Looking for an easy day out from Croyde this spring? Arlington Court is a lovely option. With peaceful walks, beautiful gardens, a welcoming house, a brilliant carriage museum and a café worth slowing down for, it’s the kind of place that makes a holiday in North Devon feel even better.
Why visit Arlington Court in spring?
There’s something about that first proper sunny day of the year that makes everything feel a little brighter — and Arlington Court is a lovely place to enjoy it. On a clear spring day, the whole estate feels fresh and calm, with budding trees, birdsong and that unmistakable feeling that winter is finally behind you.
If you’re staying in Croyde and want something different for the day, it’s a really easy choice. You still get all the beauty of North Devon, just in a quieter, greener setting.
The grounds and lake walk
One of the highlights of Arlington Court is the walk around the grounds and down towards the lake. It’s peaceful, scenic and especially lovely in the spring sunshine.
This part of the estate has a really calm feel to it. The walk is gentle and easy, which makes it a good option for families or anyone who wants a slower-paced day out. If you’re visiting in spring, this is the kind of place where you’ll want to take your time.
Inside the house
After some fresh air, the house itself is a lovely next stop. Arlington Court feels welcoming rather than overwhelming, which makes it easy to enjoy.
Each room has its own story, and it’s the kind of place where you can wander at your own pace. It gives a nice contrast to the open grounds outside and adds a little more history to the day.
The carriage museum
The Carriage Museum is one of the real surprises at Arlington Court. It’s home to one of the National Trust’s largest collections of horse-drawn vehicles, and it ends up being far more interesting than many people expect.
From elegant carriages to more practical working designs, it gives a real sense of how people travelled in the past. It’s one of those parts of the day that often becomes a highlight.
The walled kitchen garden
The walled kitchen garden is another lovely part of the estate, especially in spring. At this time of year, everything is just starting to come back to life, with neat rows of vegetables, herbs and flowers all beginning to grow again.
It’s a peaceful space and well worth a wander if you enjoy gardens or slower corners of a day out. It also gives a real sense of how the estate would have worked day to day.
A café worth stopping for
After plenty of exploring, the café is well worth building into your visit. Whether you want a light lunch, a coffee or something sweet, it’s the kind of place that makes it easy to slow down and stay a little longer than planned.
On a sunny day, sitting outside and taking a break in the middle of the grounds is part of what makes Arlington Court such a good all-round day out.
A full day out from Croyde
Arlington Court is one of those places that really delivers on variety. You’ve got peaceful walks, beautiful gardens, interesting history, a brilliant museum and a café all in one place.
If you’re looking for ideas beyond the beach, this is a great one to add to your stay. It works just as well for couples as it does for families, and it’s especially good in spring when everything starts to feel fresh again.
If you’re planning your North Devon break, you can explore more things to do in North Devon or browse our collection of Croyde holiday cottages for your next stay.
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