Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum

About

Hidden in the lichen-draped landscape of North Devon, Arlington is a surprise and a delight.

The starkly classical exterior of the Regency house gives no clue to what lies inside – an ornate yet homely interior boasting an Aladdin’s cave of collections, recently redisplayed to share the passions of the Chichester family including sea shells, model ships and pewter. Other highlights include a hidden masterpiece by William Blake and the beautiful Beauvais Tapestries.

The National Trust Carriage Museum in the old stable block houses one of the most significant collections of carriages in the country, with over forty Regency and Victorian carriages ranging from grand state coaches to humble governess carts. Currently on display are the gold Speaker’s State Coach on loan from the House of Commons and Queen Victoria’s pony phaeton.

From the ever-changing display of flowers in the formal Victorian Garden to the many varieties of fruit and vegetables in the Walled Kitchen Garden, Arlington looks beautiful whatever the season.

The Victorian Garden features herbaceous borders, basket beds filled with colourful annuals, and attractive fountain surrounded by arched trellises, beds of seasonal planting and banks of colourful azaleas. On the top terrace is a conservatory used to grow a variety of plants from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Behind this, the carefully restored working Walled Kitchen Garden produces fruit and vegetables throughout the year.

On the wider estate there are over twenty miles of beautiful footpaths. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery, nature and wildlife, with paths to suit all ages and abilities. For families don’t miss the woodland play areas with fort, mudslides, balance beams and more.

The Old Kitchen tea-room offers a great range of seasonal hot and cold snacks and drinks, some of which are made with fresh produce from Arlington's walled kitchen garden. Indulge in a Devonshire cream tea or choose from a range of home-baked cakes. Speciality high-teas are available on request. In the school holidays the new seasonal Vine Cafe tucked behind the house offers a great alternative for quick pick-up and go snacks, drinks and ice-cream. With beautiful seating under the sprawling vines of the pergola, this dog-friendly cafe is a great place to sit and relax.

Browse through a great range of gifts in the Arlington shop – from local jams and chutneys grown in the walled garden, to beautiful homeware and gifts. There are also lots of fiction and non-fiction bargains to pick up in our second-hand bookshop found in the garden.

Dogs are welcome on leads in the garden, Carriage Museum and wider estate. We have an all-terrain mobility Tramper available to hire in advance. A buggy service runs throughout the main season.

Please check the main Arlington website for up to date information on activities and events. Regular children’s crafting, trails and ranger days take place over the school holidays. Summer outdoor theatre events are always popular with the family. For the more curious minded drop by for conservation in action or nature walks and talks throughout the year.