Image Credit: Chris Lacey, Knightshayes
Across Devon, National Trust places are full of warmth as the trees slowly turn to red, orange and gold. Enjoy crisp walks with family and friends and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. There’s lots on offer this season, from apple day activities to guided tours, and craft workshops to Heritage Open 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 autumn, please check property website for opening days and times:
A La Ronde
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
The Grand Tour Exhibition at A la Ronde
1 September – 1 November. 10.30am-4pm
A new exhibition exploring the remarkable story of the Grand Tour that inspired A la Ronde and shaped the Parminters’ extraordinary home.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Arlington
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Arlington Court: A Home for Nature
1 September-4 October. 10am-4pm
Discover Arlington Court through the lens of former owner Rosalie Chichester with this new exhibition.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Guided wider estate walks
15 September & 20 October. 10am-1pm: Active Hike
3, 6 & 18 October. Check website for times: Autumn trees
3, 7 & 15 November. Check website for times: Fungi foray
Join one of our guided walks to explore the wilder side of Arlington, venturing into the little known parts of the estate.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply), booking required.
Cyanotype workshop
19 September. 10am-4pm
Join local photographer and printmaker Stephen Raff for the day to learn the fundamentals of this historic photographic printing process as well as other skills to explore your creativity deeper.
Price: £60pp (ages 12+). Booking required.
Nature photography walk
26 September. 12noon-1.30pm
Bring your camera or phone and join local photographer Mark Johnson to have a go at taking your own nature inspired photographs in the garden at Arlington Court.
Price: £5pp. Booking required.
Buckland Abbey
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Monastic Buckland: A Guided Tour
3 September & 1 October. 2-3.30pm
Uncover the monastic past at Buckland as you take a walk with our volunteer Brian. You will discover fascinating architecture at every turn and understand better the story of Buckland Abbey before the dissolution of the monasteries.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Historic Cooking
19 September, 29 & 31 October. 11am-1.30pm
Join our historical cooking team as they explore the seasons and festivals of the year in Buckland Abbey's kitchen.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
It's All About Status: A Costume Exhibition
4-28 September. 11am-4pm
We'll be showing off the talents of our skilled Costume volunteers through exploring the clothing worn by Tudor society.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Buckland 75 Exhibition
12 September-1 November. 11am-4pm
Buckland Abbey has been opening its doors to visitors since 1951. In 2026, we will mark 75 years of its history, celebrating its ongoing significance within the local community and its impact on the lives of countless individuals over the decades.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Heritage Open Days: Visit Buckland Abbey for free
14-20 September. 10am-5pm
Explore the Abbey, gardens and estate for free as part of Heritage Open Days.
Price: Free event. Booking not required.
October Half Term at Buckland Abbey
10 October -1 November. 10am-4pm
Visit Buckland Abbey for a half term filled with fearsome sea monsters. Watch out for the Kraken, leviathan, Sirens and much more!
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Willow Reindeer Workshop
17 October. 10am-5pm
In this full day workshop bring a charming willow reindeer to life with guidance from Jasmine. You’ll learn simple weaving techniques using natural willow to craft a beautiful, rustic decoration perfect for the festive season. Whether you’re a complete beginner or love getting crafty, this relaxed and friendly session is all about creativity, connection, and leaving with something truly unique you’ll be proud to display indoors or out!
Price: £95pp. Booking required.
Harvest Weekend
24&25 October. 11am-4pm
Join us to celebrate a bountiful harvest at Buckland Abbey. The Garden team have been working hard and grown squashes and pumpkins galore! They'll be showing off their hard work as part of a beautiful autumnal display in the Abbey.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Castle Drogo
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Stored secrets exhibition
1 September – 1 November. 10.30am-4.30pm
We are displaying some of our most exciting items kept safely in storage here at Castle Drogo. From items that need special storage procedures due to their danger, to objects so large they need a custom-built frame just to be displayed, we're unveiling our stored secrets.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Hydro Open Day
20 September & 25 October. 11am-3pm
The hydro turbine building on the River Teign will be open for you to look inside. The knowledgeable guide will be able to tell you about the history of this building along with how it was restored and how it works.
Price: Free event. Booking not required.
Deer walk
11 October. 7am- approximately 10am.
Join our ranger team and Sharif Adams on a sunrise walk from the castle to the deer park to spot some of the estates resident cervids. The walk is on rough hilly terrain so will require a good level of fitness. Due to the nature of the event no dogs are permitted on this walk. There are 15 places available.
