Arlington Court & The National Trust Carriage Museum
A Heritage Haven in North Devon
Arlington Court, North Devon EX31 4LP | 01271 850 296
Nestled on the edge of Exmoor National Park, Arlington Court is a National Trust property that offers a unique glimpse into North Devon’s rich history. This Regency-era estate, once home to the Chichester family, boasts an impressive collection of artifacts and a renowned carriage museum.
Visitors can explore the grand interiors of the house, adorned with eclectic collections ranging from model ships to intricate shell displays. The surrounding gardens and parklands provide a serene setting for leisurely walks and picnics.
Regency House
Explore the stately home with its period furnishings and family heirlooms.
Carriage Museum
Discover over 40 historic horse-drawn vehicles, including the Speaker's State Coach.
Victorian Gardens
Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens featuring a variety of plants and flowers.
Walled Kitchen Garden
Visit the productive garden that once supplied the estate with fresh produce.
Woodland Walks
Enjoy scenic trails through the estate's parklands and woodlands.
Tea Room
Relax with refreshments in the on-site tea room offering local produce and seasonal treats.
Dog-Friendly Areas
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in most outdoor areas, making it a perfect stop for walkers and their four-legged companions.
Family Trails & Activities
Ideal for children, with interactive trails and seasonal events throughout the year.
Step Into the Past at the Carriage Museum
One of Arlington Court’s most remarkable features is the National Trust Carriage Museum, housed in the estate’s former stable block. This nationally significant collection showcases the evolution of carriage design and function, from everyday gigs to grand ceremonial coaches. Each vehicle is thoughtfully restored and displayed, offering insights into the craftsmanship and social history of horse-drawn travel in Britain.
Among the most eye-catching exhibits is the Speaker’s State Coach, a richly decorated ceremonial carriage still occasionally used in state events. Families, transport enthusiasts, and history buffs alike will find the museum captivating—it’s one of the few collections of its kind in the country.
Images: National Trust
Wander Through Gardens and Woodland
The grounds of Arlington Court extend far beyond the formal gardens. Visitors can take to the network of waymarked trails that weave through ancient woodland, meadows, and streams. The walled kitchen garden is a highlight in spring and summer, brimming with vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees, while wildflower meadows come alive with colour in early summer.
For bird watchers and nature lovers, the estate offers habitats that support a rich variety of species. Keep an eye out for red deer on the edges of the parkland, or spot buzzards circling above the treetops.
A Year-Round Destination
Arlington Court isn’t just a fair-weather attraction. Throughout the year, it hosts a series of seasonal events, from Easter egg hunts and summer family trails to autumn foraging walks and festive Christmas displays. Each season brings a different atmosphere to the estate, making repeat visits worthwhile for locals and holidaymakers alike.
The estate is particularly popular with those staying nearby in Exmoor, Barnstaple or the North Devon coast, as it offers a calm, enriching alternative to busier seaside attractions. Plus, it’s just a short drive from other top spots like Lynton & Lynmouth, Watersmeet, and Heddon Valley—making it easy to plan a full day of exploration.
Plan Your Visit
Arlington Court is open year-round with varying opening hours depending on the season. It offers free parking for visitors, a gift shop stocked with local crafts and National Trust merchandise, and accessible paths for all mobility levels. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or family looking for a memorable day out, Arlington Court offers a well-rounded experience in the heart of North Devon.
Images: National Trust
Nearby National Trust Sites
Horner Wood
The dramatic headland with crashing waves and dramatic cliffs is situated between Croyde and Putsborough on the North Devon coast.
Baggy Point
The dramatic headland with crashing waves and dramatic cliffs is situated between Croyde and Putsborough on the North Devon coast.
Barna Barrow
A beautiful stretch of open land with stunning views of Lynton & Lynmouth, access to Foreland Point and the South West Coast Path.
Visit the National Trust’s Heddon Valley in North Devon
Heddon Valley on the West Exmoor coast.
The Doone Valley
The Doone Valley is a magical, mystical place. There is a part of Exmoor which will forever be known as Lorna Doone Country. The Badgworthy Valley is a great place for walks in this treasured landscape.
Step Back in Time at Arlington Court, North Devon
Explore Arlington Court in North Devon, home to a Regency house, carriage museum, gardens, and woodland walks—ideal for families and history lovers.
Watersmeet: Something Very Magical to Do in Lynmouth
Embark on the Watersmeet walk in Exmoor National Park, a serene journey through ancient woodlands leading to the confluence of the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water.