmoor's edge.
Located in Bovey Tracey
Bovey Tracey is a historic market town in Devon on the edge of Dartmoor, known for its listed buildings, crafts, festivals, and outdoor activities.
Magic of Christmas: Craft and Food Fair
5–6 Dec
A Christmas craft and food fair at RHS Garden Rosemoor, featuring artisan traders and local producers selling gifts and seasonal food in the Garden Room.
Apple Picking Day at Killerton
11 Oct (this Sunday)
Help pick apples in Sparrow Park Orchard for Killerton’s apple juice and cider production. Participants receive a bucket and instructions, and can pick apples for as long or as little as they like.
2 miles from Ashclyst Forest
Ashclyst Forest near Exeter is a large natural woodland popular for walks, wildlife sightings, and dog walking. It features multiple car parks, waymarked trails, and nearby amenities including a dog friendly coffee shop at Killerton. The forest offers a peaceful outdoor experience for families and nature lovers.
Stranger Folk at Lydford Gorge
2 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to follow a folklore-themed adventure around Lydford Gorge, guided by the Crone and taking on a mission to seal a rift between the spirit and human worlds. The app also shares facts about local folklore along the waterfall trail.
Near Lydford Castle
Lydford Castle is a medieval castle in Devon, England, historically significant as an early purpose-built prison and a centre for forest and stannary law enforcement. Visitors can explore the castle ruins managed by English Heritage and the adjacent Anglo-Saxon earthworks owned by the National Trust, reflecting law, order, and medieval authority in the region.
The Grand Tour Exhibition at A la Ronde
7–11 Oct, 13–18 Oct…
An exhibition about the 18th-century Grand Tour and the travels of Jane and Mary Parminter, whose journey through Europe influenced A la Ronde. Visitors can see travel souvenirs, pages from Jane’s diary and an original board game to play.
Near A la Ronde
A la Ronde is an 18th-century, 16-sided historic house near Exmouth, Devon, notable for its unique octagonal design, intricate Shell Gallery, and beautifully crafted interiors. The site includes Grade II listed gardens and the adjacent Grade I listed Point-in-View chapel. Owned by the National Trust, it offers a blend of indoor and outdoor historic experiences.
Located in Exmouth
Exmouth is a historic seaside resort town in Devon known for its long sandy beaches, marina, watersports, and status as the western gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It offers Victorian architecture, walking and cycling routes, and a vibrant town centre with leisure and cultural amenities.
Naturemake: Magical Festive Crafting Workshop
21 Nov
A festive crafting workshop where participants use natural materials to create Christmas decorations and miniature scenes, such as reindeer, elf homes and winter fairy gardens. The workshop is suitable for makers aged four and up.
3 miles from Shaugh Bridge
Shaugh Bridge on Dartmoor, Devon, offers visitors an outdoor experience with ancient woodlands, granite crags, prehistoric sites and historic industrial archaeology. It features riverside walks and a notable rock climbing location at Dewerstone Rock. Free parking is available but with limited spaces and no overnight parking.
St Clement's Day at Finch Foundry
21 Nov
Local blacksmiths gather at Finch Foundry to celebrate St Clement’s Day, demonstrating traditional smithing and competing as they create.
Deer walk
11 Oct (this Sunday)
Join a ranger and a local deer expert for an early-morning guided walk on the Castle Drogo estate to look and listen for resident fallow and roe deer, along with other wildlife.
3 miles from Finch Foundry
Finch Foundry is a 19th-century water-powered forge in Devon, England, preserved by the National Trust, showcasing historic agricultural and mining hand tool production with operational demonstrations of water-powered hammers.
Stories from the Stones
7 Oct
Join Cotehele volunteers on an outdoor guided tour exploring how the house developed from a small medieval home into a Victorian residence. The tour traces changes made by the Edgcumbe family over more than 600 years.
3 miles from Dupath Well
Dupath Well, near Callington in Cornwall, is a Grade I listed historic well-house built in 1510 over a natural spring, featuring distinctive granite architecture and medieval religious significance. Visitors can explore the well-house and its ancient water trough in a scenic outdoor setting.
Guided Garden Tour 2026
7 Oct, 14 Oct…
Join Overbeck’s gardeners for a guided walk through the garden, with insights into its unusual plants, gardening techniques and coastal setting. The tour is intended for everyone from keen gardeners to casual visitors.
Near Overbeck's
Overbeck's Garden at Sharpitor is a Grade II registered Edwardian garden in Devon featuring a subtropical collection of plants, themed garden areas, and a historic house housing a museum with maritime exhibits and unique displays like a secret door and musical box.
Located in Salcombe
Salcombe is a picturesque resort town in Devon known for its historic maritime heritage, sailing activities, sandy beaches, and charming waterfront, attracting tourists with its natural beauty and cultural events.
