Our favourite National Trust to visit in South Devon

Planning a visit to South Devon? Then these National Trust properties in South Devon will help form your getaway itinerary, perfect for long weekends with the family or leisurely days out as a couple.

All five of these National Trust properties in South Devon are rich with history and offer unique architecture, walks and opportunities to spot some rare wildlife. Enjoy exploring the properties and their grounds, and walk amongst a slice of South Devon history, lovingly persevered, restored and presented by the National Trust.

What's more these National Trust properties in South Devon are all within easy reach of our cosy family self-catering holiday cottages. 

Parke

Situated five minutes outside of Bovey Tracey, on the outskirts of Dartmoor, the Parke Estate offers an abundance of woodland walks and gravel trails.

For waggy-tail walks and muddy trails, this is the perfect place to let your four-pawed friend run free (and for your little ones to try out their new wellies). A beautiful winding river runs alongside some of the walks, offering opportunities for a spot of paddling or stick throwing. Just be mindful that in some points, the river can pick up speed and depth.

After walking through the woodland, you’ll come across some wide-open spaces, the perfect place to plop down for a well-deserved picnic. Or perhaps your tiered legs and hungry tummies would prefer a trip to the Home Farm Café that sells lovingly made coffees and homecooked meals made from local ingredients.

Parke’s family-friendly nature makes it a popular spot for Winter walks, wildlife spotting and weekly Parkruns. This National Trust property in South Devon is certainly not one to miss.

Greenway

Greenway is arguably one of the most well-known National Trust properties in South Devon as this Georgian property was once owned by the famous crime fiction writer Agatha Christie. The estate has walking trails along the riverside, viewpoints of the River Dart, a second-hand bookshop and the Barn Café which makes for a perfect pit stop after a day taking in the fresh South Devon air.

The one-mile trail through the woodlands of the estate ends at The Greenway Boat House, once included in the novel Dead Man’s Folly, and now acts as an information centre for the history of Greenway. There are an array of fun and educational events throughout the year, most notably “Christmas at Greenway” and “Greenway Literary Dinners” which help cement Greenway as one of the top five National Trust properties in South Devon.

Compton Castle

Located near Paignton, Compton Castle is a dramatic fortified manor house that has been owned by the Gilbert family for over 600 years. Step back in time and learn about the people who once called it home, and marvel at the spectacular Grand Hall. This National Trust property in South Devon also boasts and formal medieval-style garden with pergolas, a kitchen herb garden and lawns with an orchard.

Embark on a walking tour or take a leisurely stroll while spotting the wildlife that calls Compton Castle home.  The history that underpins the structure and landscape of Compton Castle is fascinating, making this National Trust property in Devon the ideal place to visit to learn about local history.

It’s important to note Compton Castle welcomes visitors from April – October.

Bradley

Bradley is a medieval limestone manor house and garden that doubles as a family home. Boasting Tudor features and a restored chapel, if you are interested in medieval design and architecture this National Trust Property in South Devon is definitely worth the visit.

This property is five minutes from the local town of Newton Abbot, yet seems set back in time with its wonderful period charm. The estate surrounding Bradley is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to ancient woodland and meadows teaming with wildlife. Head down to the river or walk amongst the meadows for a wonderful day out in the fresh South Devon air. Dogs are more than welcome to explore the state with their owners but are asked to keep to the canine code of conduct.

In the nearby market town of Newton Abbot, there are many restaurants, cafes and shops to make a trip to Bradley and Bradley Estate the perfect day trip.

A La Ronde

A La Ronde has a distinct architectural design, with sixteen sides and an array of beautiful glass windows making up the late eighteenth-century property. The house was created by two cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, for their Summer breaks between their European tours. The property overlooks the River Exe and has beautiful orchards and gardens in the surrounding perimeter. There is a conservation team for the art collection within A La Ronde, making this National Trust property in South Devon an ideal place to visit for those interested in art, design and architecture. 

Longbarn - Luxury Holiday Cottages in South Devon

Longbarn Cottages are located within half an hour’s drive of these National Trust properties in South Devon. The family-run, four-star Gold Award Cottages, offer the perfect place to stay when visiting South Devon. The communal family-friendly facilities include an indoor pool, garden furniture for barbeques, and parking for up to twenty vehicles. The individual self-catering cottages are installed with a modern kitchen, log burner and luxury décor to make your visit to South Devon all the more memorable.