Pumpkins ©National Trust Images.Rebecca Hughes

October half term with the National Trust across Devon  

National Trust places are gearing up for October half term as the trees slowly turn to copper and the pumpkin harvest begins.

There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained this including pumpkin trails, creative crafts, spooky stories, and apple days.

   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 October half term.

Please check the property website for further information, including how to book:  

 A la Ronde  

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/a-la-ronde    

Guided Fungi Walk 

23 & 30 October. 10.45-11.30am 

Discover the fungi that are lurking in the A la Ronde grounds on a guided Fungi walk exploring all areas of the garden & estate.  

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.  

Arlington Court 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/arlington-court-and-the-national-trust-carriage-museum  

Community Scarecrow Trail   
8 – 31 October, 10am – 4:00pm   
Enjoy some autumn fun as the Community Scarecrow Trail returns to Arlington Court. Pick up a free trail sheet from visitor reception and explore the gardens and grounds, spotting scarecrows created by local schools, community groups and volunteers along the way.  
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply).  

Autumnfest celebrations at Arlington Court

20 October – 2 November. 10am-4pm

Explore the grounds on a fairytale-themed scarecrow trail, created by local schools, community groups, and volunteers. Keep an eye out for favourites like Puss in Boots, Rapunzel, and other magical favourites.

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.

Baggy Point   

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/baggy-point  

Baggy Point autumn trail  

25 October – 2 November. 10am-4pm  

Take part in our autumn trail around Baggy Point headland.  

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.   

Build a bat box workshop at Baggy Point

28 October. Various times – see website for details.

Join our ranger team for a fun and hands-on experience creating bat boxes that will help support local wildlife. Discover more about these fascinating creatures and how small actions can make a big difference to nature.

Price: £5 for groups up to 6 people. Booking required.

Buckland Abbey   

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/buckland-abbey  

October Half Term Trail: Piskies vs. Trolls  

18 October – 2 November 10am – 4pm  

The Piskies that caused mischief at Buckland Abbey during the Spring are back and this time they’re squabbling with the resident Buckland Trolls who have just woken up from their summer slumber. Come and see what pranks, tricks and hoaxes they play on each other and help out your selected side, are you #TeamTroll or #TeamPiskie?   

Pick up your trail sheet from Visitor Welcome and declare your allegiance with a sticker.  

Price: Free event (normal admissions applies). Booking not required.  

Harvest Weekend 

25 & 26 October. 10am-5pm 

Join us to celebrate a bountiful harvest at Buckland Abbey. 

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.  

At the bottom of Dudley's Garden: Storytelling and Craft Workshop

31 October. Various times – see website for details.

Hear the beautiful stories about the hidden world of wildflowers and pollinators, then create your own butterfly or dragonfly suncatcher with illustrator Anna Platt.

Price: £10 per child (must be accompanied by an adult. Booking required.  

Castle Drogo   

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/castle-drogo  

October Half Term Trail  

25 October – 02 November, 10am – 5pm.  

This October our half term trail is all about time. From working out the time from the position of the sun to the newfangled electric clock in Mr Drewe’s room there is plenty of time to explore at Castle Drogo. There will be trail points around the grounds for you to find and activities to keep the whole family entertained this half term.  

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.  

Coleton Fishacre   

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/coleton-fishacre  

Nature explorers: Getting to know Barn Owls  

29 October. 1.30-3.30pm  

Join The Barn Owl Trust in the loggia at Coleton Fishacre for a pop-up talk on all things Barn Owls.  

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.     

Greenway  

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/greenway  

Drawn to the River: The Big Draw

21 October – 2 November. 10.30am-4.30pm  

Head to the tennis court and add your mark on the giant weaved river tapestry, or pop inside the house to discover a drawing activity, inspired by Greenway's location on the edge of the River Dart.

Price: Free event. Booking not required. If visiting Greenway by car, parking spaces must be booked in advance through the website.      

Killerton  

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/killerton  

Apple Antics

25 October – 2 November. 10am-5pm

Follow the garden trail to celebrate all things apple and autumn and take part in seasonal games and activities.

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.

Knightshayes  

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/knightshayes  

Magic, mystery & illusion: Halloween at Knightshayes  

18 October – 2 November. 10am-5pm.  

Visit Knightshayes for a Halloween experience full of interesting illusions and mystery.  

Enter the House and find that not everything is always as it seems as you discover optical illusions of the Victorian era.  

Venture into the gardens to discover more mysteries.  

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.

Autumn Colour: Formal & Woodland Garden Walks  

21 October – 2 November. 10am-5pm.   

Discover the best of Autumn in the Formal & Woodland Garden on a self-guided walk.  

Look out for the way markers in the Garden, leading you to some of the best spots to see in Autumn.  

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.      

 Lydford Gorge   

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/lydford-gorge    

Lydford Gorge Viking trail  

8 October – 2 November. 10am-3pm  

In 997 the Vikings advanced on Lydford in search of plunder. Follow the trail around the orchard to learn how they fared on this family-friendly trail.  

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.   

Saltram   

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram  

Magic and Myths Trail 

25 October – 9 November. 10am-4.15pm 

Dress in your spookiest outfit and follow the trail around the garden to discover the folklore tales surrounding the superstition and magical properties of trees. Carefully select your wand from the wand shop at the Welcome Centre (or bring your own!) and cast magical spells around the garden at each of the trail points. And not forgetting those Pesky Pumpkins are back! But can you spot them all as you wander around the garden? 

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.   

Chinese Gardens at Saltram as part of Gardens 2025  

September-October. 11am-4.30pm  

Delve into the world of Chinese garden influences within Saltram’s collections. From depictions in wallpapers and ceramics to the living collection in the garden, discover the legacies, unique influences and stories these...  

Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.   