Price: £20pp booking required
Half term at Castle Drogo
Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November
Join us for our half term family trail around the grounds, running every day during the school holidays. Plus on Thursday 29 October, come and have a go at the free craft activities in the activity hut.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Heritage Open Day (17 & 20 September, 10am-5pm)
17 September, check website for times: Roof Tours
20 September, 11am-3pm: Hydro turbine open
Head to Castle Drogo as we open the doors and welcome visitors to explore, unique history, breath-taking natural surroundings and peaceful gardens all as part of the Heritage Open Day.
Price: Free event. Booking not required.
Coleton Fishacre
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Little Acorns at Coleton Fishacre
September-November (term time only). 9.30-11.30am
Come along and join in a free Little Acorns sessions for under 5’s at Coleton Fishacre.
Price: Free event. Booking not required.
100 years of Coleton Fishacre
1 September- 1 November. 10.30am-4.30pm
A place of relaxation and enjoyment, the D'Oyly Carte family moved into the newly built Coleton Fishacre in 1926. To commemorate, we're taking a look back at the creation and the era.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Gardening for nature at Coleton Fishacre
11 September & 9 October. 2-2.45pm
On this guided tour by the Head Gardener, gain insight into how the teams are working hard to restore nature in the garden by the sea.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Monthly guided walks by the coast
4 September, 2 October & 6 November. 10.30am-1pm
Join the Walking Volunteers for a guided walk on the coast near Coleton Fishacre, on the first Friday of every month.
Price: Free event. Booking not required.
Heritage Open Days at Coleton Fishacre
12 & 13 October. 10.30am-4pm
Travel back in time to the jazz age at Coleton Fishacre. A decadent Arts and Crafts holiday home of the D'Oyly Carte family.
Price: Free event. Booking not required.
Past, present and future: an evening with the Head Gardener
11 September. 5.30-7.30pm
On this after hours evening in the garden, experience Coleton Fishacre through the years with an exclusive tour from the Head Gardener. Finishing the tour in true Jazz Age style, there'll be light refreshments and Coleton's signature cocktail on the loggia by the house.
Price: £100pp. Booking required.
Royal Geographical Society: Earth Photo 2026
12 September-21 October. 10.30am-4pm
Earth Photo is a world-leading international programme dedicated to engaging with still and moving image makers. Its main objective is to reveal the narratives behind the pictures, encouraging conversations about our world, its inhabitants, environments, and the changing climate.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Guardians of the garden autumn tree trail
17 October - 15 November
This autumn follow the path of 'The Green Man' to discover fascinating facts and spellbinding folklore about ancient woodlands on a free trail in the garden.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Nature explorers: Getting to know Barn Owls
28 October. 1.30-3.30pm
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 the team for a fascinating talk on all things Barn Owl.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Greenway
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
'Voices of the garden' immersive audio trail at Greenway
1 September-1 November. 10.30am-4.30pm
Step back in time on an exciting new trail, 'Voices of the garden' as, HistoryScapes, an immersive audio app, brings Greenway’s garden to life.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Hidden Treasure at Greenway: The silk jacket
1 September-1 November. 10.30am-4.30pm
As seen on the television show Hidden Treasures of the National Trust, a 100 year old silk jacket worn by Agatha Christie's mother is now on display to visitors for the first time.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Gardening for nature at Greenway
24 September-22 October. 2-2.45pm
During the tour, learn more about the practical steps the team take to garden with greater environmental sensitivity; improving habitats, increasing biodiversity, and adapting planting and management in response to a changing climate.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. If visiting by car, you’ll need to book a parking space in advance on the website.
Heritage Open Days at Greenway
12 & 13 September. 10.30am-4pm
Follow in the footsteps of bestselling crime writer Agatha Christie at her holiday home Greenway.
Price: Free event. Booking not required. If visiting by car, you’ll need to book a parking space in advance on the website (charges apply).
Be a writer for the day at Greenway
12 Sept - 16 October
Unlock your creativity with a range of writing prompts and challenges hidden around the house and garden. What story will you come up with?
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. If visiting by car, you’ll need to book a parking space in advance on the website.
Agatha Christie’s Greenway: An evening in the garden she loved
14 September. 5.30-7.30pm
An exclusive evening event exploring the garden, landscape and sense of place that inspired her lifelong affection.
Price: £100pp. Booking required.
