CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
TRUST SITES TO EXPLORE, THERE’S NO EXCUSE FOR
AS days lengthen and birds sing, it feels like a good time to plan some family adventures. And wherever you head in the South West, the National Trust has something for everyone to enjoy – whether escaping to an island, ‘storming’ castle walls or setting off along family bike trails through the woods...
BROWNSEA ISLAND
Down in Dorset, start by taking the short ferry ride to Brownsea Island from Poole Quay. Once you reach the island, head for the natural play area where kids can try and match the agility of the resident red squirrels when climbing frames, beams and seesaws.
CORFE CASTLE
Towering over the spectacular Purbeck landscape in Dorset, Corfe Castle reveals more than 1,000 years of history – with dark and daring tales of feuding Normans and Civil War heroines. After a bit of exploring, refuel at the tearoom or lay out a picnic and soak up the views.
KINGSTON LACY
Inland at Kingston Lacy, bike or walk along the three-mile woodland trail, stopping off at the play area, or maybe opt for the shorter 1.5-mile route – both are dog, buggy and adapted wheelchair-friendly. Picnic on the south lawn, stroll through the Japanese and Kitchen Garden or those with more energy can stride out into the parkland.
TYNTESFIELD
Many National Trust places have play areas and Tyntesfield, near Bristol, is home to three; a woodland adventure area with a rope swing and enchanted tree house, Home Farm play area, and the Pavilion play area which features stepping stones and balance beams. There are also several trails crossing the estate.
DUNSTER CASTLE
Whether it’s ‘taking’ the ancient castle walls or playing Pooh sticks, there’s lots of family fun to be had at Dunster Castle, near Minehead in Somerset. If you like a view (and a climb), head up to the top of the castle keep.
KNIGHTSHAYES
Heading into Devon, Knightshayes is the perfect place for everyone to stretch their legs. You’ll discover a maze trail in the formal garden and a labyrinth in the wider parkland.
ARLINGTON COURT
At Arlington Court in north Devon, there are 20 miles of walkways in all, and also some secret den-building sites. And if the weather takes a turn, the National Trust Carriage Museum houses everything from a posh state chariot to an old child’s carriage.
GREENWAY
Down by the boathouse quay at Greenway in south Devon you can count the boats that go by on the River Dart. This was the much-loved holiday home of crime writer Agatha Christie, and you’ll soon understand why.
LACOCK ABBEY
If a visit to Lacock
Abbey in Wiltshire feels familiar it might be because it was transformed into Hogwarts for the Harry Potter films – including the famous cauldron from the warming room. And the 13th century abbey and village have starred in everything from Downton Abbey to Wolf Hall.
AVEBURY
In Wiltshire, wander around the ancient standing stones at Avebury, taking time to imagine what life might have been like thousands of years ago. Avebury is not only the largest stone circle in the world but also the only stone circle with a village
partially within it.
The tranquil gardens of Saltram, near Plymouth, are a safe space with lots of room for children to run free, with buggy-friendly paths. Take a bike ride on the Pump Track or cycle along the river.
LANHYDROCK SALTRAM
In Cornwall take your own bikes to Lanhydrock, or hire them there, and try off-road bike trails for all ages and abilities. There are easy routes right through to slalom race tracks, or stride out and discover a Victorian swimming pool along the way.
Please check the National Trust website before visiting for opening times and to find out what to expect from your visit. Some places may need booking in advance.