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Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum
Intriguing Regency house and impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles, set in a picturesque garden
Arlington, near Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LP
Important notice
Due to high winds Arlington Court will be closed on Saturday 21 December and Sunday 22 December. If you have a Father Christmas booking, the bookings team will be in contact with you soon. Please note,office phones are not manned when we are closed.
Opening times for 22 December 2024
Asset Opening time House 11:00 - 14:00 Car Park Dawn - Dusk Garden 10:00 - 15:00 Wider estate Dawn - Dusk Tea-room 10:00 - 15:00 Carriage Museum Closed Shop 10:00 - 15:00 MTWTFSS2526272829301234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303112345OpenPartially openClosedWhole property from 1 Mar 2024
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £16.50 £15.00 Child £8.30 £7.50 Family £41.30 £37.50 1 adult, 2 children £24.80 £22.50 Group Adult £14.25 Group Child £7.13 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Adventure playground/play area
Explore our outdoor play areas, complete with sit-on diggers, balance beams, and a mud kitchen.
Dogs allowed
Dogs are allowed everywhere except the main house and the Old Kitchen Tea-room. Dogs are welcome in the indoor additional seating area next to the Tea-room.
Bookshop
Our Second-hand Bookshop is in our visitor reception building.
Electric vehicle charging point
Four 22kW electric vehicle charging points are available in the Visitor car park. Chargers can be accessed using mobile app, RFID card, or contactless payment device. Visit our EV charging partner, RAW Charging's website (www.rawcharging.com/drivers) to download the app before your visit.
Café
The Old Kitchen Tea-room offers a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, light meals, cakes and more.
Shop
Browse our wide range of gifts and souvenirs, along with treats for your four legged friends
Car park
Car park with accessible parking available. The car park is a short walk to our entrance and visitor reception. Visitor drop-off point available behind visitor reception, please enter via the delivery entrance and return your car to the main car park after dropping passengers off. For more information, please call 01271 850296.
Tea-room
The Old Kitchen Tea-room offers a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, light meals, cakes and more.
Coffee shop
Toilet
Accessible toilet with baby changing facilities provided near the main house and in the Carriage Museum. Main visitor toilets are near the main house, next to the Tea-room. Changing places facility available next to the main toilets.
Cycle parking
Bike racks available outside Visitor Reception
Two Trampers available to hire. Shuttle buggy available most days. Adapted toilets next to tea-room. Dogs on leads welcome in the Carriage Museum, garden, The servants hall and the wider estate. Loose gravel paths, slopes, partly accessible grounds.
Accessible route and/or map
Level access to food outlet
Accessible toilet
Level access/terrain
Level access available around the garden.
Changing Places
Lift
Available in the Carriage Museum.
Designated parking
Powered mobility vehicle available
Please give us a call to book one of our Trampers on 01271 850296.
Drop-off point
Visitors are welcome to drop off passengers behind our visitor reception building before returning to park in the main car park. Please follow signs for deliveries to reach this area.
Ramped access/slopes
Ramped access available to the ground floor of the house and sloped access to the bat cam and reading room.
Induction loop
Seating available
Large print (guide or menu)
Wheelchairs available
Wheelchairs available from Visitor Reception, House and Carriage Museum.
By road
From Barnstaple, take the A39. From South Molton, take the A399.
Parking: Members: please scan your cards; payers: pay and display. There are four electric vehicle charging points available. See ‘Facilities’ for more information
Sat Nav: From South Molton/east stay on A399 until turning for A39 (Arlington is signposted). Don't turn left into an unmarked lane: this leads to deliveries' and residents' entrance only.
By train
Nearest train station is Barnstaple (8 miles away).
By bus
Infrequent service Barnstaple to Lynton
By bicycle
The main entrance to Arlington Court is on the A39 which is a major road with no cycle lanes. For the most accurate journey to the main entrance gates, please follow directions to National Trust Arlington Court Car Park. On arrival, please dismount and head down the path to the visitor welcome building, where there are racks for your bike. The National Cycle Route 3 from Barnstaple will bring you part of the way to Arlington. After reaching Bratton Fleming, you can then follow the A399 to Blackmore gate and the A39 down to Arlington.
Planning your visit
Article
Christmas at Arlington Court 2024
Discover what you can see and do at Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum, near Barnstaple, this Christmas.
Article
Visiting Arlington Court with your dog
Find out how to have a dog-friendly visit to Arlington, when to keep them on a lead and what facilities are available. Arlington Court is a three pawprint rated place.
Article
Group visits to Arlington Court
Find out about booking your group for a visit to Arlington and the information you need to help you plan your trip.