Agatha After Hours: Special evening tour
15 & 16 September. 6.30-9.30pm
You’re invited to join us at this exclusive event Agatha after Hours exclusive event at Greenway, as part of the International Agatha Christie Festival celebrations.
Price: £100pp. Booking required.
Writing workshop: Exploring the House with Joanna Quinn
18 September. 11am-1pm
Join bestselling author Joanna Quinn on a creative writing workshop, exploring the idea of memorable houses in fiction. Suitable for both beginners and those with some experience of writing.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking required. If visiting by car, you’ll need to book a parking space in advance on the website.
Tree management walk at Greenway
12 October. 12noon-1pm
Discover how we safely manage the varied tree collection, on a informative walk around the garden, with a Greenway Gardener. Learn about different types of tree decay fungi, the body language of trees, the valuable habitat they provide and much more.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking required. If visiting by car, you’ll need to book a parking space in advance on the website.
Pumpkins, plants and poisons at Greenway
17 October – 1 November
Discover frightfully fascinating facts about poisonous plants, wicked wildlife and garden gobblers, on a family friendly autumn trail in the garden this October half-term.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. If visiting by car, you’ll need to book a parking space in advance on the website.
Spooky circus skills and workshops at Greenway
29 October. 11am-2.30pm
Celebrating all things weird and wonderful, why not join in a free circus skills workshop? Elfic the Juggler will be at Greenway during half-term with his madcap workshop of balancing, manipulation and magical skills.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. If visiting by car, you’ll need to book a parking space in advance on the website.
Killerton
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Our Killerton
1 September-1 November. 11am-4pm
This year we have a display of objects on the ground floor of Killerton House, each chosen by people connected to Killerton. The objects have been chosen by our staff, volunteers, visitors and community partners. These groups have chosen these objects by responding to the prompt; ‘Objects can evoke memories, emotions and personal interests. What object at Killerton House speaks to you and why?’
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
History off the Hanger
1 September-1 November. 11am-4pm
This year we are showing clothing featured in the National Trust book, 100 Things to Wear (published September 2025) which includes 10 pieces from Killerton’s collection, including a slipper said to have been worn by King James II. Killerton’s collection of historic dress is the largest cared for by the National Trust with over 22,000 objects on our database. Discover the stories that describe what people wore and tell us how they lived in style. Spot the book icon around the exhibition to locate objects featured in the National Trust book 100 Things to Wear.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Heritage Open Days: Killerton House and Gardens
11-13 September. 10am-5pm
Killerton House and Gardens will be taking part in the Heritage Open Days Festival on Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September. Entry is for free for all visitors.
Heritage Open Days: Columbjohn Chapel
11-20 September. 1-4pm
Columbjohn Chapel is a hidden gem on the Killerton estate and is open as part of Heritage Open Days.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Free Guided Wellbeing Walk: Killerton to Sprydon walk
30 September. 10am-12.30pm
Meeting in the courtyard outside Visitor Reception, taking a circular walk to Sprydon. A delightful walk through orchards and woodland, passing Holly Lodge and other picturesque thatched cottages at Sprydon. Steep hills and uneven ground, muddy ground in places, sturdy shoes recommended. Allow approximately 2-2.5 hours.
Price: Free event. Booking required.
Knightshayes
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Heritage Open Days: Knightshayes
12 September. 10am-5pm
If you’ve got a day to spare, Knightshayes is the perfect place to enjoy it. Wander through acres of beautiful gardens and parkland, all wrapped around a wonderfully quirky Gothic Revival house designed by William Burges - full of surprises and character at every turn.
Heritage Open Days: Old Blundells
19 September. 10am-3.30pm
Take part in a tour of a building that has had a fundamental association with Tiverton's history over four centuries. Hear stories ranging from the famous ex-students, to the role the building played as Fairfax's HQ in the siege of Tiverton Castle.
Price: Free event. Booking not required.
Spirit of Autumn
17 October-8 November. 10am-5pm
Step into the garden on a fun, family trail and discover how plants and animals respond to the changing season. As temperatures fall and daylight shortens, many species become especially active - gathering food, establishing new territories, and changing their behaviour to survive the colder months ahead.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Pick your own pumpkin
23 October-3 November. 10am-5pm
Explore a sea of pumpkins and autumn colour at Knightshayes. Pick your own and enjoy the season.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Lydford Gorge
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Heritage open days at Lydford Gorge
18 & 19 September. 10am-4.30pm
Come for a walk at the gorge for free once more as part of the Heritage Open Days.
