If you’re looking for a unique adventure, the National Trust near Plymouth is the place to go. With so much to explore, uncovering hidden gems, you may have missed before is easy. Dive into the fascinating history of these incredible sites, marvel at the natural wonders that surround you, and take a moment to reconnect with nature.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase or sign up for anything from this website, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
National Trust Properties in Devon
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, the National Trust near Plymouth is a perfect destination for anyone looking to reconnect with their roots and uncover new adventures. Remember to check the opening times before you visit.
Days Out Devon | Plymbridge Woods
Not all National Trust properties are grand estates and houses. Plymbridge Woods is where to head when you want to stretch your legs and enjoy nature. It is beautiful, with winding paths and stunning views, making you eager to explore.
As you enter the woods, you will be greed by the sweet scent of wildflowers and the sound of birds chirping. The woodland floor is covered with wildflowers, including primroses and bluebells. You may even discover some wild garlic. The wooded valley opens up to the moors of Dartmoor, which has a rich and industrious past. There are several old quarries with interesting archaeological remains.
The 5km circular trail is considered easy and takes an average of 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.
Address: Plymbridge Road, Plympton, Devon, PL7 4SR
Free parking
🐾 Dog friendly
Devon National Trust Properties | Buckland Abbey
Buckland Abbey is part museum, part house, and it is filled with treasures. It has remained virtually unchanged since it was built over 700 years ago. Beginning life as a tranquil monastery with a productive estate, Buckland has been redeveloped, restored and adapted, passing through the hands of famous seafarers such as Sir Francis Drake. He lived at Buckland Abbey for several years and even helped fund the construction of the Great Hall.
Walk through the halls and marvel at the intricate architecture and stunning artwork adorning the walls. It is easy to imagine what life was like for the monks who used to call this place home.
You will discover meadows, orchards and woodlands and enjoy far-reaching views of the Tavy Valley. The Elizabethan Garden is a riot of colour, especially in summer. In the kitchen garden, fruit and vegetables are grown. The Cider House and Secret Wild Garden have many spots to admire the scenery and wildlife, such as deer, birds and butterflies. Buckland Abbey is beautiful and a living testament to England’s rich heritage.
Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6EY
Free parking
Entry is £14 per adult and £7 per child, and family tickets start from £21. National Trust members are free.
🐾 Dog friendly. Dogs can go on all estate walks, visitor facilities, Ox Yard Café and Book Shop, and gardens.
Devon National Trust Houses | Saltram
At Saltram, you’ll find a house full of treasures and a secret garden to lose yourself in. Overlooking the River Plym, there is lots of green space to enjoy. At its height, it was over 4,000 acres. Now there are 500 acres of parkland to explore. You can stroll along the riverside and through the woodland. In the garden, you can discover the orangery.
The magnificent Georgian mansion was home to the Parker family since they bought the estate in 1582. The house has an excellent collection of furniture, fine art and china. The upstairs bedrooms also feature some beautifully preserved Chinese wallpaper depicting scenes from everyday life in China.
Plympton, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1UH. Enter ‘Romilly Gardens’ in your Sat Nav.
Free parking for National Trust members and £3 for non-members.
Entry is £13 to the house and garden for adults, £6.50 for children and family tickets start from £19.20. National Trust members are free.
🐾 Dog friendly. The only places dogs can not go are in the house and gardens.
Devon National Trust | Cadover Bridge
There are 32 pools on this stretch of the River Plym. It is a popular local spot for sunbathing, walking or enjoying the scenery with a good book or picnic. From Cadover Bridge, a 7.7km walking trail takes you to Shaugh Bridge and features a waterfall.
The bridge is an old stone structure. It is the ideal place to look out over the river. If you’re lucky, you may see fish swimming beneath the surface in the crystal-clear waters. You can see for miles in every direction, from rolling hills to fields stretched out like patchwork quilts.
On Dartmoor, near Shaugh Prior, Devon. Use postcode PL7 5EH in your Sat Nav
Free parking
🐾 Dog friendly. Due to livestock, they must be kept on a lead or close control from March to July.
National Trust Sites in Devon | Shaugh Bridge
Suppose you want a beautiful day in the countryside, through a woodland walk and along an ancient riverside. Shaugh Bridge is ruined walls and other industrial remains, such as an iron mine, quarry tramway and charcoal burners.
The bridge has been used for centuries by traders and travellers. As you walk across, you’ll be amazed at the skill and craftsmanship that has gone into the construction. The stones were expertly placed, and the arches were perfectly shaped.
On Dartmoor, near Shaugh Prior, Devon. Sat Nav PL7 5HD
Free parking
🐾 Dog friendly. Due to livestock, they must be kept on a lead or close control from March to July.
