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Behind closed doors: Cellar Tours at Arlington Court

Step below stairs at Arlington Court and explore the hidden cellars beneath the main house. On this guided tour, discover rarely seen spaces and uncover the architectural clues that reveal how these rooms may once have been used.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Ever wondered where the original kitchens were, where servants once worked, or what lies beneath the main house at Arlington Court? Now is your chance to find out.

Join one of our guided cellar tours and step below stairs to explore a fascinating part of the house that has never before been open to the public. These spaces, dating back nearly 200 years, were once the working heart of the estate.

Today, the cellars are used for storage, but their walls still reveal clues about how they may once have been used. While few written records survive and the exact purpose of some rooms remains uncertain, our guides will share what we can uncover from the architecture, layout and physical evidence that remains.

This tour focuses on the design and structure of the cellars, offering a rare chance to explore hidden spaces and piece together the story of how this part of the house might have functioned in the past.

Tours are free, but normal admission applies. Please enquire at reception upon arrival if you wish to join a tour — they are first-come, first-served, so space cannot be guaranteed.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

accompanied children welcome

Meeting point

Meeting outside the Vine Education Room - found by the back of the main house, following the path to the right of the main toilets.

What to bring and wear

Please wear sensible shoes, as some flooring may be uneven.

Accessibility

The cellar tour is not wheelchair accessible. It has narrow hallways, low beams, uneven floors, and low lighting, and is unsuitable for those with mobility or vision impairments. As a working cellar, below ground level, the air may be damp, dusty, or heavy.

Upcoming events

National Lottery Open Week at Arlington Court 2026 

Visit Arlington Court as part of the National Lottery open week. Present your lottery ticket or scratch card at our visitor reception to experience our place free of charge.

Event summary

on
12 Mar to 14 Mar 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 2 other dates or times

Signs of spring spotter trail 

Signs of spring are appearing across the estate. From daffodils to birds and creepy-crawly hideaways, can you spot these early clues?

Event summary

on
12 Mar to 27 Mar 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 15 other dates or times

Arlington Owler night run with Ilfracombe Running Club 

Join Ilfracombe running club for the first-ever Arlington Owler night run – a 6 or 12km run across the estate.

Event summary

on
14 Mar 2026
at 19:00 to 21:00

Guided Wider Estate Walk: Daffodils and Spring Flowers at Arlington Court 

Join one of our knowledgeable walk leaders for a walk across the estate (approx 3 miles) learning about daffodils and other early spring flowers

Event summary

on
15 Mar 2026
at 11:00 to 12:30