Family-friendly things to do at Arlington Court
A day out at Arlington Court is packed with family adventures. From scarecrow trails to autumn woodland walks and family fun days , there is plenty of things to join in with.
Autumnfest at Arlington Court
Celebrate the season with Autumnfest at Arlington Court this autumn, from 3 October to 1 November.
Follow our animal-themed scarecrow trail around the grounds and see creations by local schools, community groups and volunteers. The trail runs from 10 October to 1 November.
Step inside the house to discover a beautiful harvest table and seasonal floral displays, then head outside to the gardens to admire a colourful collection of autumn gourds.
Normal admission applies. Free for National Trust members.
A Storybook Christmas at Arlington Court
Join us at Arlington Court from Sat 21 Nov to get into the festive spirit. See the house dressed for Christmas and explore the decorated gardens and grounds. Journey through the pages of much-loved classics as you travel across oceans, take to the sky and explore magical gardens. Open evenings, family trails and musical performances await...
- Write your own story trail
- Sat 21 Nov to Sun 2 Jan - Create your own story this Christmas! Follow our outdoor trail, spin the wheel at each stop and watch your adventure unfold as you choose your character, face challenges and decide how your story ends.Find out more here
- Pop up mini market at Arlington
- Sat 21 to Mon 23 November - North Devon Handmade Collective are bringing their pop-up shop and mini market to Arlington this Christmas! Join our on our Christmas launch weekend to discover a range of local arts, crafts and goodies in the activity room and a handful of carefully curated stalls nearby.Find out more
- Open evenings
- Tues 1, 8 & 15 Dev, 12pm -7pm - Discover Arlington after dark, when the Christmas magic comes to life. Pick up a tasty festive treat from the tea-room or toast a marshmallow on the fire and explore the display in the house.Find out more
Out and about at Arlington Court
When you've finished playing, there's still plenty to discover.
Explore more than 20 miles of walking, cycling and bridleway routes through ancient woodland, alongside streams and across rolling parkland. Keep your eyes peeled - you might even spot one of Arlington's resident deer.
Outdoor play
Little adventurers can enjoy our year-round natural play areas featuring:
- Mud kitchen
- Sit-on diggers
- Balance beams
- Log stack climber
- Willow domes
- Climbing bars
- Plenty of places to build, balance and imagine
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
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Children must be supervised at all times.
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The lake is full of mud which acts like quicksand, please keep children and dogs away.
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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.
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There are two small ponds in the formal gardens and a larger pond in the pleasure grounds.
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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
You might also be interested in
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.
Eating and shopping at Arlington Court
Explore your options for eating and drinking at Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum.
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.