National Trust South Devon | Wembury Beach
At Wembury, you’ll find a spectacular stretch of coastline with dramatic cliffs, wildlife and a beach. It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where you can sunbathe, swim or explore the rock pools. Enjoy the local scenery with a stroll along the cliffs and the South West Coast Path.
It’s one of the family friendly things to do and places to visit in Devon. Bring an umbrella and picnic blanket, play in the sand, soak up the sun and splash in the sea. The waves are also perfect for surfing. The beach is also pretty romantic; watch the sunset and the key turning to shades of pink, orange and purple. Come here to escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon, PL9 0HP
Free parking for National Trust members. There is a charge for non-members.
🐾 Dogs can go on the beach from 1 October to 30 April.
National Trust Places in Devon | Noss Mayo
The tiny, pretty little village of Noss Mayo is hidden away on the southern bank of the Yealm Estuary. This ancient and secluded village is ideal if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle. Across the water is the larger village of Newton Ferrers, which you can get to by ferry.
Noss Mayo is a bird watcher’s paradise, home to flocks of migratory birds and many other species. There are also plenty of things to do for walkers, with a coastal path with three routes, and one the villagers have named ‘The Drive’.
The Warren Car Park, PL8 1HB (the postcode covers a wide area, but should take you close enough to find the car park)
Free parking for National Trust members. There is a charge for non-members.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Places to Visit Devon England | Cotehele
The historic Cotehele estate has a truly magical atmosphere. The stone walls rise into the sky and almost glint in the sunlight. Wander through the various rooms, marvelling at the intricate tapestries, elegant furnishings and stunning views from the windows. Head down through the woods to the quay and mill, which has been restored.
The estate was the ancestral home of the Edgcume family for centuries. It is decorated with tapestries, armour and old oak furniture. Outside, there are formal and natural gardens to be explored. As well as the planted terraces, there is an Upper Garden and two orchards with apples and cherries. The grounds are renowned for the old oaks, yews and Spanish chestnut trees.
St Dominick, near Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA
Free parking for National Trust members. Or car parking starts from £1.
Entry is £14 for adults, £7 for children, and family tickets start from £21. National Trust members are free.
🐾 Dog-friendly, they can go everywhere apart from the formal garden, orchards and house.
National Trust in Devon UK | Antony
Antony is an 18th Century house in a magnificent landscape garden. It is considered one of the finest surviving Queen Anne buildings in the West Country. The Carew Pole family have lived here for over six hundred years. It holds a collection of portraits, including a famous painting of Charles I during his trial. As well as fine examples of period furniture, textiles and tapestries.
You can enjoy the sweeping views out to the River Lynher in the formal gardens. You can explore the Summer Garden, where you’ll find pink, purple and white blooms. The Topiary Knot Garden is laid out in a square with intricate shapes. The gardens are also flanked by Yew Hedges, which are strikingly tall. There is even a Yew Cone with a bench inside, where a member of the Carew Pole family wanted somewhere to sit and watch tennis in the shade.
Torpoint, Cornwall, PL11 2QA
Free parking
Entry is £14 for adults, £5 for children, and family tickets start from £16.50. National Trust members are free.
🐾 Not dog-friendly. Dogs can stretch their legs in the car park and nearby walking routes. However, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the Colonnade Café.
Days out in Devon | Lydford Gorge
A gorge is a great place for adventure at any time of the year. The circular walking trail takes you on a sloping route to the Whitelady Waterfall. The walk also takes you along the old Great Western Railway tracks. You can take in nature, wildlife and river views during this time. Wildflowers such as wild garlic and bluebells can be found in abundance.
Lydford Gorge is the deepest river gorge in the South West with a 30-metre waterfall. You can explore the gorge on foot along one-way trails. Challenging walking throughout, with sections over rocky ground. Sturdy footwear with good grip is strongly recommended because of the rugged terrain and vertical drops.
Lydford, near Tavistock, Devon, EX20 4BH for the Cauldron entrance. Or EX20 4BL for the waterfall entrance.
Free parking
Entry is £10 to the house and garden for adults, £7 for children and family tickets start from £21. National Trust members are free.
🐾 Dogs on short leads are welcome
National Trust South West England | Lawrence House
The Georgian townhouse was built in 1753 and is a museum spread over three floors. Lawrence House predominantly focuses on local history, including its association with Australia. Following Philip Gidley King, who sailed on HMS Sirius, the ship accompanied the first fleet of convicts.
Rooms are filled with antique furniture, artwork and other artefacts that tell the story of the house’s past. There is also a collection of costumes from the Victorian era up until now. The house was previously used as a school and courthouse and played a role in the English Civil War, serving as a refuge for Royalist soldiers.
9 Castle Street, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 8BA
Parking: all car parks are private or council-owned, and charges apply to all visitors.
