Family-friendly things to do at Arlington Court

A family walk along a path, shaded by trees at Arlington Court — Springtime family adventures at Arlington Court | © Chris Lacey

A day spent at Arlington is a day full of family fun; there's always something to keep your little ones occupied. It doesn't have to be school holidays to come and have fun at Arlington.

Coming up this year

Spring has arrived and there’s plenty of to get involved with at Arlington. From taking part in the trail of things that don’t belong in the house to spotting blossom and wildlife in the garden, there is fun to be had no matter the weather.

Trail of things that dont belong

Daily, during house opening hours.

Explore the house and keep your little ones entertained with the Trail of things that don’t belong. Can you spot the out-of-place objects hidden throughout the collection? From Lego figures to Pokémon cards, see what you can find.

Blossom Watch

Daily from 23 April – 30 April

Experience the beauty of blossom at Arlington when it's at its best. Pick up a free blossom guide from reception and explore the grounds and gardens to discover nature's vibrant display. Be sure not to miss the breathtaking Azaleas showcasing stunning shades of pink and red.

Wildflower trail

Daily from 4 May – 30 June

Embark on a family-friendly adventure as you journey around the pleasure grounds on our Wildflower Trail. Discover eight giant wildflowers and learn about the wildflowers sown as part of the North Devon Grasslands Project. Explore the vital role of pollinators along the way.

Summer of play

Daily from 1 July – 1 September

Get ready for a summer filled with fun at Arlington. Join us daily for an array of games and activities suitable for all ages. Don't miss out on the excitement—come and play this summer.

Out and about at Arlington Court

With over 20 miles of walkways, bridleways and cycle routes through woodlands, along streams and across farmland to explore, there's plenty of family fun to be had outdoors. Look carefully and you might even spot a deer.

Discover Arlingtons walks here: Walking at Arlington Court | Devon | National Trust

Family walking on the estate at Arlington Court, Devon. — Family walking on the estate at Arlington Court, | © National Trust Images/John Millar

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

There are lot of '50 things' activities you can do with the family at this time of year. How about a wintery adventure full of fun and discovery? Or maybe you could get to know a tree, appreciate the shape of their branches and the caverns that animals can hide in?

There are many more '50 things to do before you're 11¾', you can find the full list here: 50 things to do before you're 11¾ | Visit | National Trust Although many of them can be completed in the countryside, there are also lots of things to do at the coast, perhaps Woolacombe or Croyde or maybe even Heddons Mouth. Why not make a nature diary and write about or draw all the things you see and do over the winter, another '50 things' activity.

Help us care for nature at Arlington Court

Please respect our trees, wildlife and other visitors to the site. The woods are full of special trees and wildlife. Protect them by only playing with items from the ground; if it’s still attached to the tree, it still needs it!

The fresh air at Arlington encourages the growth of many rare lichens on our trees. To help them grow and to create homes for bugs we leave fallen logs across the estate. Take care not to disturb these too much when hunting for creepy crawlies.

The boring bit for adults

Children must be supervised at all times.
The lake is full of mud which acts like quicksand, please keep children and dogs away.
Cattle may be grazing in the parkland, please keep dogs on a lead and pick up after them - dog bins are found just outside the carriage museum and behind the visitor reception building, next to the building compound.
There are two small ponds in the formal gardens and a larger pond in the pleasure grounds.
If you need any help during or planning your visit, the property team can be reached on 01271 851101 or 01271 851116 between 10am and 4pm.

Family walking in the grounds of Arlington Court with two dogs — Exploring the grounds at Arlington Court, Devon | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Dogs at Arlington

The Chichesters, who owned Arlington Court for 11 generations, were a family of dog lovers, proven by a memorial at the back of the house. Today dogs on leads are still welcome in the grounds, formal gardens and carriage museum when open.

Find your favourite walk: Walking at Arlington Court | Devon | National Trust