Community scarecrow trail at Arlington Court
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Visitors can pick up a free trail sheet and explore Arlington Court’s gardens and grounds, spotting scarecrows made by local schools, community groups and volunteers. The 2026 trail has an animals theme.
[SOLD OUT] Introduction to Wreath Making workshop
25 Nov
A beginner-friendly wreath-making workshop at Cotehele, where attendees create a festive door wreath using natural materials from the estate. Materials are provided, with the option to bring personal items for decoration.
Autumn Drawing Day
30 Oct
Participants will practise drawing and watercolour techniques inspired by plants in the garden, making studies and a final drawing with guidance from tutor Pete Newell. The workshop uses both the garden and the Peter Buckley Learning Centre, with an indoor alternative if weather prevents outdoor work.
Guided wider estate walks - The folklore and history of Holly
1 Dec, 5 Dec…
A guided walk around the estate exploring the folklore and history of holly, yew and mistletoe, including their traditional uses and winter stories. Walks cover 1.5 to 3 miles over paths or fields.
Pumpkins, plants and poisons at Greenway
17 Oct–1 Nov
Families can follow an autumn trail around Greenway’s garden, discovering facts about poisonous plants and wildlife and taking part in ghoulish games. Pumpkins guide the route, and trail sheets are available from Visitor Reception.
Exmoor Dark Skies: Stargazing Evening
21 Oct
An evening of stargazing activities hosted by the Space Detectives astronomy group, with telescopic observations, laser-guided star mapping and constellation storytelling. Wet-weather alternatives include VR headsets and a mobile planetarium.
Near Gallox Bridge
Gallox Bridge is a 15th century narrow stone packhorse bridge in Dunster, Somerset, crossing the River Avill. It is a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument, managed by English Heritage, and notable for its historic architecture and rural setting near Dunster Castle.
Parkrun at Bolberry Down
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
A free weekly 5km parkrun at Bolberry Down, where participants can run, jog or walk a route along paths and the coast path.
Near Mill Bay
Mill Bay in Devon offers visitors access to sandy beaches, coastal walks, and a wild rugged peninsula with ocean views and coastal paths. Facilities include a car park, accessible toilets, and nearby food at a local restaurant. Dogs are allowed with restrictions on leads in certain areas.
Autumnfest celebrations at Arlington Court
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Autumnfest at Arlington Court features an animal-themed community scarecrow trail, autumn decorations around the grounds, and harvest and floral displays in the house and gardens.
Family Trail: Motte & Bailey Investigate the Case of the Cursed Castle
17 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween-themed family trail at Dunster Castle, where participants follow clues and complete challenges to solve the mystery of the cursed castle servants. The trail includes a prize for solving the mystery.
3 miles from Cleeve Abbey
Cleeve Abbey is a medieval Cistercian monastery in Somerset featuring some of the best-preserved monastic buildings in England, including cloisters, a refectory with a wooden vaulted ceiling, medieval tiled floors, and historic wall paintings, open to public visits under English Heritage.
Hidden Treasure at Greenway: The silk jacket
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can see a silk jacket worn by Agatha Christie's mother, Clarissa, displayed for the first time after conservation. The display explores the jacket's motifs and its place in the Greenway collection.
Killerton Harvest
3–4 Oct, 10–11 Oct
Killerton Harvest celebrates the estate’s apple-growing heritage with apple-themed games, apple pressing demonstrations, local produce stalls and vintage machinery displays. The programme also includes Morris dancing and live folk music, with apple picking available at Sparrow Park orchard.
3 miles from Fursdon House
Fursdon House is a historic Georgian manor with centuries of family heritage, offering guided tours of the house, beautiful landscaped gardens, and a tearoom serving local treats. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, children's play area, and pet-friendly outdoor spaces.
Hydro Open Day
25 Oct
Visitors can look inside Castle Drogo’s hydro turbine building and learn from guides about its history, restoration and use of hydro power from 1929 to the present day.
2 miles from Fingle Bridge
Teign Gorge near Drewsteignton in Devon offers a natural outdoor experience with scenic river paths, ancient woodland, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore walking trails through Fingle Woods and along the River Teign, enjoying the beauty of the Dartmoor landscape.
Cellar Tours at Arlington Court
14–15 Nov
A guided tour takes visitors into Arlington Court’s cellar spaces to examine their architecture and explore evidence of how they may have been used in the past.
Attic Tours (Weekdays)
6–7 Oct, 13–14 Oct…
A guided tour of Dunster Castle’s attics explores hidden rooms and corridors and the lives of the servants who once lived there. The tour involves climbing a spiral staircase.
Wildlife art trail at Parke
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can follow a trail around the Parke Estate to find six large wildlife artworks created by pupils as part of an environmental project, and learn about the project and the featured native species.
