Arlington Court

Arlington Court is a grand Regency-era estate in North Devon, England, managed by the National Trust. Once the home of the Chichester family for over 500 years, it is known for its neoclassical architecture and an eclectic interior filled with treasures from the family’s world travels.

Location & Getting There
Address: Arlington, near Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LP.
Access: It is located just off the A39, about 9 miles from Barnstaple.
Public Transport: An infrequent bus service (309) runs from Barnstaple Rail Station to the Arlington Court Turn (approx. 0.5-mile walk from the drop-off).

Top Things to See & Do
The National Trust Carriage Museum: Housed in the old stables, it features over 40 horse-drawn vehicles, including the ornate Speaker’s State Coach.
Eclectic Collections: Inside the house, you’ll find quirky items like model ships, thousands of seashells, and even arsenic wallpaper in the salon.
Victorian Gardens & Conservatory: Explore 30 acres of formal gardens, a walled kitchen garden, and a conservatory with exotic plants.
Estate Walks: There are over 20 miles of footpaths, including the popular 2-mile circular lake walk.
Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for red deer in the parkland or watch the “Bat Cam” in the cellars to see the resident horseshoe bat colony.

Who Should Visit & When
Who: It’s ideal for families (with play areas and interactive trails), history buffs, and nature lovers.
When:
Spring: Best for fresh scenery and peaceful walks when the estate “feels fresh and calm”.
Summer: Peak time for the gardens and “Summer of Play” activities for kids.
Winter: The house has limited weekend-only hours, but the grounds remain open daily for walks.
Entry: Free for National Trust members. For non-members, standard adult entry is £18.00.

Facilities
Dining: The Old Kitchen Tea-room serves light lunches and cream teas.
Shopping: A gift shop and a second-hand bookshop are located in the visitor centre.
Accessibility: A shuttle buggy is available most days to transport visitors between key areas, and Trampers (all-terrain mobility scooters) can be hired.