National Trust - Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum

Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum form one of Devon’s most elegant and atmospheric heritage experiences, blending a Regency mansion, tranquil parkland and one of Britain’s finest collections of historic carriages. The estate was home to the Chichester family for over 500 years, and the house—built in the early 19th century—retains the refined, slightly eccentric charm of a lived‑in country residence. Inside Arlington Court, visitors can explore richly furnished rooms filled with family portraits, decorative arts and curiosities collected during travels. The Morning Room and Drawing Room showcase Regency taste, while the quirky collections room reflects the Chichesters’ passion for natural history, including shells, birds and Victorian oddities. The house’s warm, domestic atmosphere sets it apart from grander estates. The Carriage Museum, housed in the stables, is a standout attraction. It holds more than 40 vehicles, from gilded state coaches to practical mail carts and elegant Victorian phaetons. Highlights include the Speaker’s State Coach, used for ceremonial occasions, and a rare sedan chair. Displays explain how different carriages were built, driven and maintained, offering insight into transport before the motor age.