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Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum
DevonIntriguing Regency house and impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles, set in a picturesque garden
Arlington, near Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LP
Important notice
Please note that due to essential work, the kitchen tea-room will be closed on Monday 29 & 30 September. Home Farm cafe and the Food and beverage trailer will still be open.
Opening times for 27 September 2025
Asset Opening time House 11:00 - 16:00 Car Park Dawn - Dusk Garden 10:00 - 16:30 Wider estate Dawn - Dusk Tea-room 10:00 - 16:30 Carriage Museum 11:00 - 16:00 Shop 10:00 - 16:30 Please note: last entry to the house and carriage museum is always 30 minutes before the advertised closing time.
MTWTFSS12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293012345OpenPartially openClosedWhole property from 1 March 2025
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £18.70 £17.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £9.40 £8.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £46.80 £42.50 1 adult, 2 children £28.10 £25.50 Group (Adult 18+) £16.15 Group (Child 5-17) £8.08 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.
- Bookshop
Our Second-hand Bookshop is in our visitor reception building.
- Café
The Old Kitchen Tea-room offers a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, light meals, cakes and more.
- 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.
- Coffee shop
- Cycle parking
Bike racks available outside Visitor Reception
- 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.
- 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.
- Shop
Browse our wide range of gifts and souvenirs, along with treats for your four legged friends
- Tea-room
The Old Kitchen Tea-room offers a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, light meals, cakes and more.
- 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.
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
- Accessible toilet
- Changing Places
- Designated parking
- 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.
- Induction loop
- Large print (guide or menu)
- Level access to food outlet
- Level access/terrain
Level access available around the garden.
- Lift
Available in the Carriage Museum.
- Powered mobility vehicle available
Please give us a call to book one of our Trampers on 01271 850296.
- Ramped access/slopes
Ramped access available to the ground floor of the house and sloped access to the bat cam and reading room.
- Seating available
- 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 informationSat 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
- Cycling
- Arlington is approximately 9 miles from Barnstaple and can be accessed via the major A39 road, following signs to Arlington Court. Alternatively, there is access via Goodleigh Road, turning left signed Loxhore onto minor roads connecting to Arlington. At Loxhore Cott, cyclists can use bridleway links to reach Arlington. Please note that the surfacing of tracks and paths on the estate may not be suitable for road bikes. All routes to Arlington include steep sections. Cycle racks can be found outside Visitor Reception on the main path from the car park.
Planning your visit
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.
Autumnfest at Arlington
Explore the grounds on a fairytale-themed scarecrow trail, created by local schools, community groups, and volunteers. Keep an eye out for favourites like Puss in Boots, Rapunzel, and other magical favourites. Inside the house, discover the harvest table and beautiful floral displays, while outside head to the gardens to see a colourful gourd display.
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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.
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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.
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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.
News
Proposed plans for an Outdoor Hub at North Woolley
The National Trust has submitted plans for an innovative Outdoor Hub at North Woolley on the Arlington Court estate. Located just off the A39, a 10-minute drive from Barnstaple, the project aims to provide an accessible and inclusive outdoor space for local communities.
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 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, discover a 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
Autumn at Arlington
From scarecrow trails to pumpkins, discover displays around the grounds, visitor reception, tea-rooms and gardens, as we celebrate Autumn colour at Arlington.
Article
Christmas at Arlington Court 2025
This Christmas, step into a spellbinding Nutcracker world as Arlington Court is transformed into the enchanting lands of the classic story. Wander through rooms filled with shimmering snow, blooming flowers, and sweet delights, brought to life with twinkling lights and dried flowers from the garden.
Things to see and do
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Family-friendly things to do at Arlington Court
Enjoy a family adventure at Arlington, whatever the season. From outdoor trails and natural play areas to seasonal events and the fascinating house and carriage museum, there’s plenty to keep everyone exploring together.
What's on at Arlington Court
Find out about events coming up at Arlington Court
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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.
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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 old lake to more demanding walks with rewarding views.
News
Proposed plans for an Outdoor Hub at North Woolley
The National Trust has submitted plans for an innovative Outdoor Hub at North Woolley on the Arlington Court estate. Located just off the A39, a 10-minute drive from Barnstaple, the project aims to provide an accessible and inclusive outdoor space for local communities.
Top trails
Trail
The Old 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 old lake.
Trail
Loxhore Cott and Webber's Wood 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.
Trail
Vole walk at Arlington Court
See some of the exciting nature recovery work being undertaken at Arlington with this short circular walk directly from the visitor car park. From orchards to woodland creation, wetland work and the spreading of wildflowers seed, along with views out across to the Exmoor Coast.
Eating and shopping
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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.
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Arlington Court Summer Craft Fair
Join us in June 2026 at Arlington Court for a craft fair celebrating the best of Devon. From artisans and artists to crafters and more, explore a wide range of locally made goods as part of our Summer Craft Fair.
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 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
Guided wider estate walks - Autumn trees
Join us for a free guided walk while learning how to identify the trees on the estate though leaves, bark and seeds/nuts.
Event
Community scarecrow trail at Arlington Court
Enjoy some autumn fun as the Community Scarecrow Trail returns to Arlington Court.
Event
Autumnfest celebrations at Arlington Court
Discover displays around the grounds, visitor reception, tea-rooms and gardens, as we celebrate the Autumn colour at Arlington Court
Event
Guided wider estate walks - Active Hike
Join one of our guided walks to explore the wilder side of Arlington, venturing into the little known parts of the estate.
Event
A Nutcracker Christmas - coming to Arlington Court in 2025
Step into a magical Nutcracker world this Christmas as the house transforms into the lands of sweets, flowers and snow, with twinkling lights and dried blooms from the garden.
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 old lake walk, just under two miles, which tours the remains of 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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Climate Action in North Devon
Climate change is the biggest threat to the coastline, countryside and historic buildings we care for. Find out about the work we are doing in North Devon and the simple swaps in place to help reduce our emissions and environmental impact.
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
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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.
