10 must-visit National Trust sites in Devon

Discover the National Trust in Devon

Since the National Trust was founded in 1895, their mission has been to protect and preserve historic places and spaces across the United Kingdom. Devon, in particular, is home to a stunning array of National Trust attractions that showcase the county's rich history and natural beauty, including historic stately homes, formal gardens and enchanting woodlands. In this blog post, we will explore some of the county's best National Trust places, narrowing it down to 10 must-visit sites in North Devon and South Devon.

Feeling inspired? Check out our lodges and holiday parks in Devon for your next UK break.

National Trust attractions in North Devon:

1. Arlington Court & the National Trust Carriage Museum, Barnstaple

Located near Barnstaple, Arlington Court is a grand Regency house set in a picturesque estate. The property houses an impressive collection of art and furniture, and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped Victorian gardens and woodland walks. Don't miss a chance to visit the Carriage Museum in the stables, which showcases a mix of horse-drawn vehicles from humble carts to elegant coaches. A day out at Arlington Court is a fun option for all the family, with outdoor play areas featuring sit-on diggers, a mud kitchen and a log stack climber to keep both young and older kids entertained. Other facilities include a tea room and a second-hand bookshop.

Postcode: EX31 4LP
Opening hours: These vary so check the National Trust website for more information
Tickets: Entry is free for National Trust members, otherwise it's £7.50 for children and £15 for adults

Stay nearby: Stowford Farm Meadows - selection of holiday homes and cottages, with onsite swimming pool, bar and restaurant

2. Knightshayes Court, Tiverton

A beautiful Gothic Revival country house near Tiverton, showcasing the grand architecture of William Burges with its elegant interiors and opulent design. The house has a fascinating history, created in 1868 and used as a rest home for the American Air Force in the Second World War. In the grounds surrounding the house, you can explore a Victorian walled kitchen garden and manicured botanical gardens boasting vibrant flowers, tranquil ponds and winding paths, while the expansive woodlands offer a peaceful space for walks and wildlife watching.

Postcode: EX16 7RQ
Opening hours: These vary so check the National Trust website for more information
Tickets: Entry is free for National Trust members, otherwise it's £7.50 for children and £15 for adults

Stay nearby: Upton Lakes Lodges (hot tub lodges sleeping up to 6) or Goodiford Mill Lakes (rustic lodges with onsite fishing lake)

3. A La Ronde, Exmouth

A unique sixteen-sided house in Exmouth, brought to life by two eccentric cousins, with a beautifully detailed interior and an enchanting Shell Gallery. Visitors can appreciate the fine craftsmanship and the historical significance of this extraordinary 18th-century house before heading outside into the flower-filled grounds, which offer beautiful views across the Devonshire countryside to the Exe estuary.

Tip: You can't access the Shell Gallery in person due to its fragility, but you can take a virtual tour online.

Postcode: EX8 5BD
Opening hours: These vary so check the National Trust website for more information
Tickets: Entry is free for National Trust members, otherwise it's £5 for children and £10 for adults

Stay nearby: Devon Cliffs Holiday Park - family-friendly holiday park by the beach, with plenty of facilities and activities for the whole family

4. Heddon Valley, Exmoor

Tucked away in Exmoor National Park, Heddon Valley offers ramblers, families and dogs the chance to explore rugged cliffs, ancient woodland and a secluded pebble beach all in one place. Highlights include the circular walk around Heddon's Mouth, which leads you along steep-sided slopes above the Atlantic Ocean, and the adventurous hike towards Hangman Hills, where you'll be rewarded with incredible views over the Bristol Channel, Combe Martin and even as far as Wales on a clear day. Some of the walking routes take you along sections of the iconic South West Coast Path. After a busy day exploring, you can enjoy a well-deserved pint at the National Trust pub or café.

Tip: If you're looking for other Devon walks you can enjoy as a family, check out our blog post on the best family-friendly walks in Devon.

Postcode: EX31 4PY
Opening hours: The countryside is open all year from dawn until dusk, while the café is open 10.30am-4pm daily in summer and on weekends only in winter
Tickets: You don't need a ticket to visit. There is a pay-and-display car park (free for National Trust members)

Stay nearby: Combe Martin holiday parks and lodges

5. Lundy Island

A visit to Lundy Island is like stepping back in time, with its pedestrianised village, traditional pub, Victorian church and medieval castle. The island is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, and a day trip here is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. Leave your car in Bideford or Ilfracombe, take the ferry across to the island and spend the day exploring this beautiful car-free paradise in the Bristol Channel, keeping your eyes peeled for seals, deer and puffins.