3 miles from Canonteign Falls
Canonteign Falls is a 90-acre estate in Devon featuring natural waterfalls, woodlands, lakes, and meadows, with family-friendly amenities including a children's play area, café, and scenic walks.
Spirit of Autumn
17–18 Oct, 21–25 Oct…
A family trail through the gardens and meadow at A la Ronde explores how wildlife prepares for autumn and winter. Follow clues in a trail booklet to find seasonal animals and learn how they survive the colder months.
3 miles from Bowling Green And Goosemoor
Bowling Green and Goosemoor is a scenic nature reserve at the junction of the River Exe and River Clyst near Topsham, ideal for birdwatching from accessible hides and viewpoints including an estuary lookout. The reserve features seasonal visitors like waders and waterfowl, with walking and cycling paths offering panoramic views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Entry is free and dogs are allowed on leads on designated paths.
Hibernation at the Mill
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can follow the Mill Path from Cotehele Quay to learn about animals that hibernate over winter, with self-led craft activities around the Mill complex.
Guided walks at Parke - Wider Estate
14 Oct, 25 Oct…
Community Walk Volunteers lead a friendly walk of around three miles through the natural landscapes of the Parke Estate. The route includes varying terrain, steep hills and uneven ground.
Father Christmas at Arlington Court (sensory friendly)
5–6 Dec
Children can meet Father Christmas in a sensory-friendly grotto at Arlington Court, with quiet surroundings, soft lighting and reduced capacity. Festive crafting activities are available while visitors wait.
Christmas at Cotehele: 70 years of the Garland
21 Nov–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–5 Jan 2027
Visitors can see Cotehele’s 60-foot Christmas garland in the Great Hall, marking 70 years of the estate’s garland-making tradition. Parts of the house including the Kitchen, Breakfast Room and Victorian Library will also be open.
Villainous tales and magical trails
17 Oct–1 Nov
Follow clues around Saltram’s house and garden to identify fairy-tale villains, spot hidden pumpkins and collect spell points. The event also includes a wand shop and spooky games on the play lawn.
Near Saltram
Saltram House is a well-preserved Georgian country house near Plympton, Devon, featuring exquisite interiors by Robert Adam and a fine art collection including works by Joshua Reynolds. The estate includes expansive gardens and parkland, offering both indoor and outdoor visitor experiences.
Magic of Christmas: Craft and Food Fair
27–29 Nov
A festive craft and food fair in the Garden Room, with local artists and producers selling handmade gifts and seasonal food and delicacies.
Christmas Pottery Wreath Workshop
24 Oct
Participants learn hand-building techniques to make a clay Christmas wreath decorated with festive natural elements, then add colour and finishing details. The workshop is led by local artist Helen McCormick, and the completed wreath is kiln-fired for collection later.
Halloween - Make a bubbling cauldron model
26 Oct
A crafter leads attendees in making a bubbling cauldron model as a Halloween decoration. The activity is intended for ages 5–15, accompanied by an adult.
2 miles from Bolberry Down
Bolberry Down near Salcombe, Devon, offers accessible coastal walks with stunning sea views, historical Iron Age fort remains, and a remote sandy beach. Visitors can enjoy a level circular trail suitable for most mobility vehicles, with dog-friendly paths and on-site food available.
Bring a friend for free this Christmas
21–23 Nov, 28–30 Nov
The offer lets a National Trust member or a visitor paying full admission bring a friend for free to experience Christmas at Arlington Court. Visitors can explore a Christmas trail in the gardens and grounds, see festive displays and enjoy the wider estate.
Gilded Treasures Exhibition: 50 Years of the National Trust at Dunster Castle
5 Oct–2 Nov (another 24 days)
An exhibition marking 50 years of the National Trust at Dunster Castle, featuring golden objects from the castle’s collection, including its rare gilt leather hangings. Visitors can also learn about the castle’s gift to the Trust and view a film presenting a virtual gallery of the hangings.
Ghost Tours 2026
28 Oct, 31 Oct
An after-dark guided tour through Dunster Castle’s reportedly haunted spaces, featuring stories of ghostly sightings, tragedy and mysterious happenings.
Father Christmas at Arlington Court 2026
5–6 Dec
Children can meet the traditional green Father Christmas in the Reading Room at Arlington Court and receive a present. Festive craft activities are available in the Vine while visitors wait.
Magical Potion trail at Antony
7–8 Oct, 13–15 Oct…
Visitors follow clues through Antony’s house and gardens to find ingredients for an enchanted potion. Halloween costumes are encouraged.
‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ at Cotehele
7 Oct–15 Nov (another 37 days)
Visitors can follow a sensory trail around the garden, moving through interactive installations inspired by the picture book and animation ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ as they search for the bear.
Nature explorers: Getting to know Barn Owls
28 Oct
A pop-up talk from the Barn Owl Trust covering barn owl habitats, conservation, the effects of extreme weather and climate change, and feeding habits through pellet analysis. No live barn owls will be present.
Parkrun at Bolberry Down
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
A free weekly 5km parkrun at Bolberry Down, where participants can run, jog or walk a route along paths with coastal views.
Near Bolberry Down
Bolberry Down is a scenic clifftop area in South Devon offering coastal views over the English Channel, owned by the National Trust and situated within a protected natural area.
Gardening for nature at Greenway
22 Oct
A guided tour of Greenway’s garden with the Head Gardener, exploring practical ways the team is restoring nature, improving habitats and adapting planting to climate change. Attendees can also learn about steps they could take in their own gardens to support wildlife.
Festive Cards in Watercolours
14 Nov
A watercolour workshop with tutor John Piper, where participants learn painting techniques and create at least two festive cards featuring seasonal flowers, foliage and berries. The day includes a short walk in the garden for inspiration and painting in the classroom.
Poetry Reading in the Garden Room
7 Oct, 14 Oct…
Michael Bloom reads excerpts from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poems in the Garden Room at Coleridge Cottage, exploring the stories and landscapes that inspired his work.
Near Coleridge Cottage
Coleridge Cottage is a 17th century historic cottage in Nether Stowey, Somerset, where poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge lived and wrote some of his famous works. Now a National Trust writer's home museum, it features period rooms, a garden with wildflowers, and serves as the starting point for the Coleridge Way walking trail.
Silent disco beach cleans at Woolacombe
25 Oct, 29 Nov…
Join Woolacombe rangers and local partners for a monthly beach clean at Mill Rock, accompanied by a silent disco when weather permits. Equipment is provided, and the event takes place on the beach.
Near Woolacombe
Woolacombe is a National Trust site featuring an award-winning 3-mile sandy beach, extensive dunes, and scenic walking trails including the South West Coast Path. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from Woolacombe Down, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly events. Facilities include National Trust car parks, food outlets nearby, and accessibility support with Trampers for mobility.
Christmas Willow Sculpted Star Workshop
7 Nov
A guided willow-sculpture workshop led by sculptor Vik Westaway, where participants make a handmade willow star with materials and equipment provided.
100 years of Coleton Fishacre
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A year of events marking 100 years since the D’Oyly Carte family moved into Coleton Fishacre, including archive and contemporary photography exhibitions, a guided walk with the Head Gardener, and a 1920s-style Christmas party.
Christmas at Cotehele: Creating the Garland
9–19 Nov
Visitors can watch Cotehele’s gardeners create the Christmas garland, inserting more than 30,000 dried flowers into a pittosporum base. The work takes place outside on 9 November and inside the house from 10 to 19 November.
Stowey Surrounds | Walks Programme
8 Oct
A guided walk through the countryside around Nether Stowey, exploring the woodland, valleys and landscapes that inspired Samuel Taylor Coleridge. A walk leader accompanies attendees on the route.
3 miles from Fairfield
Fairfield is a medieval and Elizabethan country house lived in by the Acland Hood family for 800 years, offering guided tours of its historic rooms and access to gardens. Visitors can explore indoor historic rooms on scheduled guided tours and enjoy outdoor gardens, with free parking and pet-friendly policies.
Seasonal Gardening - Winter
26 Nov
A seasonal gardening workshop led by RHS Rosemoor Garden Manager Geraldine King. Participants will take a guided walk through the garden, watch practical demonstrations and learn about winter tasks such as mulching and pruning.
Guided wider estate walks - Active Hike
10 Oct, 20 Oct…
A guided hike of more than five miles explores the wilder parts of Arlington estate, including woodland, riverside and parkland, with steep climbs and scenic views. Walkers should be prepared for uneven and sometimes muddy or slippery terrain.
Christmas open evenings
1 Dec, 8 Dec…
Christmas open evenings at Arlington Court include festive treats, marshmallow toasting by an outdoor fire, family crafts and a chance to explore a Storybook Christmas in the house.
Autumnfest Family fun day at Arlington
30 Oct
An autumn family fun day in the garden featuring seasonal harvest displays, hands-on crafts such as whittling and marshmallow roasting, and a community scarecrow trail around the grounds.
Planting for a Changing Climate
24 Oct
A workshop on adapting garden planting to climate change, covering resilient plants, soil care, water-wise gardening and design strategies. Participants will also walk around RHS Rosemoor to see examples of resilient planting.
Welly Walk - Potions and Broomsticks
12 Oct, 19 Oct
A preschool workshop at RHS Garden Rosemoor themed around potions and broomsticks. Children can spot spooky pictures, collect leaves and petals to make a potion, create a broomstick from sticks, and finish with a drink and a story.
HistoryScapes: feedback session
24 Oct
Visitors can follow the “Voices of the garden” HistoryScapes trail at Greenway, an immersive storytelling experience set at the property at the start of the Second World War. Afterwards, they can join an informal feedback session in the Barn Café.
'Guardians of the garden' autumn tree trail
17 Oct–1 Nov, 7–8 Nov…
Follow an outdoor trail through Coleton Fishacre’s garden to find the Green Man’s tree-hugging hands and discover facts, folklore and stories about ancient woodlands and caring for green spaces.
Read More: The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
11 Nov
A Read More book club session focused on Elif Shafak’s novel *The Island of Missing Trees*.
Teddy's home for Christmas at Greenway
21–22 Nov, 28–29 Nov…
Greenway is decorated for a 1940s Christmas, with handcrafted decorations in the house and a family-friendly teddy bear trail through the winter garden.
Our Killerton
4 Jul–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can view a display of eight objects selected by people connected to Killerton, alongside a contemporary artwork by Patricia Dixon inspired by the stories behind the objects.
'Voices of the garden' immersive audio trail at Greenway
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors follow a GPS-triggered audio trail through Greenway’s garden, hearing a fictional story inspired by the estate’s use as a home for child evacuees during the Second World War. The trail uses the HistoryScapes app to explore Greenway’s heritage.
Katherine Miles Willow Sculptures 'Autumn'
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition of Katherine Miles’s autumn-themed willow sculptures, made using Somerset willow and foraged materials from Dartmoor. The exhibited pieces are available to buy.
Buckland 75 Exhibition
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition marking 75 years of Buckland Abbey welcoming visitors, reflecting on its significance to the local community and visitors. Attendees can share memories and stories of the abbey.
Nether Stowey Village Walk | Walks Programme
11 Oct, 18 Oct…
A beginner guided walk around Nether Stowey explores the village associated with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, including his former home, St Mary’s Church and Castle Mount.
Specialist Garden Talks
7 Oct, 14 Oct
Join the gardeners for a short talk on a different garden theme each week, covering what is looking good, gardening tips and the work carried out by the team. Talks meet at the garden entrance and may include a gentle stroll around the garden.
Dark Skies Festival - Night Hike
20 Oct, 23 Oct…
Join a guided night hike through the Doone Valley and Exmoor landscape, stopping at spots suited to stargazing. The walk takes place after dark.
Near Lorna Doone Valley
Lorna Doone Valley in Devon is a scenic outdoor destination famous for its connection to the novel Lorna Doone. Visitors can enjoy extensive walks, a family-friendly wild play area, wildlife spotting, and amenities like a tea-room and gallery. The site also offers camping and glamping in a tranquil dark sky reserve setting.
Children's Christmas Block Printing Workshop
28 Nov
Children aged 4–16 can use festive lino blocks and colourful inks to print their own Christmas cards and gift wrap, with materials provided. Participants take their finished prints home.
Be a writer for a day at Greenway
7–16 Oct (another 7 days)
Explore Greenway house and garden for writing prompts and creative challenges inspired by Agatha Christie and the surroundings of her former holiday home. Visitors of all ages can develop stories, draw ideas and add creations to the “tall tales” trees.
Christmas Choirs at Buckland Abbey
5–6 Dec, 19–20 Dec
Choirs and musical ensembles perform Christmas music in the Great Barn at Buckland Abbey. Performances take place on four dates in December.
Ranger Walk-Killerton's Orchards
13 Oct, 15 Oct
A guided walk through Killerton’s orchards explores historic apple varieties, traditional orchard management and their role in Devon’s rural life. The walk also visits the cider barn for an overview of how apples are turned into cider.
Willow Foraging Basket
11 Oct (this Sunday)
Participants learn traditional English willow-weaving techniques and make a rustic-framed foraging basket to take home. The workshop includes instruction from basketmaker Sarah Le Breton and takes place mostly indoors, with some time in the garden.
Festive Foliage Star
6 Dec
Florist Sarah Pepper leads a workshop on making a contemporary festive foliage star using seasonal foliage, berries, cones and dried orange slices. Attendees can personalise their decoration with fairy lights.
History off the Hanger
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Explore a fashion exhibition at Killerton featuring historic clothing and objects from its collection, alongside stories about how people dressed and lived. The exhibition also looks at how fashion history has been recorded and offers a glimpse into the care and storage of the collection.
Woven Through Time Exhibition
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition at Cotehele exploring tapestries and other textiles in the collection, including how they were made and their significance to the property’s history. Visitors can see items such as cushions and natural dyes, along with objects that have been stored away.
Plot to Palette in Botanical Watercolours (3 days)
9–11 Oct (another 2 days)
In this three-day botanical watercolour workshop, attendees learn drawing and painting techniques to create a botanical artwork inspired by autumn fruit and vegetables. The sessions include a visit to the Fruit and Vegetable Garden to see the subjects in place.