What's on at Arlington Court
Find out what events and activities we have coming up at Arlington Court
PDF
PDF
Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum map
Take a look at the map of Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum to help plan your visit.
Article
Accessibility in North Devon
Find out about access at our places in North Devon, where you can hire Trampers and where there are accessible paths and activities.
Highlights
House
An unexpected jewel on the edge of Exmoor, a complete family estate held by the Chichester family for over 500 years.
Garden
Formal Victorian garden with herbaceous borders, a fountain, walled kitchen garden and conservatory growing exotic plants from around the world.
Pleasure Grounds and Wider Estate
Planting within the Pleasure Grounds was used to frame a series of designed views. The Wilderness Pond provides shimmering light, whilst Deerpark Wood presents contrasting shade.
Carriage Museum
The Carriage Museum in the stables has a vehicle for every occasion ranging from elegant coaches used for state occasions to humble carts that would have carried servants.
The Old Kitchen Tea-room
Enjoy a tasty treat, warm drink or light bite from our tea-room. Situated in what were once Arlington Court Kitchens.
Second-hand Bookshop
Browse through our selection of second-hand books and grab yourself a bargain.
Play area
Explore our outdoor play areas, complete with sit-on diggers, balance beams, and a mud kitchen. Plus, this year, discover our new log stack climber for older kids to enjoy.
Shopping
Browse our wide range of gifts and souvenirs, along with treats for your four legged friends.
Spotlight events
Article
Christmas at Arlington Court 2024
Discover what you can see and do at Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum, near Barnstaple, this Christmas.
Things to see and do
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Arlington Court
Have a family adventure at Arlington whatever the season. Discover a host of family-friendly activities to take part in, from outdoor trails and play areas to indoor crafting.
What's on at Arlington Court
Find out about events coming up at Arlington Court
Article
Things to see in the garden at Arlington Court
From the ever-changing flowers of the formal Victorian Garden to picture-perfect pleasure grounds, the garden at Arlington Court is beautiful whatever the weather. Step into the hidden walled kitchen garden for variety through the seasons.
Article
Things to see at the National Trust Carriage Museum
Explore highlights from a collection of over 40 carriages, including those used for grand state occasions, fashionable funerals and travelling around Europe in style.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Walking at Arlington Court
Over 20 miles of footpaths criss-cross the estate at Arlington Court, ranging from easy strolls around the lake to more demanding walks with rewarding views.
Top trails
Trail
Lake walk at Arlington Court
Enjoy the most popular and established walk around the designed landscape of Arlington Court, where you can get closer to nature at the bird hide and heronry.
Trail
Arlington Court deer park circular walk
Keep your eyes peeled for red deer on this picturesque walk through ancient woodland, parts of the estate's wildlife reserve and alongside the lake.
Trail
Woodland and Cott Brake circular walk at Arlington Court
Walk through ancient woodland and climb the steep grassland of Cott Brake for views of the estate, its historic buildings and wildlife including red deer.
Trail
Winford Valley walk at Arlington Court
Explore the woodland and fields of Arlington estate on this short walk. Along the way, look out for historic buildings and, in spring, a carpet of bluebells.
Trail
Centenary walk at Arlington Court
Take a steep climb through woodlands and alongside the lake to enjoy stunning views of the house and parkland on our walk created to mark our centenary year.
Trail
Arlington Court Coombeshead valley walk
Walk through woodland and fields to the top of the Coombeshead valley for rewarding views across the wider Arlington estate and a chance to spot red deer.
Trail
North Woolley Loop
The North Woolley loop is a t new walk on the edge of the Arlington estate, which connects existing footpaths into a 3km circular route. It takes in views across the parkland and out over Exmoor, through woodland and wildflower grassland, past the historic gatehouse (Woolley Lodge) and through a tunnel. You can either park near the lodge or make it a longer walk by joining the route via the Centenary Walk.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Arlington Court
Explore your options for eating and drinking at Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum, including what’s on the menu throughout the day.
Places to stay
Woolley Lodge
A Victorian lodge set within a secluded woodland on the Arlington estate.
Mortuary Cottage
A traditional Devonian cottage alongside the meandering River Yeo with an intriguing name…
Heddon Orchard Bothy
For a truly rustic getaway, try this indoor camping style bothy set deep in the wilds of Heddon Valley.
Berry Lawn Linhay Bothy
This camping barn offers is an ideal overnight stop for walkers on the South West Coast Path.
Combe Park Lodge
A great base for ramblers, this elegant Edwardian cottage is close to river gorges and ancient woodlands.
West Challacombe Cottage
A countryside cottage with sweeping vistas and a country rustic interior.
