Arlington Court (National Trust), Combe Martin, Exmoor National Park
[Main photo: Arlington Court house]
Impressive National Trust property in North Devon near the border of Exmoor
Arlington Court is a large and impressive National Trust property in a popular area of North Devon near Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe. It’s just west of Exmoor National Park and sits inland of the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The country house, National Trust Carriage Museum, landscape gardens, parkland and tea rooms provide plenty to do. It’s a great family day out.
Location of Arlington Court
Arlington Court is located by the A39 beyond the western border of Exmoor National Park. Combe Martin is to the north, Ilfracombe to the north east and Woolacombe to the west. Follow the A39 north east and you come to the Lynton and Lynmouth on the Exmoor coast. Drive south west and you come to Barnstaple and the River Taw.
Directions to, and parking at, Arlington Court
Head to the stretch of A39 running between Blackmore Gate (on the border of Exmoor National Park) and Barnstaple. The National Trust property is well sign posted. There’s plenty of parking on site. You walk from the car park to the house, landscape gardens and parkland.
Arlington Court
What is Arlington Court?
Arlington Court is a National Trust country house set in an estate in North Devon. The estate was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1949. Prior to that, it was owned by the Chichester family as far back as the 14th century.
The house is surrounded by landscape gardens and parkland. The neo-Classical house you see today was designed by architect Thomas Lee and was completed in the early 1820s (source: National Trust Arlington Court guidebook). It replaced an earlier Georgian mansion which replaced an earlier Tudor manor house. The history of the house is fascinating and complex. Discover more on your visit and by the excellent guide book.
As you tour the house, look out for William Blake’s ‘The Sea and Time’ and the superb collection of model ships.
The National Trust Carriage Museum
Arlington Court is home to the National Trust Carriage Museum. This is situated by the church opposite the front of the house in the old stableyard. The museum provides insight into travel before railways and cars.
Look out for the Chichester’s heron crest topping the clock tower.
Landscape gardens and parkland
Explore the landscape gardens and parkland on the Deer Park Walk, Centenary Walk and Lake Walk. Pick up a map when you visit.
Tea room/cafe
You’ll find a tea room/cafe and public toilets at the end of the house closest to the car park/entrance to the National Trust property.
Historical and cultural attractions near Arlington Court
'Verity' Damien Hirst Sculpture
Ilfracombe Museum
Gardens near Arlington Court
Broomhill Sculpture Gardens
Marwood Hill Gardens
Other attractions near Arlington Court
Exmoor Zoo
Combe Martin Wildlife And Dinosaur Park
Villages and towns near Arlington Court
Combe Martin
Ilfracombe
Lynton
Lynmouth
Photo Gallery
