Arlington Court and Carriage Museum
Elegant Regency house, vast carriage museum, and beautiful grounds offering family fun and scenic walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Extra family activities available
Arlington Court and Carriage Museum
Best Time
Extra family activities available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Elegant Regency house, vast carriage museum, and beautiful grounds offering family fun and scenic walks.
"A wonderful day out combining history, nature, and fun activities for all ages."
🚗 Plan Your Route
Minor roads can be tricky; use GPS and enjoy the scenic drive to this National Trust gem.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the grounds and house. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
National Carriage Museum
Adjacent to the main house
Discover the UK's largest collection of horse-drawn carriages, from elegant Victorians to practical workhorses.
Regency Manor House
Main house
Explore the beautifully decorated rooms of this elegant Regency home, once the seat of the Chichester family.
Lakeside Walks & Gardens
Estate grounds
Wander through picturesque walled gardens, stroll around the serene lake, and enjoy the natural beauty of the estate.
Family Activities
Various locations on the estate
Engage in fun, often seasonal, activities like archery and circus games, perfect for keeping younger visitors entertained.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Arlington Court
Making the Most of Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Plan Your Route
Minor roads can be tricky; use GPS and enjoy the scenic drive to this National Trust gem.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the grounds and house. :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧👦 Kids Will Love It
Look out for special activities like archery and games, making it a great family day out.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Options
Dogs are welcome in the grounds and cafe area, but not inside the house or museum. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Plan Your Route
Minor roads can be tricky; use GPS and enjoy the scenic drive to this National Trust gem.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the grounds and house. :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧👦 Kids Will Love It
Look out for special activities like archery and games, making it a great family day out.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Options
Dogs are welcome in the grounds and cafe area, but not inside the house or museum. :dog:
☕ Cafe Break
Enjoy refreshments at the cafe, though some find cakes could be moister and pricing a bit high.
📚 Second-Hand Bookshop
Browse the charming second-hand bookshop for literary treasures. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arlington Court is widely praised as a wonderful family day out, offering a blend of historical exploration and outdoor activities. Visitors appreciate the extensive carriage museum and the beautiful grounds, though some note minor points for improvement in the cafe. The journey can be a bit challenging, but the overall experience is highly rewarding.
"Lovely family day out and as with a lot of National Trust properties lots of activities for the kids included. Archery, circus games, lovely walk down to the lake and back in a big circular route.
Lots of food and drink locations and both sandwiches, pasties, sausage rolls and main meals.
Carriage museum was very informative and lovely to see."
Mark Davis
"Apart from trying to find the place as its all minor roads the walk from the car park took a couple of minutes and there was a nice cafe. The house was in very good condition, the Carriage museum was also quite interesting too, but you were not allowed to touch anything, it would have been nice to have had one you could climb on or sit inside, didn't see all of it, but they put on extra things for the children and the weather was excellent on the day."
John Dobson
"Arlington Court and its National Trust Carriage Museum proved to be a wonderful day out, even during a rainy Easter visit. The expansive grounds offered beautiful landscapes to explore despite the wet weather, showcasing the estate's natural charm in all conditions.
The Easter-themed activities scattered throughout the property were a highlight, providing entertainment and engagement for our two children at every turn. These thoughtful touches made the experience special and memorable for families.
The National Trust Carriage Museum was particularly impressive, offering fascinating historical exhibits while still maintaining child-friendly elements that kept younger visitors interested and involved. The collection of carriages provides a unique glimpse into transportation history that visitors of all ages can appreciate.
Facilities throughout were clean, well-maintained, and accessible, making the visit comfortable for all guests. The staff members were predominantly friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall experience with their knowledge and assistance.
We took a break in the tea room to enjoy some refreshments, which provided a pleasant respite from our explorations. While the cakes might benefit from a slight improvement in moistness and the pricing could be more aligned with portion sizes, it was still an enjoyable part of our visit.
Arlington Court truly shines as a versatile destination that delivers a quality experience regardless of weather conditions. The beauty of the grounds, the educational value of the museum, and the family-friendly atmosphere make it a destination well worth visiting again. Highly recommended for families looking for an engaging day out that combines history, nature, and fun activities."
Chris Knab
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arlington Court is accessible via minor roads, which can be a bit winding. Using a GPS is recommended. While some find it a 'faff' to get to, most agree it's worth the journey once you arrive.
