May half term activities at the National Trust in Devon
During May half term across Devon, National Trust places are hosting an array of family friendly activities. From getting to know barn owls to discovering patterns in nature and hunting for reptiles to following and archaeological dig there’s lots to keep the whole family entertained.
What’s more, every time you experience a National Trust day out, you help care for these special places for future generations.
Here is what’s happening near you this May half term, please check property website for opening days and times:
Arlington Court
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/arlington-court-and-the-national-trust-carriage-museum
Wildflower trail at Arlington Court
Daily. 10am – 4.30pm
Journey around the pleasure grounds and take part in 9 pollinator-themed activities, from wall ball mazes to aphid tosses and flower matching. Learn about the wildflowers that have been sown at Arlington, as part of the North Devon grasslands project, and find about the importance of pollinators. Or head into the house to discover Rosalie Chichester, Arlington Court's last resident, wildflower illustrations from over 100 years ago.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Walking Week at Arlington
20 – 26 May. 10am – 4.30pm
In celebration of national walking month, we will be hosting a guided walk every day of the week. Join our walking volunteers and explore the wider estate. There is sure to be one that takes your fancy.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Outdoor history tour
27 May. 11.30am – 12pm and 1.30 – 2pm
During this free guided walking tour you will explore the pleasure grounds and formal gardens with volunteer Graham, learning about the history of the estate. From the location of the old 18th-century house to the medieval village there is plenty to discover on this tour.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Buckland Abbey
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/buckland-abbey
Treelore trail
25 May – 2 Jun. 10am – 5pm
May is National Walking Month, so why not enjoy a stroll, stomp or saunter on the yellow estate walk. On the Treelore trail you will learn about folklore, old remedies and hints and tips related to the indigenous trees on our estate. Pick up a trail sheet from Visitor Welcome to take part.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Tudor Cooking
25 and 29 May. 11am – 3pm
As you reach the ground floor of Buckland Abbey, you may smell an open fire and something cooking! Our Tudor cooking team, in full costume, will be whipping up a spread fit for a Tudor household. Their menu will be tailored to the time of year and may reflect events in the Tudor social or religious calendar. This regular event is a living history display that brings the Abbey to life. The food will not be available for visitors to eat but we will provide recipe cards for you to take away and try at home. Visitors may be able to assist with some simple tasks such as grinding spices.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Guided Garden Tour
25 and 26 May. 2 – 3pm
What better way is there to explore a garden? One of the members of the garden team will meet you by the Great Barn and take you on a tour of the garden, offering their knowledge of the plants and history of the gardens. This is aimed at anyone with an interest in gardens, you don’t need to have a good knowledge of plants as the gardeners will be happy to answer any questions you have. This gentle stroll around different areas of the garden, its history and its planting will offer any visitor a deeper insight into the Abbey gardens.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
The History of the Abbey through its Art (guided tour)
27 May. 2 – 3.30pm
Our volunteer guide will take you around the Abbey, giving you an in-depth tour of the pieces on display and weaving the stories of the paintings into the history of the Buckland. The tour will be scheduled for most Mondays but please check this event or our website to see if it is running on the Monday you are hoping to visit on.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Castle Drogo
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/castle-drogo
Natural Navigation Trail
25 May – 2 Jun. 10am – 5pm
Join us this May half term learning to read nature's clues. Follow a fun trail around the Drogo gardens using just the landscape and your wits to guide you!
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Coleton Fishacre
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/coleton-fishacre
Nature explorers: Getting to know Barn Owls
29 May. 11am – 1pm
Join The Barn Owl Trust in the loggia at Coleton Fishacre for a pop-up talk on all things Barn Owls.The Barn Owl Trust, a small national charity based locally and founded in 1988, work hard to care and conserve Barn Owls. From learning about Barn Owl habitats and conservation, to how the extreme weather and climate change can affect them and getting a look into the feeding habits with pellet analysis, join them, for a fascinating talk on all things Barn Owl.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
National Walking Month: Playful family walk
31 May. 11am – 12pm
Join the volunteer walking team on a free guided playful family friendly walk around the garden at Coleton Fishacre. A gentle, buggy-friendly trail suitable for prams and young explorers.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Killerton
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/killerton
Roundheads and Cavaliers: Family trail leading to an archaeological dig
25 May – 2 Jun. 10am – 4pm
It is 1645. Armies are marching through Devon. Parliament's roundheads are chasing the King's cavaliers and you need to make a decision. Who will you support? Follow this trail to the royalist outpost at Columbjohn. Spot clues along the way and carry out a mission to help your side. On weekdays meet an archaeologist who will help you unearth the secrets of a hidden house with a big story to tell.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Exeter University Archaeological Dig
27 – 31 May. 10am – 4pm
The University of Exeter archaeology department are excavating a site close to Columbjohn Chapel on the Killerton estate. Visit the dig site on weekdays to discover what they have found. The university team are hoping to locate the manor house at Columbjohn, purchased by Sir John Acland in 1580. The manor house was a significant location during the first English civil war, 1642-1646. Visit a trench; speak with students about their finds and learn about the significance of Columbjohn during the civil war.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Meet the archaeologist
30 May. 1.30 – 3pm
The university team are hoping to locate the Tudor manor house at Columbjohn, purchased by Sir John Acland in 1580. The manor house was a significant location during the first English civil war, 1642-1646. Visit three or four trenches and discover what the team are unearthing. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Chapel, which is normally closed.