Open Cabinets
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can see inside selected cabinets displayed around Castle Drogo and view their craftsmanship and interiors.
Wondrous Women Collage Making Workshop
9 Jan
Participants can make a collage or other artwork celebrating a woman who has inspired them and has lived in the Netherexe or Silverton parishes. The finished pieces will contribute to an exhibition.
New Parents Walk-Killerton's Orchards
13 Oct (next Tuesday)
A guided walk with a Killerton ranger explores the estate’s historic apple varieties, traditional orchard management and the role of orchards in Devon’s rural life. The walk also visits the cider barn for an introduction to how apples are made into cider.
'Jersey's' Story
23 May–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A display at Saltram brings together two companion portraits by Joshua Reynolds and explores the story of ‘Jersey’, an enslaved boy depicted in one of them. Visitors can encounter historical research and conservation insights through audio, scent and touch.
3 miles from Plymbridge Woods
Plymbridge Woods is a National Trust managed woodland in Devon featuring historic Plymbridge bridge, walking and cycling trails including the Drake's Trail, diverse wildlife, and recreational activities such as orienteering and mountain biking. It is open year-round and free to visit.
Little Acorns at Coleton Fishacre
7 Oct, 14 Oct…
Little Acorns is a term-time session for children under five at Coleton Fishacre. Families can explore the garden on a welly walk and take part in creative outdoor activities.
Celebrating Autumn Harvest in Expressive Acrylics
21 Oct
Participants will practise sketching fruit and vegetables in the garden before developing an acrylic painting in the classroom, using techniques such as underpainting, line drawing and layering colour. Artist Hannah Oram will guide the workshop, which is suitable for all skill levels.
Family volunteering - Bash and burn at Morte Point, Woolacombe
29 Oct
Families can join rangers at Morte Point to cut back gorse and clear overgrown vegetation, helping create space for wildflowers and other wildlife. Tools and training are provided, and participants can drop in for as long as they like during the day.
2 miles from Mortehoe
Mortehoe is a coastal headland in Devon known for its scenic coastal walks, panoramic views, and wildlife including seals. Visitors can explore the coastline, visit the lighthouse, and enjoy refreshments at local tea rooms including an eco-focused café. The area features accessible paths and rich local history.
Dark skies festival - Astrophotography in the Doone Valley
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Join photographer Mark Johnson for an outdoor astrophotography session in the Doone Valley, learning to photograph the night sky and landscape. Participants should bring a camera and tripod; no previous experience is required.
3 miles from Watersmeet
Watersmeet House is a National Trust property in Devon featuring a historic fishing lodge with a tea room and shop, nestled at a river gorge confluence and serving as a gateway to extensive woodland and riverside walks. The site includes a notable area of ancient oak woodland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Magnolia Campbellii ‘Overbecks’ in bloom: exclusive pre-season garden tour
10 Feb, 18 Feb
A guided pre-season tour of Overbeck’s Garden, focusing on the magnolia ‘Overbecks’ in bloom and exploring the garden’s history and horticultural features.
2 miles from East Soar
East Soar in South Devon offers scenic coastal walks along the South West Coast Path with views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, including circular and linear walks to nearby natural attractions like Overbeck's Garden and Bolt Head. The Walker's Hut provides refreshments, making it a popular spot for dog walkers and families. The area is dog friendly but has uneven terrain and steep ground, limiting wheelchair accessibility.
Dark skies festival - Fireside story telling
27 Oct
A children's storytelling session at Lorna Doone Valley, where attendees gather around a fire to hear stories under the stars as part of the Dark Skies Festival.
[SOLD OUT] Willow Reindeer Workshop
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Participants learn basic willow-weaving techniques with guidance to make a festive reindeer decoration, approximately 2–3 feet tall, to take home. Materials are provided during the full-day workshop.
Storytelling session at Coleton Fishacre
1 Nov
Visitors can read together in a cosy storytelling corner or join a volunteer for stories and poems from children’s books written in the 1920s and 1930s.
Romantic Women Tour
8 Oct, 15 Oct…
A volunteer-led tour through the rooms of Coleridge Cottage explores the women who influenced Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s life and writing, including Sara Fricker and Dorothy Wordsworth.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
26 Nov, 28 Nov
Participants can follow a wreath-making demonstration by Forest Catkins and create a Christmas decoration to take home. The workshop includes a festive bake and a hot drink.
[SOLD OUT] Beginners' Festive Calligraphy workshop
4 Nov
A beginner-friendly festive calligraphy workshop where participants practise basic shapes and the modern calligraphy alphabet, then create their own pieces to take home. A calligraphy kit and other materials are included.
Meet Father Christmas at Dunster Castle
12–13 Dec, 19–22 Dec
Children can meet Father Christmas inside Dunster Castle, share their Christmas wishes and receive a gift. Each child needs a ticket, with accompanying adults admitted at no additional event charge.
