As Devon's gardens turn golden and the countryside takes on the rich colours of autumn, some of the county's most beautiful historic houses, woodlands and coastal landscapes are preparing for a season of family adventures. From pumpkin picking and mysterious folklore to stargazing beneath Exmoor's dark skies, there is plenty to discover during the October half-term holiday.
The National Trust has unveiled a varied programme of activities across Devon, offering families the chance to explore familiar favourites and discover somewhere new. This year's attractions include a Pikachu art adventure at Killerton, fearsome sea monsters at Buckland Abbey, spooky fairy tales at Saltram and seasonal celebrations at Arlington Court.
There are opportunities to learn about wildlife, enjoy traditional crafts, follow woodland trails and experience the county's landscapes as autumn unfolds. Many activities are included with normal property admission, while several outdoor events are free to attend.
Here are some of the highlights to enjoy across Devon this October half term. For more information about the programme and to plan a visit, see the National Trust's Devon website.
Discover Pikachu at Killerton
One of the more unusual attractions this autumn can be found at Killerton, where visitors are being invited to embark on The Pikachu Art Adventure.
Running throughout October and November, the trail features 30 new Pikachu Trading Card Game artworks hidden around the property. The experience explores how different artists can interpret the same familiar character in their own distinctive ways, bringing a contemporary twist to a visit to the historic estate.
The adventure runs from 10am to 5pm and is included with normal admission, with no advance booking required.
Autumn celebrations at Arlington Court
At Arlington Court, near Barnstaple, the changing season is being celebrated with Autumnfest, running until November 1.
Inside the house, visitors can discover a harvest table and floral displays, while the gardens feature a colourful collection of gourds. Families can also follow a community scarecrow trail through the gardens and grounds, spotting creations made by local schools, community groups and volunteers.
A special Autumnfest family fun day takes place on October 30, from 11am to 3pm, bringing together seasonal harvest displays and traditional hands-on activities. Visitors can try crafts including whittling and marshmallow roasting, adding another dimension to a day exploring the estate.
The events are included with normal admission and do not require booking.
Sea monsters and harvest displays at Buckland Abbey
The historic surroundings of Buckland Abbey will take on a rather different character this half term, with an adventure inspired by fearsome creatures of the deep.
From October 17 to November 1, families can look out for the Kraken, leviathan, sirens and other legendary sea monsters as they explore the property. The activities offer a playful introduction to maritime myths and creatures that have captured imaginations for generations.
There is also a celebration of the season's harvest on October 24 and 25, when the garden team's home-grown pumpkins and squashes will form part of an autumn display inside the abbey. The harvest weekend runs from 11am to 4pm, while the sea monster activities take place from 10am to 4pm.
Both are included with normal admission, without the need to book.
Explore autumn at Castle Drogo
Few places offer quite the same combination of dramatic architecture and countryside as Castle Drogo, where families can enjoy a seasonal trail from October 24 to November 1.
Visitors can explore the castle and its grounds, follow the themed activity trail or take a family walk through the surrounding landscape. With autumn leaves gathering underfoot and the gardens changing with the season, it offers an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors alongside a visit to the property itself.
The activities run from 10am to 5pm and are included with normal admission.
Woodland folklore and barn owls at Coleton Fishacre
Autumn's connection with ancient woodland and traditional folklore is being explored at Coleton Fishacre, where the Guardians of the Garden trail runs from October 17 to November 1.
Families can follow the path of the Green Man through the gardens, discovering stories and facts about ancient woodlands and the folklore associated with them. The trail runs from 10.30am to 3pm and offers a different way to explore the grounds.
On October 28, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, a special nature explorers session will focus on barn owls. Visitors can learn about their habitats, conservation and feeding habits, including an introduction to pellet analysis, while discovering how extreme weather and climate change can affect the species.
There is also an opportunity to enjoy a quieter moment on November 1, when the property hosts storytelling sessions featuring children's books from the 1920s and 1930s. Blankets, cushions and books will be provided for families to read together or listen to volunteers sharing stories and poems between 11am and 3pm.
All three activities are included with normal admission and require no booking.
Poisonous plants and spooky circus skills at Greenway
At Greenway, the former holiday home of Agatha Christie, the gardens will provide the setting for a family trail with a suitably mysterious theme.
Pumpkins, Plants and Poisons runs from October 17 to November 1, inviting visitors to discover facts about poisonous plants, wildlife and creatures that make their homes in the garden. Pumpkins will help guide families along the route, with games adding to the seasonal atmosphere. Visitors are also welcome to come in Halloween fancy dress.
On October 29, Elfic the Juggler will bring a spooky circus skills workshop to Greenway, with activities involving balancing, manipulation and magical skills. The workshop runs from 11am to 2.30pm, while the garden trail is available from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
Both activities are included with normal admission, and booking is not required.