Price: Free event. Booking not required.
Apple Day at Lydford Gorge
26 September. 11am-2pm
Come along to help us press the apples from the orchard, and taste the tart juice.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Overbecks
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Halloween - Make a bubbling cauldron model
26 October. 11am-12.30pm & 1.30-3pm
Our Crafter, Elaura will lead you through the process to make your own bubbling cauldron model just in time for Halloween
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Guided Garden Tour 2026
Every Wednesday, September-October. 11am-12noon
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: £7pp (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Gardening for nature at Overbeck's
17 September & 15 October. 11-11.45am
On this guided tour by the Head Gardener, gain insight into how the teams are working hard to restore nature in a subtropical garden on the cliffs.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Saltram
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
'Jersey's' Story
1 September-1 November. 11am-4.30pm
For the first time in over 200 years, two companion portraits painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds in 1748, will be brought together by the National Trust and Royal Museums Greenwich in a display in the Saloon at Saltram.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Garden tours at Saltram
9 September & 7 October. 11am-12noon
Join one of Saltram's garden team for a walk and talk around the garden, learning about the history and its highlights. You will also get an exclusive look behind the scenes, where there is even more to learn about the garden at Saltram.
Price: £4pp (normal admissions apply). Booking required.
Salcombe Countryside
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Parkrun at Bolberry Down
Every Saturday. 9-10am
Parkrun is free to take part in and everyone, regardless of age or ability is welcome (under 11s must run with a responsible adult). The 5km route at Bolberry is mostly flat and enjoys sweeping views of the sea and sky. Initially following the tarmac path, the trail then winds its way back along the wide coast path.
Price: Free event. Booking not required.
Branscombe
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Tramper Hire at Branscombe
30 September & 14 October. 10.30am-12.30pm & 1-3pm
Members of Countryside Mobility can now comfortably explore the picturesque Branscombe Valley by booking an all-terrain scooter – the Tramper.
Price: Free event. Booking required.
Heritage Open Days: Branscombe (Walking Tour)
20 September. 2-4pm
Starting at the beach, the tour group will be taken back in time to look at the history of this unique and picturesque village.
Price: Free event. Booking required.
Parke
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Waggy Walk with Devon Loves Dogs
24 September. 2-4pm
Join the team from Devon Loves Dogs and a walk leader from the National Trust for a social, guided dog walk around the Parke estate. Find out about our work at Parke 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.
Price: Free event. Booking required.
Woolacombe
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Silent disco beach cleans at Woolacombe
27 September & 25 October. 10.30am-12noon
Join our Woolacombe rangers for our monthly beach clean with an added bonus of a silent disco.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
South Milton Sands
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Shoresearch Volunteer Survey at South Milton Sands
28 September & 28 October. 12noon-2pm
Join the National Trust team for a Shoresearch Survey at South Milton Sands. It's a great way to explore your local coast, learn more about the wildlife found there and add to our understanding of this important habitat.
Price: Free event. Booking required.
Shute Barton
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Guided Tours of Shute Barton
6 & 7 October & 14 & 15 November. Check website for times.
We look forward to welcoming you to Shute Barton for an informative guided tour with time to wander around the garden at the end.
Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking required (slots open up two weeks in advance).
Lorna Doone Valley
https://www.nationaltrust.org.
Guided Walk: Discover the Doone Valley
4 September & 2 October. 10am-1pm
Join the walking team at the Lorna Doone Valley on a two-hour guided walk around the Doone Valley and surrounding Exmoor Landscape.
Price: £3pp. Booking required.
Dark skies festival
17 October, 6-9pm: Astrophotography in the Doone Valley
Join local photographer Mark Johnson to learn how to capture the beauty of the Exmoor landscape and dark skies at night time.
Price: £15 per adult & £8 per child. Booking required.
20, 23 & 29 October. 7-9pm: Night Hike
Take part on a guided night hike through the Doone Valley and the wider Exmoor landscape. Make the most of the Dark Sky Reserve with the National Trust guide taking the group to some of the best stargazing spots in the valley.
Price: £5 per adult & £3 per child. Booking required.
27 October. 5.30-6.30pm & 6.45-7.45pm: Fireside story telling
Gather around the fire pit and listen to enchanting children's stories under the stars at Lorna Doone Valley. The event will be taking place in our new play area and forest school.
Price: £5 per child. Booking required.