Price: £7 adult / £5 child (normal admission applies). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Relaxed Hour in the house
1 Jun. 10 – 11am
Enjoy the Acland family home at your own pace. Relaxed Hour is ideal for our visitors who prefer a quieter and calmer experience, such as those with autism, SEN needs, or dementia.
Don't worry if this event is sold out. Relaxed Hours in the house will take place the first Wednesday and Saturday of every month!
Please note, lighting will still remain at usual levels. Numbers are limited to reduce noise and crowding therefore booking is essential. Tickets to Relaxed Hours are free, normal admission applies. Members and under fives go free.
Please ensure all attending have booked a space.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Killerton Springs into Rhyme: Blossom poetry display
Daily (to 30 Jun). 10am – 5pm
Local community groups have been getting creative, writing poetry inspired by the blossom of the Killerton estate. Wander through the emerging magnolias and cheerful cherry blossom in the formal gardens, reading poetry displayed across the site.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Playing by the rules: fashion exhibition in the house
Daily (to 3 Nov). 11am – 4pm (last entry to the house 3.30pm)
'Playing by the rules: Childhood, dress and imagination' will delve into the world of children's clothing within the Killerton collection, many of them part of the Margaret Bodley collection which was acquired by the National Trust in the early 1980s. Five local Brownie and Guide units have worked with us to create future fashion designs, along with becoming young curators for one of the displays.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Knightshayes
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/knightshayes
Fascinating Floriography: Half Term fun at Knightshayes
25 May – 2 Jun/ 10am – 5pm
Did you know that every flower has a secret meaning? Discover how the Victorians used flowers to convey messages on this fascinating flower trail at Knightshayes.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
The Knightshayes Bulb Meadow
Daily. 10am – 5pm
Last October, over 120,000 bulbs were planted in the arboretum by staff and volunteers. Between February and June, see them bloom into a vibrant display of colour at Knightshayes. With different flowers every month, there’s something new to explore every time you visit.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Lorna Doone
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/lorna-doone-valley
Lorna Doone family fun days
29 May. 11am – 3pm
Join us for a free family fun day this May half term, between 11am - 3pm. From crafting to nature discovery, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Price: Free (car parking charges apply). Booking not required.
Overbecks Garden
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/overbecks-garden
Rhillig – Folk Duo
26 May. 1 – 3pm
Rhillig are a local folk duo who play traditional folk tunes to perfect a bank holiday afternoon in this wonderful garden.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Guided Garden Tour
29 May. 2 – 3pm
Our gardeners will take a small group of visitors on a tour of the garden, offering their knowledge of the horticultural delights, and some of the methods used to make this garden grow. Aimed at NT Members and Non-members, keen and not so keen plant people, the gentle stroll around the different areas of the garden and its planting will offer any visitor a deeper insight into the garden, as well as an opportunity to test their plant knowledge!
Price: £5(normal admission applies). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Parke
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/parke
Waggy Walk at Ausewell
30 May. 10.30am – 12.30pm
Join Nathan from the National Trust Dogs on Dartmoor project and ranger, John, for a sociable dog walk at Hembury and Auswell. Find out about our work caring for these woodlands and meet new people while your dog enjoys the sights and sniffs. There will be time for off lead play, but there will be times that a lead is required so please bring one along with you. Maximum of two dogs per person. (Meeting point what3words:///superbly.area.straw)
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking essential 07977 701 075.