Free entry
🐾 All dogs are welcome in the garden
Devon South West England | Castle Drogo
The 20th Century castle, chapel, garden and estate are high above the ancient woodlands of Teign Gorge and have been inspired by the rugged Dartmoor. The Castle Drogo has recently been refurbished and refreshed. You can discover its precious treasures, fascinating stories and unique history.
The towering walls and turrets look like they have been standing there for centuries. The castle was designed to look like a medieval fortress. Admire the architecture and beautiful artwork on the walls. During World War II, it was used as a training ground for American troops and later for convalescing soldiers. After the war, the castle was donated to the National Trust for future generations to enjoy.
Drewsteignton, near Exeter, Devon, EX6 6PB
Free parking for National Trust members. Or car parking starts from £2.
Entry is £14 to the house and garden for adults, £7 for children and family tickets start from £21. National Trust members are free.
🐾 Dog-friendly, the only place they can’t go is in the house. In areas with livestock, dogs must be kept on a lead.
Devon Places To Visit | Coleton Fishacre
The country house, Coleton Fishacre, was the home of the D’Oyly Carte family. Here you can travel back in time to the Jazz Age. A light, joyful atmosphere fills the rooms, and music plays, echoing the family’s Gilbert and Sullivan connections. You can get an insight into 1920s life ‘upstairs and downstairs’ from the glamorous Saloon and the airy servants’ rooms.
The RHS-accredited garden viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.
Brownstone Road, Kingswear, Devon, TQ6 0EQ
Free parking for National Trust members. Or car parking starts from £1.
Entry is £14 to the house and garden for adults, £7 for children and family tickets start from £21. National Trust members are free.
🐾 Dog-friendly, the only place they can’t go is in the house.
National Trust Devon and Cornwall
My list will likely mean you no longer have to search for National Trust near me. When visiting the National Trust near Plymouth, you’ll fall in love with the rolling hills, lush greenery and magnificent buildings. The properties are where nature and history come together. If you’re looking for a peaceful day out, escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, visit the National Trust near Plymouth.
National Trust Membership
With your membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The National Trust membership includes:
- Unlimited free entry to all of the properties.
- Essential companion card where you can bring up to two carers if you have a disability. These can be different people; the card is in your name.
- Free parking at the majority of car parks. Some National Trust car parks are in other natural areas like beaches and countryside walks.
- Annually, you’ll be sent a handbook full of information about the properties. However, the website is easy to navigate, finding places to visit by area or postcode.
- Regular members magazine, sent three times a year.
- Regular e-newsletters.
- Join by direct debit and get a £10 gift card to spend in the National Trust shops or café.
Perks to visiting National Trust properties:
- The majority of National Trust sites are dog-friendly. Going inside the buildings can be tricky, as dogs can’t enter them. However, you can take turns if you go as a couple or a group.
- There are plenty of activities for children, such as things to find in the gardens and walking trails. Many of them have play areas too.
- If you are going for history, you may have to do your own research.
- National Trust wins in nature, as the properties have many grounds, long walks, and nature areas such as the South West Coast Path.
How much is a National Trust membership?
Memberships can be purchased in total, by direct debit or as a gift voucher and are for a year. Get yours here.
- Adult Membership (age 26 plus) = £96 a year (£8 per month)
- Joint Membership (2 adults) = £160.80 a year (£13.40 per month)
- Young Person Membership (age 18-25) = £48 a year (£4 per month)
- Junior Membership (age 6-17, under 5’s are free) = £12 a year
- Family Membership (f2 adults) = £168.60 a year (£14.05 per month)
- Family Membership (1 adult) = £103.80 a year (£8.65 per month)
- Senior Membership (1 adult) = £72 a year (£6 per month)
- Joint Senior Membership (2 adults) = £102.60 a year (£10.05 per month)
Use Top Cash Back when purchasing your membership
I’ve been a member of TopCashBack UK for several years and, to date, have earned over £1000 from it. Trust me, it’s a no-brainer, and you can make extra money by shopping online. Currently, you can get 3.15% back on your National Trust membership.
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offer a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. Sleeping 2 – 12 guests, they have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
Or, get 35% off when booking 10 nights or more in Cornwall, Devon, Wales and Northern Ireland. Bookings are for stays between 1 October and 30 November 2024 and 1 January to 28 February 2025. Use discount code 10NAF.
Get 50% off food
After visiting the National Trust, refuel up with Tastecard. You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Take a Picnic
Devon Hampers, send the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider and BBQ hampers.
Devon Hampers Promo Code
Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Do you want to be the first to read my latest blog posts? If you have enjoyed my National Trust near Plymouth review, you can stay updated with my other travel features by signing up for my mailing list:
Follow me on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