Yes, there is a car park available for visitors. The walk from the car park to the main attractions is generally short and pleasant.
Information on public transport options can be limited due to its rural location. It's best to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service if you are not driving.
Follow signs for Arlington Court from the A361. Be prepared for narrow country lanes as you get closer to the estate.
While there are signs, the minor roads can be confusing. It's advisable to have a reliable navigation system or map.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening times vary seasonally for the house, gardens, and museum. It's always best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
As a National Trust property, entry fees apply. You can purchase tickets on arrival or book online in advance. Membership to the National Trust also grants free entry.
Typically, access to the Carriage Museum is included with your general admission to Arlington Court. Check the National Trust website for specific ticket options.
Discounts may be available for groups, children, and sometimes during special events. Keep an eye on the National Trust website for any promotions.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for peak times or special events, is recommended to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Arlington Court offers a diverse range of activities, including exploring the Regency house, visiting the extensive Carriage Museum, enjoying walks around the lake and gardens, and participating in family-friendly events.
Absolutely! Arlington Court is very family-friendly, with dedicated activities like archery and circus games, plus plenty of space to run around. The Carriage Museum also holds their interest.
Yes, dogs are welcome in the grounds and the outdoor seating area of the cafe. However, they are not permitted inside the house or the Carriage Museum.
The estate features beautiful walking trails, including a popular circular route down to the lake and back. The grounds offer varied terrain and scenic views.
Visitors are generally not allowed to touch the exhibits in the Carriage Museum to preserve them. However, the sheer scale and detail of the collection are captivating.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located near the house that serves drinks, cakes, sandwiches, pasties, and sausage rolls.
The cafe offers a selection of light meals, snacks, and refreshments. Some visitors have noted that while enjoyable, the cakes could be moister and pricing might be a bit high for the portion sizes.
Yes, there are areas where you can enjoy a picnic. Visitors have mentioned eating sandwiches on the grass, though be mindful of wasps during summer.
Bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic is generally permitted in designated areas.
The cafe typically offers a range of options, but it's advisable to check their current menu or ask staff for specific vegetarian or vegan choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted in most areas of the house, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on-site.
The gardens, the lake, the exterior of the Regency house, and the impressive carriages in the museum all offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Photography is usually allowed in the Carriage Museum, but flash photography is often prohibited to protect the exhibits.
Drone usage is typically restricted at National Trust properties to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Please check the National Trust's drone policy before flying.
A versatile camera that can handle both indoor shots (in the house and museum) and outdoor landscapes would be ideal. A smartphone camera is also perfectly capable of capturing great memories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grass, or utilize the cafe for refreshments. The dog-friendly nature of the grounds (though not the house or museum) is also a bonus for families with canine companions.
The combination of educational exhibits and active outdoor play makes Arlington Court a memorable day out for all ages. 🚶♀️ History & Carriage Enthusiasts
The Regency house itself provides context for the era in which these carriages were used, offering insights into the lives of the Chichester family and their social standing.
Exploring the house and museum together provides a comprehensive historical experience, connecting the domestic lives of the past with their modes of travel. 🐶 Dog Owners
While they can't accompany you inside the house or the Carriage Museum, the extensive walking routes around the estate offer plenty of space for them to explore and stretch their legs. Remember to keep your dog on a lead where appropriate and always clean up after them to help maintain the beauty of the estate for everyone. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Chichester Family Legacy
This act of generosity allows visitors today to step back in time and experience the grandeur of this historic estate. Many of the artifacts and carriages within the museum and house tell stories of the family's life and their connection to transportation. For instance, the Chichester Family Carriage, with its coat of arms on the door panel, directly links to Robert Chichester, a significant figure in the family's history.
Exploring Arlington Court offers a tangible connection to this long and influential lineage. A World of Carriages
Visitors can marvel at the intricate details, from the polished wood and leather to the decorative elements. The sheer scale of the collection means there's always something new to discover, whether you're a history buff, a transport enthusiast, or simply curious about how people moved around in the past.
The museum provides a unique and immersive glimpse into a crucial period of travel history. Gardens and Grounds for All Seasons
Even during inclement weather, the grounds retain their charm. A rainy Easter visit, for example, still allowed for exploration of the beautiful landscapes, showcasing the estate's resilience and appeal in all conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit