Christmas at Arlington Court 2023

Christmas opening times

Nov 18th – 17th Dec: Sat, Sun and Mon 10am - 4pm
House and Carriage Museum open 11am - 3:30pm (last entry at 3pm)

18th Dec - 31st Dec everyday 10am - 3pm, excluding the 23rd - 26th
House open 11am -2pm (last entry 1:30pm), Carriage Museum closed

Wider estate and visitor car park are open daily, dawn to dusk (excluding 23rd - 26th of Dec)

A Victorian Family Christmas

See the house decorated in all the splendour of a Victorian Christmas, from the sumptuous dining room and the Ante Room to the White Drawing Room, where the family have traditionally opened their presents, to the Staircase Hall with a 16ft real Christmas tree and decorated balustrades.

Keep an eye out for decorations made by the Devon Guild of Embroiderers. Each unique decoration was made based on a feature or item from the house and all have individual stories to tell.

A Victorian Christmas evening

Explore Arlington House during our Christmas open evenings. Decorated in all the splendour of a Victorian Christmas, step back in time while exploring the luxurious rooms and head to the tea room for a festive snack.

7th and 14th of December (2pm – 7pm).

Tickets cost £8 for adults and £4 for children, free entry to National Trust members. Booking not required.

Festive family fun

12 days of Christmas carol trail

This winter, treat your little ones to a world of adventures at Arlington Court with the 12 days of Christmas trail. Journey around the lake walk to discover some of your favourtie festive carols as you sing along your way.

This trail is free, paperless and takes place on the wider estate. You can access the wider estate through the heron gates next to home farm.

If you plan to visit the house and gardens the normal admission fee will apply.

Christmas tree trail

Discover the Christmas trees around Arlington with the Family Tree Trail. In celebration of the 200-year anniversary of the house, 200 trees have been built and designed across the pleasure grounds. The trees have been decorated by partners, groups, volunteers and local schools.

Pick up a leaflet in reception for a trail guide to ten must see trees.

This trail is free and normal admission prices apply.

Father Christmas - Sold out

Come to the festive grotto in the stables and meet the traditional green Father Christmas who is visiting Arlington Court for one weekend. All good children will receive a present.

Please note children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults do not need to book tickets, but normal admission still applies on arrival. Please note that when you book a 30-minute time slot, Father Christmas will see you within that 30-minute slot, however there could be a 5–25 minute wait. Please check in with Elf on your arrival.

Vegetable nativity display

Head over to the walled garden to see a nativity scene made out of vegetables grown here at Arlington. There is even a Chritstmas dinner themed tree to be seen.

Tasty treats in the tea-room

The tea-room is open for light refreshments, look out for the tasty treats on the Christmas menu.

There are also crisps and confectionery, cream teas, cakes, pasties and sausage rolls, including vegan and gluten free options – please note what is on offer will vary according to the amount of visitor bookings on the day.