Exmoor National Trust
National Trust properties around Exmoor in North Devon and West Somerset
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| 1 Arlington Court 2 Dunster Castle 3 Holnicote Estate 4 Knightshayes Court 5 Killerton House 6 Heddon Valley 7 Lundy Island |
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| National Trust Property | |
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1 |
Arlington Court
Nestling in the thickly-wooded valley of the River Yeo lies the 1,400ha (3,500acre) Arlington Court estate. At its centre stands Arlington Court, the intimate and intriguing Victorian home of Miss Rosalie Chichester. Crowded with treasures amassed from her travels, her collections include model ships, tapestry, pewter and shells. In the basement, from May to Sept visitors can view the comings and goings of Devon’s largest colony of Lesser Horseshoe bats via the newly-installed ‘batcam’. Arlington’s stable block houses one of the best collections of 19th-century horse-drawn vehicles in the country and offers carriage rides around the grounds. The 12ha (30acre) gardens are largely informal, featuring a beautiful Victorian garden complete with conservatory and ornamental ponds leading to a partially-restored walled kitchen garden. Stunning walks take in historic parkland grazed by Jacob sheep and Shetland ponies, leafy woodlands, a tranquil lake with heronry and bird hide, deep forests and stream-fed valleys Opening arrangements (check the website for latest) |
2 |
Dunster Castle
"Rising dramatically above the village of Dunster and set between the wooded hills of Exmoor and the sea. With 13th Century Castle Building and a Norman Motte; 17th Century staircase and fine plasterwork ceilings. Beautifully terraced gardens and riverside walks surrounded by a 28 acre park." pictures of the castle Open Castle is a 10min steep climb from car park, but multiseater vehicle available
to give lifts if necessary. Car park in grounds |
Dunster Working WaterMill |
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3 |
Holnicote Estate
"The Holnicote Estate covers 5042 hectares (12,500 acres) of Exmoor National Park and includes the high tors of Dunkery and Selworthy Beacons, with breathtaking views in all directions. Its traditional cottages and farms are grouped in and around the villages of Selworthy, Allerford, Bossington, Horner and Luccombe. The estate also covers four miles of coastline between Porlock Bay and Minehead, where the SW Peninsula Coastal Path begins. There are over 100 miles of footpaths to enjoy through the fields, woods, moors and villages. The area is noted for its diversity of wildlife and many rare species can be found in the Horner and Dunkery National Nature Reserve." Mini-Bus tours of the Estate depart Porlock Visitor Centre 11am Fridays May 26-July 14 incl. Takes 2 hours. phone (01643)862452 to book and for further details. Open Shop and information centre at Selworthy open daily: |
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Knightshayes Court
Home of the Heathcoat-Amory family. This striking Victorian Gothic mansion is just N of Tiverton. A rare survival of the work of William Burges, flamboyant 19th Century architect, this mansion has a rich mixture of medieval romanticism and lavish decoration. Includes a billiard room and smoking room. Of equal beauty are the 20h gardens which are full of colour throughout the year. There is also a lovely park and woodland walk, formal terraces, unusual topiary and the "Garden in the Wood" Gift Shop; Plant centre; Restaurant; Good disabled facilities; children's quizzes and discovery trails Open |
5 |
Killerton House
An elegant 18th C house which still retains a warm atmosphere, with a large hillside garden which slopes down to the spreading lawns and herbaceous borders with extensive views over the Devon countryside. Landscaped from the 18th C the garden contains a wealth of rare trees and gems like the Victorian rock garden, an ice house and bear's hut, a woodland walks in the surrounding parkland. The house contains the renowned Killerton dress collection, one of the finest collections of costume in the South West. A great day out for all the family. Gift Shop; Plant centre; Restaurant; Good disabled facilities; children's quizzes and discovery trails Open |
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Heddon Valley
Information Centre and NT shop in beautiful valley running down to the sea. Many cliff and woodland walks. Car park with public toilets. Also the famous Hunters Inn Hotel. Open |
7 |
Lundy Island An unspoilt Island 10 miles off Baggy Point where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic. 3 miles long and half a mile wide. No Cars. Ideal place to escape for the day. The Island is a natural fortress with a tempestous history as a pirate lair. There is now a small community. Marisco Tavern is the heart of the island and serves Lundy's own beer as well as fine food and perpetual shelter. Also a medieval castle and 3 lighthouses. A place of outstanding natural beauty and wildlife. (Lund-ey is Norse for puffin island). The ferry ship MS Oldenburg does day trips to Lundy from both Ilfracombe and Bideford. It is also possible to stay on Lundy. Sailing times, fares and prices are available from the Islands' website www.lundyisland.co.uk or telephone Lundy shore office (01237)470422 for details of sailings and accommodation. NOTE: pets are not allowed to visit the island. |