Illustration of a family gazing at houses and trees covered in string lights on a snowy street at dusk (Christmas at Arlington Court)
Christmas Lights

Christmas at Arlington Court

Visitors can step inside the decorated house to journey through displays inspired by beloved storybook classics, soaring through skies and sailing across oceans. Outdoors, guests can follow the interactive Write Your Own Story Trail by spinning wheels to craft their own adventure. Festive food and hot drinks are available in the tea-room, alongside a pop-up craft market and gift shopping.

Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 All ages

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Tickets

A member with a valid membership card or a visitor who pays full entry may bring a friend for free between 21 and 30 December.

Hours

Christmas open evenings: 12pm - 7pm.

Food & Drink

The tea-room offers seasonal treats, light refreshments, crisps, confectionery, cream teas, cakes, pasties and sausage rolls, with vegan and gluten-free options; what is available varies with visitor bookings.

Parking

Free for National Trust members, with charges for non-members. The car park uses the JustPark app (code 80504) and has accessible parking and a drop-off point behind visitor reception.

Accessibility

Ramped access is available to the ground floor of the house, with hireable Trampers and partly accessible grounds.

Pets

Dogs are welcome everywhere except the main house and the Old Kitchen Tea-room.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum · Arlington, near Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LP, Barnstaple EX31 4LP Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Storybook and festive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Book ahead to meet the traditional green Father Christmas in the Reading Room on 5 or 6 December, since booking is essential.
  • Send little ones round the five-stop Little Legs route of the Write Your Own Story Trail, and let older children tackle all eight stops.
  • Visit between 21 and 30 December with a member card or a full-paying ticket, and you can bring a friend along for free.
  • Download the JustPark app before you arrive and use code 80504, as the car park uses it for member check-in and payments.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the loose gravel paths and slopes, and call ahead if you want to hire one of the two Trampers.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Christmas open evenings on 1, 8 and 15 December, with marshmallow toasting by the fire, family crafts and the house display after dark.
  • North Devon Handmade Collective pop-up mini market on the launch weekend, 21–23 November.
  • Meet the traditional green Father Christmas in the Reading Room on 5 and 6 December; booking essential, extra charge per child.
  • Father Christmas storytelling sessions, 30 minutes each, with a small gift; extra charge per child.
  • Bring a friend for free 21–30 December with a valid membership card or a full-price entry.

Links & Contact

Run by National Trust

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Storybook Christmas?

The house is decorated with scenes from classic stories. You sail across oceans, soar through the skies and wander through magical gardens, then explore the festive gardens and grounds outside.

How does the Write Your Own Story Trail work?

Follow the outdoor trail and spin the wheel at each stop to choose your character, face challenges and decide how your story ends. Little ones can do the five-stop Little Legs route, and older children can take on the full eight-stop adventure.

How can we see Father Christmas?

There are two options. You can meet the traditional green Father Christmas in the Reading Room on 5 and 6 December, which must be booked and costs extra per child. Or join a 30-minute storytelling session with Father Christmas in a room below the main house. Storytelling also costs extra per child and includes a small gift.

What food is available?

The tea-room serves light refreshments and a Christmas menu. You'll also find cream teas, cakes, pasties, sausage rolls, crisps and confectionery, including vegan and gluten-free options. What's on offer depends on how many visitors are booked that day.

Can we bring the dog?

Dogs are allowed everywhere except the main house and the Old Kitchen Tea-room. They're welcome in the indoor seating area next to the tea-room.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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