Saltram
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram
May half term – Nature Pattern Play trail
25 May – 2 Jun. 10am – 4.15pm
Join us this half term to take part in activities which will get your body moving and mind thinking, as you learn all about nature patterns. Walk the footpath of a snail spiral or climb through a spider's web and discover just some of the amazing patterns we have in nature. Why not also join us for a free family crafting session? Head to Stable 6 every day during half term (excluding Wednesday) to create your own pattern in nature.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Wild Wednesdays – May half term – Pond dipping
29 May. 10 – 11am, 11.30am – 12.30pm, 1 – 2pm & 2.30 – 3.30pm
Discover what lurks beneath the pond waters here at Saltram with family pond dipping. We will be exploring the pond near the main car park. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Activity is aimed at over 5’s only due to the nature of the session. If we anticipate adverse weather conditions, we will have a wet weather alternative activity running from Stable 6.
Price: £3 per child (parking charges apply for non NT members). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website (please only book onto one session).
Spring garden tours
29 May. 11 – 11.45am
Join one of Saltram's garden team for a walk and talk. Learn about the history of the garden and its highlights during late Spring. Gain some insider knowledge of how its looked after, you might even pick up some tips to take home with you.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Creative Saltram
Daily. 11am – 4.30pm
The East wing and first floor rooms of the house will reopen with a spotlight on Angelica Kauffman and her inspirations from music, classical themes, and Old Master drawings. Saltram is home to 11 Kauffman paintings, which this year (until 7 July) will include Kauffman’s portrait of Theresa Parker (1773) being displayed for the very first time, this piece has been loaned from a private collection and will hang in place of Kauffman’s portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds, whilst it is being exhibited at the Royal Academy of Art in London. Also on display are the drawings, prints and books that inspired Kauffman's works and her creativity, as well as a closer look at the items within Saltram's collection that would have influenced the artists classical style
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Watersmeet
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/watersmeet
Watersmeet Family Fun Day
28 May. 11am – 3pm
Join us for a free family fun day this half term, between 11am - 3pm. From crafting to nature discovery, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Meet outside Watersmeet Café, which will be open to serve lights lunches and tasty treats.
Price: Free (car parking charges apply). Booking not required.
Wembury
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/wembury
Litter Pick at Wembury Beach
Sat 25 May. 9.30 – 11.30am
Join us for a litter pick starting at Wembury Beach and heading along the coast path and up through Mill Meadow. Enjoy this beautiful landscape whilst helping us keep this special place tidy. Litter picks, bags and bin rings provided.
Price: Free. Booking not required.
Woolacombe
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/woolacombe
Reptile Rambles
25 and 27 May. 9.45am – 12pm
Join our ranger Jos for a wander through the dunes, hunting for reptiles and seeking out spots where snakes & lizards like to bask, all while finding out more about these amazing creatures and what you can do to help protect them. The Woolacombe dunes are home to at least 4 of our 6 native species of reptile, and we’re undertaking some fantastic management work to improve their habitat.
If the weather is adverse to the conditions needed for this reptile ramble we will cancel the day before and you will be notified by e-mail and a full refund issued.
Please note: dogs are not allowed at this event.
Price: £5. Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Woolacombe Beach Clean
26 May. 10.30am – 12pm
Looking for something different to do with the family? Join us and the Plastic Free North Devon team at Woolacombe for our monthly beach cleans. Meet at Mill Rock, Woolacombe, times differ each month depending on tides. All equipment is provided, please dress for the weather and wear suitable footwear.
Price: Free. Booking not required.
Sunset Photography walk, with Mark Johnson - Woolacombe Down
28 May. 8 – 9.30pm
This is a great opportunity to walk and share photography tips with Mark Johnson, our local photographer with the National Trust, whilst taking in the beautiful scenery and local wildlife.
Please meet at the new National Trust car park on Woolacombe Down. This walk is around 1 and a half hours of varied terrain including sandy, muddy/grassy/stony, hilly and coastal.
We advise you to wear sensible walking shoes, waterproofs, warm layers and bring along water and a camera or smartphone. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Price: £5. Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Sunset Photography walk, with Mark Johnson - Mortehoe
30 May. 8 – 9.30pmh
This is a great opportunity to walk and share photography tips with Mark Johnson, our local photographer with the National Trust, whilst taking in the beautiful scenery and local wildlife. Please meet at the public car park in Mortehoe, Woolacombe. This walk is a maximum of 1 and a half hours of varied terrain including sandy, muddy/grassy/tarmac, hilly and coastal. We advise you to wear sensible walking shoes, waterproofs, warm layers and bring along water and a camera or smartphone. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Price: £5. Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon
