Arlington Court
Devon, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
Arlington Court, Arlington, Barnstaple EX31 4LP
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- Car park a short walk from entrance/reception; accessible parking available; drop-off behind reception; four 22kW EV charging points
- Access
- Two Trampers to hire; shuttle buggy most days; ramped access to ground floor of house; lift in Carriage Museum; adapted toilets and Changing Places; loose gravel paths and slopes, grounds partly accessible
- Facilities
- Old Kitchen Tea-room/café, shop, second-hand bookshop, adventure playground, toilets with baby changing, Changing Places, EV charging (4x22kW)
- Dogs
- Allowed everywhere except the main house and Old Kitchen Tea-room (welcome in adjacent indoor seating); on leads in Carriage Museum, garden and wider estate
- Safety
- Loose gravel paths and slopes; grounds partly accessible; steep approach roads
Arlington Court is a Regency house holding an eclectic collection amassed by the last of the Chichester family, who lived there until the mid-20th century.
Worth the trip
The eclectic collection itself, built up by the last of the Chichester family and reflecting their personal interests rather than a single grand theme.
Before you go
As a collection-focused house rather than a grand architectural set-piece, it particularly suits visitors interested in decorative arts and social history.
The Carriage Museum is the feature reviewers return to most, described as an impressive collection with carriages you can sit in and hobby horses for children. Views of the house are more varied: the shell collection, model ships, taxidermy and maritime displays interest some, while another felt certain rooms lacked furniture and authenticity, noting signs explaining that rooms are being reset. The gardens and the wider estate walks, put at around 20 miles by one reviewer, draw consistent praise, and one points out that the walks can be used without paying admission via the Heron gates near the car park, where there is also a bird hide. Parking is described as spacious with electric vehicle charging, and the site is called dog and family friendly. Opinions on the cafe are mixed, with one reviewer enjoying the coffee and gluten-free sandwiches and another finding the coffee mostly foam and the scone dry. Admission, quoted by one visitor at £18 per adult, is felt by some to be on the expensive side.
Regency house with an eclectic collection amassed by the last of the Chichester family
“Arlington Court is a gem of North Devon and comprises a 19th century house, formal gardens, 20 miles of country walks and the National Trust Carriage Museum. There’s ample parking with electric vehicle charging and a…”- Sir Tenly Write., visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “There is a spacious car park, where you can pay upon arrival or pay for parking at the reception area.” - Jeanette Fox
- How long to allow
- “A quiet, relaxed half day visit with rhododendrons at their best.” - Linda Penney
- Facilities
- “A bit on the expensive side as all National Trust owned properties are & so was the food & drink in the cafe.” - Mark Frith
Common questions about Arlington Court
Where is Arlington Court?
Arlington Court is in Devon, England, at Arlington Court, Arlington, Barnstaple EX31 4LP.
Do you need a ticket to visit Arlington Court?
Yes - Arlington Court is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Arlington Court?
Yes - Arlington Court offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the stately home itself or within its grounds. See the Stately Homes You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Arlington Court?
The eclectic collection itself, built up by the last of the Chichester family and reflecting their personal interests rather than a single grand theme.
Is Arlington Court a ruin or still intact?
Arlington Court is largely intact - Regency house with an eclectic collection amassed by the last of the Chichester family.