West Challacombe Manor
A historic manor house with original features from the 15th century.
Upcoming events
Event
Christmas at Arlington Court
Get into the festive spirit this winter at Arlington Court. head out on a wintery adventure, explore the beautifully decorated house, or warm up in the cosy tea-room, there is something for the whole family this festive season.
Event
Guided wider estate walks - The folklore and history of Holly
Join us for a free festive guided walk while learning about the folklore and history of Holly
Event
SOLD OUT - Father Christmas at Arlington Court
Our traditional green father Christmas will be returning to his grotto in the stables at Arlington Court this year on Saturday 21 , Sunday 22 and Monday 23 of December.
Event
Father Christmas at Arlington Court (sensory friendly)
Join us for a sensory-friendly Father Christmas experience on 21, 22 and 23 December at 3pm. These sessions feature quiet surroundings (no music), soft lighting, and reduced capacity to help create a relaxed atmosphere.
Event
Public tree planting day at Arlington Court
Join us for a day of tree planting over the Christmas Holidays. Help the team work towards the target of planting 50,000 trees this winter.
Event
Wild about spring trail
Explore the gardens and grounds as they come to life this spring. Discover fun facts about the estate's springtime animals and enjoy activities along the way.
Event
Locals week at Arlington Court - Free entry for EX3 postcodes
We invite you to enjoy a week of free fun at Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum. Simply bring along your driving license or bill to prove you live in an EX3 postcode area to gain free entry.
Event
Big book sale at Arlington Court
Take a look through our big selection of second-hand books and pick up a bargain for World Book Day.
About Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum
Arlington Court is an unexpected jewel on the edge of Exmoor, a complete family estate held by the Chichester family for over five hundred years. The collection consists of treasures for all tastes, from model ships to shells, collected over several generations. The house itself, built in 1823 and extended in 1860, has an austere facade. However, inside the cosy rooms purvey a homely, family atmosphere.
The Carriage Museum in the stables has a vehicle for every occasion from cradle to grave.
Keeping Arlington alive:
- Over 20 miles of footpaths to explore, including our popular lake walk, just under two miles, which tours the man-made lake and bridge piers of an unfulfilled Victorian dream
- Formal Victorian garden with conservatory rebuilt in 2012, planted with exotic species and walled garden providing produce for the tea-room and flowers for the house
- An abundance of wildlife to discover including two species of bat roosting in the cellars, an ancient heronry and a birdhide, to view nature at its best
- Access to the collection or research requests outside of our normal opening hours can be arranged by appointment only. Please call 01271 850296 or email arlingtoncourt@nationaltrust.org.uk to book.
History
Article
A brief history of Arlington Court
The house at Arlington Court is the work of generations of the Chichester family. Discover how each heir left their mark on the building you see today.
Article
History of the Carriage Museum at Arlington Court
Find out more about why Arlington Court is home to the National Trust’s Carriage Museum and how the collection has grown to what it is today.
Article
History of the garden at Arlington Court
Find out more about the picturesque pleasure grounds which surround Arlington and how they went from picture perfect to reclaimed by nature, and back again.
Art and collections
Article
The collection at Arlington Court
Take a closer look at some of the items assembled at Arlington Court by the Chichester family through 11 generations of ownership.
Article
A timeline of carriages at the National Trust Carriage Museum
Explore the evolution of carriages and their changing fashions, from the one with the disreputable image to the one with a royal seal of approval.
Our work
Article
Our work in the house at Arlington Court
Discover more about the work being done to care for the collection of over 5,000 items at Arlington Court, including the coaches of the National Trust Carriage Museum.
Article
Our work on the estate at Arlington Court
From tree planting to helping a bat colony thrive, discover more about the work being done to care for nature and wildlife on the estate at Arlington Court.
North Devon Riverlands Project
The North Devon Riverlands Project restores wetland habitats across North Devon. Collaborating with four Ranger teams—Arlington Court, West Exmoor, Hartland, and Woolacombe.
Deer at Arlington Court
There are two types of deer found at Arlington, the red deer and roe deer, both of which are native and a much-loved feature. Find out about their history and how they are managed.
North Devon Grasslands project
We are working on a ground-breaking project to create new species rich grassland across 70 miles of the North Devon countryside, from Torridge to West Exmoor, including Arlington Court.
Commercial buildings to let at Home Farm, Arlington
We currently have a range of barns available for commercial let at Home Farm, on the Arlington Estate. For more information please email arlingtoncourt@nationaltrust.org.uk
Support us
Article
Volunteer opportunities at Arlington Court
Find out more about volunteering at Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum and how you can help look after this intriguing Regency family home and its collection.