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National Trust events in Devon: autumn 2014

16th September 2014

Categories: Visitor News

We love National Trust events. They’re always fun, informative and hands-on, and of course held in beautiful and often fascinating surroundings. And in autumn, these events often focus on food, craft, gardening and kids’ activities, making for a great day out.

Plan a visit to one of these great events this autumn – and don’t forget to leave time for a look round the and a famous National Trust cake or Devon cream tea afterwards.

Find more events across Devon this autumn in: South Devon; Exeter and East Devon; greater Dartmoor area; Plymouth; Torquay, Paignton and Brixham; North Devon and Exmoor

Guided walks on Lundy Island
September 18, 20, 23, 30, onward autumn/winter dates tbc
Everyone should visit Lundy Island (above) at least once in their lives … this magnificent, mysterious island off the North Devon coast was once a hiding place for pirates, and is still a haven for a wonderful array of wildlife, including its famous colony of puffins. At selected times this autumn a warden will meet visitors off the ferry for a guided walk – see the website for dates during October and November, as they’re posted monthly.
Expect: details of Lundy’s history; an exploration of the Lundy’s flora and fauna; a visit to Jenny’s Cove where the largest seabird colonies are found (during the seabird breeding season); and sightings of the famous Lundy puffins.
What else is on Lundy? Amazing views of the North Devon (and Welsh!) coast, as well as a great tavern and quirky holiday cottages to stay in.
More on this event
Also see the Autumn Garden Celebration at Arlington Court
Image c/o Michael Maggs

Apple day at Woodhuish
October 12
Celebrate all things apple at the restored Victorian cider press at Woodhuish, a fascinating Victorian farm set in beautiful woodlands near Coleton Fishacre, and which is free to visit. Expect:cider tasting; press your own apples; demonstrations of the cider press; local produce; and traditional woodland crafts.
What else is at Woodhuish? Wonderful woodlands, and it’s a short drive (or decent walk) from Coleton Fishacre, another National Trust property with beautiful Arts & Crafts architecture and a fabulous garden.
More on this event
Also see Greenaway, Agatha Christie’s Brixham holiday home

Killerton Cider and Apple Festival
October 18-19
This fantastic two day family festival marks National Apple Day, and Killerton’s Sparrow Park orchard will be festooned with bunting, stalls will be scattered between the apple trees and the smell of a traditional hog roast will greet you at the gate.
Expect: a yarn-bombed apple tree creating a techni-colour centre piece of community textile art; Morris dancing; vintage English apple varieties, fruit trees and specialist growing advice; a countryside tent where you can press your own apples; an orchard trail leading to a 200 year old farm press in action; live bands and entertainment; cider cocktails; apple-wood crafts; village fete games; children’s archery; and a children’s bumble bee parade.
What else is at Killerton? This 18th century house is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and parkland, and houses a fantastic historical fashion collection.
More on this event
Image c/o Derek Harper

The Big Draw at Knightshayes
October 18-19
Get in touch with your creative side at Knightshayes this autumn, and take part in the 2014 Big Draw. The folks at Knightshayes are looking to create a continuous drawing based on this year’s theme ‘It’s Our World’, and are inviting visitors to help them add to it on this weekend.
Expect: to join in with a fun, creative community project that children will love, in beautiful and historic surroundings.
What else is at Knightshayes? This glorious country estate has acres of glorious gardens and parkland, surrounding a spectacular Gothic Revival house.
More about Knightshayes
Image c/o John Spivey

Secret Cotehele
4 dates between November 6-19
This is a fantastic opportunity to go on a guided behind the scenes tour in one of Devon’s most fascinating buildings. You’ll find out what’s behind the closed doors of Cotehele, talk to expert house guardians and staff as they give the house its annual deep-clean, and discover some of Cotehele’s best-guarded secrets. This event is suitable for those aged over 14.
Expect: to learn about conservation practices; to see areas that most members of the public don’t get to see; morning coffee and lunch included.
What else is at Cotehele? This Tudor house has superb collections and grounds, and is decorated with tapestries, arms and armour.
More about Cotehele
Image c/o Ian Knox

A woodland wander near Plymouth
November 20
Join the knowledgeable National Trust rangers on a circular woodland walk amongst the wonderful trees of Dewerstone and Goodameavy Woods.
Expect: to learn all about the flora, fauna and geography of this beautiful woodland.
What else is there to see? If you can, explore further into Plymbridge Woods and Plym Valley, a wooded valley opening up to the moors of Dartmoor with an interesting past.