Knightshayes National Trust is one of our favourite places to visit and is just a 20-minute drive from our glamping site in Devon. Whether you are looking for a relaxed stroll, somewhere for children to burn off energy or a fascinating historic house to explore, Knightshayes makes a fantastic family day out in Devon.

We visit regularly throughout the year and there is always something different to enjoy. The estate hosts the annual and popular Mid-Devon show, seasonal family trails and events – we even met Father Christmas one year!

The impressive Victorian gothic style house stands prominent and is a focal point as you approach from the long sweeping driveway. It was built for the famous Heathcoat-Amory family by renowned architect William Burges in the 19th Century and is full of character, quirkiness and history. Visitors can explore a variety of beautifully preserved rooms including the Great Hall, Drawing Room, Library and dressing rooms. Families with younger children will enjoy the spotter trail around the house, helping to keep little explorers entertained throughout the visit.

Immediately outside the house are the impressive formal gardens You will find colourful seasonal planting, tranquil ponds and plenty of carved gargoyles and fantastical creatures hidden throughout the grounds. There are far-reaching views across the Devon countryside.

A short walk away is the attractive walled kitchen garden where seasonal flowers, fruit and vegetables are grown throughout the year. Nearby, the woodland play area is always a big hit with children, with plenty of opportunities for climbing and balancing for a range of ages.

Beyond the gardens, there are more than 260 acres of beautiful parkland to explore. Depending on the time of year, you may spot sheep grazing in the fields, ancient trees, woodland wildlife and a variety of birds. The grounds are also ideal for dog walking, making Knightshayes a great option for guests holidaying with four-legged friends.

If you would prefer a shorter visit, you can simply pay for parking and enjoy the grounds and parkland without visiting the house itself – perfect for a relaxed half-day outing while glamping in Devon.

On-site there is a café for a light lunch, cake and drink. They often offer a twist on a traditional Devon cream tea – recently the special edition ‘scone of the month’ was a ginger, dark chocolate and raspberry flavour – yummy! If you would like something more substantial to eat a few minute’s drive away enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Lost Kitchen restaurant – excellent wood-fired cuisine and comes highly recommended. Booking is advised.

We’ve put together a showreel of our previous visits to Knightshayes National Trust…

Here is a re-cap of why Knightshayes National Trust makes a great family day out in Devon…

Knightshayes is a brilliant local attraction in Mid-Devon and one of our top recommendations for guests looking for a family-friendly day out near our Devon glamping site. If you haven’t booked a glamping break with us yet you can check availability here.