Postcode: EX39 2LY (Bookings Office)
Opening hours: Sailing times vary so check the Lundy travel timetable in advance
Tickets: Day return tickets for the ferry start from £27 for children (4-15 years) and £52 for adults. Children under 4 years go free and family tickets are £120 (2 adults and 2 children)

Stay nearby: Beach Cove Coastal Retreat (Ilfracombe) or Bideford Bay (Bideford)

National Trust attractions in South Devon:

6. Greenway House, Brixham

Formerly the holiday home of Agatha Christie, Greenway is a stunning Georgian mansion set on the banks of the River Dart, near Brixham. The property boasts a picturesque garden, a boathouse and a quirky collection of curiosities that once belonged to the famous author. Onsite facilities include a café, a shop and a second-hand bookshop.

Fun fact: The boathouse is the scene of the crime in Agatha Christie's "Dead Man's Folly".

Postcode: TQ5 0ES
Opening hours: Greenway house is usually open from 10.30am-5pm daily in summer and on weekends in winter - check the National Trust website for further information
Tickets: Entry is free for National Trust members, otherwise it's £7.50 for children and £15 for adults

Stay nearby: Brixham Holiday Park or South Bay Holiday Park - both coastal holiday parks on the English Riviera

7. Saltram House, Plymouth

Situated near Plymouth, overlooking the River Plym, Saltram House is an elegant Georgian property surrounded by acres of parkland and woodland. The property has been used as a filming location for several period dramas, most notably the film adaptation of the Jane Austen novel "Sense and Sensibility", starring Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant. A visit here offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past.

Postcode: PL7 1UH
Opening hours: These vary so it's best to check the National Trust website for more information
Tickets: Entry is free for National Trust members, otherwise it's £7 for children and £14 for adults to visit the House and Garden

Stay nearby: Old Church School - holiday cottage in the quaint village of Plympton, less than 10 minutes' drive from Saltram House

8. Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear

This Art Deco gem overlooks the sea in Kingswear and offers visitors a glimpse into the stylish world of the 1920s Jazz Age in South Devon. The property is just outside of Dartmouth, which we've featured on our list of the prettiest towns and villages in Devon. The house is surrounded by subtropical gardens, complete with exotic plants and stunning sea views. Once you've finished exploring the grounds, be sure to leave time to browse for local produce and gardening accessories in the onsite shop before enjoying tea and a slice of cake in the café.

Tip: You can access the South West Coast Path from the bottom of the garden.

Postcode: TQ6 0EQ
Opening hours: These vary so it's best to check the National Trust website for more information
Tickets: Entry is free for National Trust members, otherwise it's £7.50 for children and £15 for adults

Stay nearby: Dartmouth holiday cottages

9. Killerton House, Exeter

An impressive Georgian mansion set amid expansive gardens and woodlands, near Exeter in South Devon. This historic estate features elegant architecture and provides a charming look into the past, with delightful walks through manicured gardens and serene countryside. There's plenty of fun to be had here for the whole family, with extensive parkland to explore, two children's play areas, a dog-friendly coffee shop, a giftshop and a second-hand bookshop.

Fun fact: The onsite Bear's Hut was once home to the family's pet bear!

Postcode: EX5 3LE
Opening hours: The house is usually open 11am-4pm although this varies in winter - check the National Trust website for more information
Tickets: Entry is free for National Trust members, otherwise it's £7.50 for children and £15 for adults

Stay nearby: Crealy Theme Park & Resort - family-friendly amusement park with hot tub lodges

10. Buckland Abbey, Tavy Valley

A historic Tudor house surrounded by lush gardens, orchards and woodland walks. Founded as a medieval abbey in the 13th century, it later became the home of Sir Francis Drake, the famed Elizabethan explorer. Visitors can explore its rich history, remarkable art collection and the serene beauty of the walled gardens. There's a dog-friendly café and a natural play area for the kids, plus a selection of circular walks in the estate's ancient woodlands.

Postcode: PL20 6EY
Opening hours: The Abbey is usually open 11am-4.30pm although this varies in winter - check the National Trust website for more information
Tickets: Entry is free for National Trust members, otherwise it's £7.50 for children and £15 for adults

Stay nearby: Briardene Cottage (sleeps 4), Annie's Cottage (sleeps 2) or Winsbeer Cottage (sleeps 4)

Plan your holiday in Devon

These are just a few of the many National Trust properties in Devon that showcase the county's diverse landscapes and rich history. Whether you're interested in historic houses, beautiful gardens or breathtaking coastal views, Devon has something for everyone. So, why not plan a visit to one of these stunning properties and discover the beauty of Devon for yourself?

Book one of our Devon holiday parks, lodges or cottages now!

Image credit: Arlington Court by Peter Kazmierczak (CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

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