Pick a pumpkin at Knightshayes
The historic walled kitchen garden at Knightshayes, near Tiverton, will be one of the places to visit for those who enjoy the traditional sights of autumn.
From October 24 to November 2, visitors can explore the garden's pumpkin harvest, with pumpkins of different shapes and sizes ready to admire and pick. The activity runs from 10am to 5pm, offering families a chance to experience the productive garden during one of its most colourful seasons.
Elsewhere in the grounds, the Spirit of Autumn family trail runs from October 17 to November 8. It explores how plants and animals adapt as the days grow shorter and temperatures fall, including the ways different species gather food, establish territories and prepare for winter.
Both activities are included with normal admission, and no advance booking is needed.
Step into a world of folklore at Lydford Gorge
For families looking for something a little more mysterious, Lydford Gorge will host Stranger Folk from October 17 to November 1.
The Halloween-themed adventure draws on British folklore, bringing traditional stories and mysterious characters into the landscape of the gorge. Rather than focusing on familiar Halloween decorations, the experience takes inspiration from older tales and beliefs, with the natural surroundings providing the backdrop.
Stranger Folk runs from 10am to 4pm and is included with normal admission, with no booking required.
Magical fairy tales at Saltram
Fairy-tale villains will be taking centre stage at Saltram, near Plymouth, as the estate explores the darker side of familiar children's stories.
Villainous Tales and Magical Trails runs from October 17 to November 1, inviting families to discover fairy-tale stories hidden around the house and gardens. Visitors are encouraged to wear their spookiest outfits as they explore tales in which the villains become the stars of the show.
The activities run from 10am to 5pm and are included with normal admission, with no booking required.
Discover the spirit of autumn at Overbeck's
At Overbeck's Garden, visitors can get creative with a Halloween craft activity on October 26.
Crafter Elaura will guide participants through making their own bubbling cauldron model, providing a seasonal project to enjoy during the school holidays. There are two sessions, running from 11am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3pm.
The activity is included with normal admission and does not require booking.
Stargazing and fireside stories in the Lorna Doone Valley
For an autumn experience after dark, the Lorna Doone Valley on Exmoor will host a series of activities celebrating the area's night skies.
The programme begins on October 17 with an astrophotography workshop led by local photographer Mark Johnson. Participants will learn how to photograph the Exmoor landscape after sunset, with opportunities to capture stars, the moon and illuminated landscapes depending on conditions. The session runs from 6pm to 9pm and costs £15 for adults and £8 for children.
Guided night hikes take place on October 20, 23 and 29, from 7pm to 9pm, offering the chance to explore the valley and surrounding Exmoor landscape with a National Trust guide. The walks make use of the area's Dark Sky Reserve status, taking participants to locations suitable for stargazing. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children.
Younger visitors can also enjoy fireside storytelling on October 27, with sessions from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and 6.45pm to 7.45pm. Tickets cost £5 per child.
All three activities require advance booking.
Beach adventures and conservation at Woolacombe
Autumn is also a time to enjoy Devon's coastline, and the National Trust is inviting families to combine a visit to Woolacombe with activities that help care for the natural environment.
On October 25, the trust's rangers will host a silent disco beach clean from 10.30am until noon. The event combines the monthly beach-cleaning activity with music, offering a different approach to spending time on the sand while helping to look after the coastline.
Families can also take part in a volunteering day at Morte Point on October 29, from 10am to 3pm. The Bash and Burn event involves cutting back gorse and clearing overgrown vegetation, helping create space for wildflowers, maritime grassland and other species to flourish.
Both events are free to attend and do not require booking.
Wildlife trails and Dartmoor stories at Parke
At Parke, near Bovey Tracey, the focus is on wildlife, art and the changing landscape of Dartmoor.
The Buglife Letterbox Trail runs from October 17 to 31, with families invited to find a series of boxes representing species that the conservation charity is working to protect. Along the way, visitors can discover more about wildlife and collect stamps as they complete the trail.
A second activity, the Wildlife Art Trail, runs from October 17 to November 1. It features six larger-than-life artworks inspired by native plants and animals, created by The Greater Horseshoe School and St Catherine's Primary School as part of the Nature Champions environmental project.
On October 29, from 11am to 3pm, Parke will also host an Autumn Fun and Folklore Day in its walled garden. The event brings together Dartmoor stories, crafts and games, celebrating the traditions and atmosphere of the season.
All three activities are free, with no booking required.
Make the most of autumn in Devon
Whether it is discovering a historic house, enjoying a family walk, learning about wildlife or trying something creative, the National Trust's October programme offers plenty of opportunities to experience Devon at a different pace.
Most of the events are included with normal property admission, although some activities, particularly those in the Lorna Doone Valley, have additional charges and require booking. Visitors are advised to check individual property opening days, times and event details before travelling.
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