Monthly guided walks by the coast
6 Nov, 4 Dec
Join the volunteer walking team for a guided coastal walk near Coleton Fishacre, exploring the Man Sands wetlands, bird hide and secluded beach, with a possible longer route to Scabbacombe beach.
The Pikachu Art Adventure at Killerton
7 Oct–13 Nov (another 35 days)
Explore an outdoor trail featuring 30 Pikachu cards illustrated by different artists, discover facts about the character and design a Pikachu trading card.
Screening of the 'People's Emergency Briefing' film
21 Oct
A screening of the 'People's Emergency Briefing' film, featuring Chris Packham, scientists and other contributors discussing the direction of climate and nature issues and possible responses. The film is followed by a refreshment break and an opportunity to hear from local community and environment groups.
Gardening for nature at Coleton Fishacre
9 Oct
A guided garden tour led by the Head Gardener explores how Coleton Fishacre is adapting its gardening practices to support nature, improve habitats and increase biodiversity. Attendees can learn about the measures in place and get ideas for supporting wildlife in their own gardens.
Attic Tours (Weekends)
11 Oct, 18 Oct…
A guided tour of Dunster Castle’s attics explores hidden rooms and corridors and the daily lives of the servants who lived there.
Hibernation at the Mill
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Follow the Mill Path from Cotehele Quay to learn about animals that hibernate over winter, with self-led craft activities around the Mill complex.
Christmas at Castle Drogo 2026
27–29 Nov, 4–6 Dec…
Christmas at Castle Drogo celebrates 100 years of Christmas with seasonal decorations throughout the castle. Visitors can explore the castle and garden, take part in an outdoor children’s trail, and hear musicians perform in the Drawing Room.
Flavours of Autumn
8–11 Oct (another 2 days)
Flavours of Autumn is a harvest festival at RHS Garden Rosemoor, with fruit heritage displays, talks and demonstrations, orchard tours, live music, seasonal food and drink, and family activities including drawing, storytelling and garden games.
Festive Wreath Mosaic (Outdoor)
5 Dec
Create a festive mosaic wreath inspired by winter flowers and foliage, with guidance on cutting and arranging tiles. The workshop takes place mostly indoors, with time in the Rose Garden for inspiration, and includes a grouting demonstration.
Buglife letterbox trail
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can follow a letterbox trail around the Parke Estate, finding five boxes representing species that Buglife is working to protect. Each box has information about its species, and participants can collect stamps along the route.
Seasonal Gardening - Autumn
8 Oct
A seasonal gardening workshop led by RHS Rosemoor’s Garden Manager, featuring a guided walk and practical demonstrations of autumn tasks such as planting bulbs, dividing perennials and caring for lawns.
Pick your own pumpkin
24 Oct–2 Nov
Visitors can explore the pumpkins and autumn colour in Knightshayes’ Walled Kitchen Garden, choose a pumpkin to take home, and have it weighed. The event also invites visitors to enjoy the surrounding grounds in their autumn colours.
2 miles from Tiverton Castle
Tiverton Castle is a historic motte and bailey castle in Devon, offering visitors a peaceful private house experience with a fine collection of Civil War arms and armour, medieval features, and beautiful gardens. It is open to the public seasonally with tailored tours and holiday accommodations available.
Autumn Colours in Needlefelt
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Participants will take inspiration from autumn leaves and seasonal colours in the garden, then learn needle-felting techniques to create a 15 cm square artwork using British wool. Artist Julie Vickery will demonstrate the process and guide participants through composition, layering and detail.
Behind-the-Ropes Tours
5 Oct, 12 Oct…
Visitors take a guided tour beyond the usual visitor route at Dunster Castle, exploring repurposed spaces and learning about their history and the castle’s inner workings.
Toddler Tuesdays
6 Oct, 13 Oct…
Toddler Tuesdays is a term-time session for under-fives and their carers, with nature play, stories, crafts and gentle walks.
2 miles from Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe is a restored garden estate featuring three centuries of garden design with lakes, temples, woodlands, and a house with a contemporary art gallery and bookshop. It offers both outdoor garden exploration and indoor cultural experiences.
Write your own story Christmas trail
21–23 Nov, 28–30 Nov…
Visitors follow an outdoor Christmas trail, spinning a wheel at each stop to choose a character, face challenges and shape the ending of their own story. A five-stop route is offered for younger children, alongside a full eight-stop adventure.
A storybook Christmas at Arlington Court
21–23 Nov, 28 Nov–1 Dec…
A Christmas celebration at Arlington Court featuring festive displays in the house and gardens, an outdoor choose-your-own-story trail, a pop-up market and musical performances. Evening openings and family trails are also part of the programme.
