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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bovey Tracey is a historic market town in Devon on the edge of Dartmoor, known for its listed buildings, crafts, festivals, and outdoor activities.
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.
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.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can see inside selected cabinets displayed around Castle Drogo and view their craftsmanship and interiors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Parke is a historic estate in Bovey Tracey, Devon with a grade II listed mansion rebuilt in the 1820s. It currently serves as the headquarters for the Dartmoor National Park Authority and has significant historical monuments in the nearby Bovey Tracey Church.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.