Family-friendly things to do at Arlington Court

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

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.

The Very Hungry Catterpillar™ at Arlington Court

The world’s most famous caterpillar from Eric Carle’s best-selling book is coming to life at Arlington Court. Join us between Wed 30 April and Mon 30 June to take part in this fun-filled free family activity trail.

Follow The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ and friends around the trail as you explore the garden and grounds. Climb through oversized fruit on the lawn, race through a giant spider’s web and learn how to make grasshopper music. There’s plenty for all the family to join in with.

Normal entry admission applies, free for members.

A girl play on balance posts and a father and son playing on a toy digger — Children enjoying the play areas at Arlington Court | © Ellie McCarthy

Outdoor play

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.

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

'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.

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