Looking for free ways to entertain the kids in September? My top tip is to check out Heritage Open Days in Devon!
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What are Heritage Open Days?
Every September the volunteers involved in historical and cultural organisations across England lay on open days to give the public free access to hidden gems around the country.
You’ll find behind the scenes tours, National Trust places and rarely open private homes on the list of venues that throw their doors open.
This year Heritage Open Days take place across the country between 6 and 15 September 2024.
Heritage Open Days in Devon
Below is a list of some of the family favourites and hidden gems that regularly take part in Heritage Open Days. I’m listing the places that have activities designed with children in mind.
Please check the Heritage Open Days website for full details about all the places at taking part and the individual websites listed below for event dates and timings.
Booking may be necessary for some events and activities.
Heritage Open Days in Mid Devon
Here’s the places to check for events and activities in the Mid Devon area:
- Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life
- Knightshayes, Tiverton
- Hemyock Castle, Cullompton
- Bampton Heritage and Visitors Centre, Bampton
Looking for more places to visit? Here’s my guide to family-friendly things to do in Mid Devon.
Heritage Open Days in North Devon
Check out the websites of these places to find out what they have planned this September:
- Winsford Hospital Cottage, Beaworthy
- Cawsey House, Great Torrington
- The Ilfracombe Museum Invention Trail
- Arlington Court & The National Trust Carriage Museum, Barnstaple
- SS Freshspring open day, Bideford
Got time to explore more? Here’s my guide to North Devon with kids.
Heritage Open Days in South Devon
Find out what Heritage Open Day activities are planned at these historic places in South Devon:
- South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh
- Kirkham House, Paignton
- Powderham Castle, Kenton
- Newton Abbot Museum
- Teign Heritage Centre, Teignmouth
Here’s some more ideas for days out in South Devon.
Heritage Open Days in West Devon
Click through to the websites of these historic places to find out more:
- Lydford Gorge, Lydford
- Finch Foundry, Okehampton
- Buckland Abbey, Garden & Estate
- Tavistock walks and events
- Tavistock Guildhall
- Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall, Tavistock
- Robey Trust workshop, Tavistock
- Mount Kelly School tours, Tavistock
You might also like a peek at my tips on things to do in West Devon.
Heritage Open Days in Plymouth
Here’s where to find events around Plymouth:
Find more days out with kids in and around Plymouth including free things to do.
Heritage Open Days in Exeter
Visit these places in Exeter for extra heritage activities and opportunities:
- Killerton estate
- Quayside Shanty Festival, Exeter Quayside
- St. Nicholas Priory
- Various Red Coat guided tours
- RAMM
- Exeter’s Underground Passages
- Devon and Exeter Institution
- Exeter Phoenix
- Poltimore House, Poltimore
Here’s some more ideas for things to do with kids in Exeter.
Heritage Open Days in East Devon
Here’s somewhere open for extra activities in East Devon this month:
Fancy a longer look around? Here’s the Devon with Kids guide to places to visit in East Devon.
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