Father Christmas story telling
12–13 Dec
Children aged 2–8 can listen to festive stories told by Father Christmas in a room at Arlington Court. Each 30-minute session includes a small gift for the child.
Tree Planting Day
7 Nov, 22 Nov
Join a volunteering day at Ashclyst Forest to plant mixed broadleaf trees, including alder and willow. Participants can book individual two-hour planting sessions and equipment is provided.
Dunster Experience Days - A Day with the Collections and House Manager
17 Nov
Spend a day at Dunster Castle with the Collections and House Manager, including an introductory talk, a bespoke tour with access to normally closed areas, lunch and a hands-on conservation workshop.
Killerton parkrun
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
Killerton parkrun is a free weekly 5k community event where participants can walk, jog or run the cross-country route, or volunteer or spectate.
Welly Walk - Awesome Art
9 Nov, 16 Nov
A preschool Welly Walk at RHS Garden Rosemoor themed around art, using the Leaf Man story for inspiration. Children collect leaves during a garden walk, make leaf-based art and share a story and a drink.
Guided fungi walk
8 Oct, 15 Oct…
A guided walk around the A la Ronde estate, where a knowledgeable guide helps identify the fungi species found across the grounds. The event is not a foraging activity.
3 miles from Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle is a historic fortified manor house in Devon, offering visitors tours of the house and access to extensive gardens and parkland. The venue provides good accessibility including an all-terrain mobility scooter for hire, a cafe, and facilities for children, making it a family-friendly destination with a rich history spanning over 600 years.
Behind-the-Ropes Tours (weekends)
10–11 Oct, 17–18 Oct…
A volunteer-guided tour takes visitors beyond the usual visitor ropes at Dunster Castle, exploring repurposed rooms, hidden areas and their history. The tour lasts about an hour.
Historic Cooking
29 Oct, 31 Oct…
The Abbey’s volunteer historical cooking team presents a living-history display in the kitchen, preparing food connected with historical seasons and festivals. Visitors can watch and may be able to help with simple tasks such as grinding spices; recipe cards are available to take home.
Christmas Willow Angel Workshop
15 Nov
A three-hour workshop where participants are guided through making a festive angel from sustainably grown willow, which they can take home as a decoration or gift. No previous weaving experience is needed.
Discover a Hidden Masterpiece: The Gilt Leather Hangings at Dunster Castle
7 Oct–1 Nov, 7–8 Nov…
Explore Dunster Castle’s refreshed display of seventeenth-century gilt leather hangings depicting Antony and Cleopatra. The display presents new research and examines the hangings’ craftsmanship and place in art and culture.
Guided wider estate walks - Learn about foraging
9 Oct
A guided walk with a local foraging specialist explores Arlington Court’s hedgerows, stream edges and trees. Participants learn to identify local edible plants and poisonous lookalikes, as well as hearing about the folklore and medicinal uses of plants.
Shoresearch Volunteer Survey at South Milton Sands
27 Oct, 25 Nov
Participants will learn to identify and record marine life on the intertidal shore as part of a Shoresearch citizen science survey. The collected data helps monitor marine life and understand environmental changes.
Near South Milton Sands
South Milton Sands is a scenic and popular sandy beach in Devon featuring a long stretch of golden sand, rock pools, and a sheltered bay overlooking the Thurlestone Rock archway. Visitors can enjoy coastal walks, wildlife watching especially at the wetlands area, and accessible pathways including boardwalk ramps to the beach. Dog-friendly and child-friendly, it provides a natural outdoor experience with parking available via a digital system.
Relaxed Hour in the house
30 Nov, 5 Dec…
A quieter, calmer hour to experience the festive decorations in Killerton house at your own pace, with no music playing during the session.
Parkrun at Bolberry Down
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
A free weekly 5km parkrun at Bolberry Down, open to people running, jogging or walking the route, which follows a tarmac path and coast path with sea views.
Magic of Christmas: Craft and Food Fair
20–22 Nov
A festive craft and food fair in the Garden Room, featuring gifts and seasonal delicacies from local artists, artisans and producers. Visitors can browse and buy items from selected traders.
Gardening for nature at Overbeck's
12 Oct (next Monday)
Join Overbeck’s Head Gardener for a guided tour around the garden, exploring practical ways to support nature, improve habitats and adapt gardening to a changing climate. The tour also shares ideas visitors can try in their own green spaces.
Willow Wintry Wildlife
28 Nov
Participants learn willow-weaving techniques and create a four-legged animal sculpture, such as a deer, fox or badger. The workshop is led by willow sculptor Jane Fletcher and includes a short outdoor visit to see where willow is grown.
Free Guided Wellbeing Walk: Ashclyst Forest-Green Route
28 Oct
A guided wellbeing walk follows the green route through Ashclyst Forest, covering approximately 3km over about 1.5 hours. The route includes some elevation and uneven, potentially muddy ground.