*Advertorial feature*
If you’re on the hunt for some magical experiences with your little ones this summer, you can find them in among the forests, gardens and studios of the Dartington Estate, nestled by the River Dart, just one mile outside Totnes.
Connect with nature as a family as you explore flowers and plant dyes, gather and forage, learn about herbs in the community gardens, or immerse yourself in sensory experiences in the woods with forest bathing and imaginative play sessions (full details below).
There are also opportunities to introduce your little ones to classical music with some special family concerts, plus singing and music workshops for a variety of ages to play and learn in a relaxed and fun setting.
While you’re on the estate, don’t miss the family activity trails in the Grade II* Listed Gardens and enjoy delicious locally sourced lunch and snacks at The Green Table or White Hart (complete with fun lawn games!) – or if it’s raining head inside to the cosy Barn Cinema for a family film.
Plus, if you’re there on a Thursday in August, stick around into the early evening to soak up the summer atmosphere at the free Great Lawn live music sessions.
You can explore the Deer Park, adventure playground and rest of the stunning 1200-acre estate for free, with many miles of woodland walks, river paths and wildlife-rich meadows to explore.
With so much to offer, Dartington really is the ideal family day out!
Check out the full range of family sessions…
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Family garden sessions
Join us in the beautiful Foxhole Community Gardens for a series of fun morning workshops. Tickets £8.50 per person, including refreshments.
- Thursday 28 July, 10.30am-12.30pm – Exploring Flowers: make bunting and flags using flowers and plant dyes.
- Friday 29 July and Tuesday 2 August, 10.30am-12.30pm – Gather and Forage: collect produce and cook up a feast together.
- Monday 1 August 10.30am – 12.30pm – Herbcraft: explore, learn about, taste and smell a range of herbs.
Family forest sessions
Spend time among the trees in a series of immersive forest experiences for all ages. Tickets £8.50 per person, including refreshments.
- Wednesday 3 and Thursday 25 August, 10am-12.30pm – Family Forest Bathing: join certified forest bathing guide Emma for a short gentle stroll in the magical North Woods. Slow down and reconnect to your wild nature inside and out
- Wednesday 10 and Saturday 27 August, 10am-12.30pm – Family Creative Journey: a fun and sensory adventure into the woods, discovering trails and creating nature art together. A wonderful imaginative play session for you to enjoy as a family.
Come and Sing, with Sam Evans
A relaxed hour-long session for all ages to help you develop your vocal technique, learn new skills, sing together and make new friends who share your love of singing.
Tickets £8 / students and U18 £5. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. Sunday, 24 July, 5.30-6.30pm.
Family concerts
Introduce your little ones to a variety of classical music and instruments.
Tickets £8 / U12 £5 / family ticket £20. 10/30am start in Studio 1.
- Wednesday 27 July – Ensemble Meridiana
- Monday 8 August – Florian Mitrea
- Wednesday 10 August – Leonore Piano Trio
- Thursday 18 August – Magnard Ensemble
Family song
Join multi-instrumentalist Tara Franks of SoundsCreative for an invigorating sing-along for ages 8 and above, featuring folk songs and harmonies from around the world.
Tickets £5. Thursday 28 July 3pm.
Tots Tunes
Join multi-instrumentalist Tara Franks of SoundsCreative for her celebrated music workshop aimed at 0-5-year-olds and their parents/carers.
Featuring folk songs from around this world, this is a chance to sing, dance and shake in a class that is as fun for the adults as it is for the children!
Tickets £5. Friday 29 July 10am.
SoundsCreative Lab
A three-day intergenerational creative project for singers and instrumentalists of any age, bringing together big, small, aspiring and reconnecting musicians to create a Big & Small band.
No notation reading required, but bring your own instruments.
Tickets £30 / U18 £15 (under-16s must be accompanied by an adult). Monday 1 to Wednesday 3 August, 11.30am-1pm.
Exploring Creativity in Nature
A day-long workshop using natural materials for parents/carers and children to take part in together, exploring the extensive grounds at Dartington.
Sunday 14 August, 10.30am-4.30pm. Tickets £70 for two people.
Brass Band Session
Brass tutors Brett Baker and Paul Archibald lead a fun, open session for brass band players of ages 8 and above.
Tickets £5 / £2.50 U16s (must be accompanied by an adult). Wednesday 17 August – 6-7pm, Totnes Civic Hall.
Stay at Dartington Estate
Did you know you can also camp at Dartington Estate near Totnes? Its simple, car-free campsite beside the beautiful River Dart has uninterrupted views of Haytor on Dartmoor and is just 20 minutes from the sea.
Bring a tent or book a glamping pod. Find out more about camping and other accommodation options at the Dartington Estate.
Disclosure: this is an advertorial feature with Dartington Estate.