Tuesday 13th December 2022

Top 10 National Trust Sites in Devon

Devon is home to an abundance of National Trust sites, providing endless entertainment for all the family, whatever time of year you decide to visit. Here’s our top of National Trust sites in Devon to check out during a staycation at Willingcott Valley Holiday Village in Woolacombe. We share our top pick of country estates, castles and scenic walks.

 

1.    Lundy Island 

(Accessed from Ilfracombe)

No holiday to North Devon is complete without making the trip to Lundy Island. This small, but extremely popular island is situated off the North Devon Coast, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach Lundy aboard the MS Oldenburg from Ilfracombe. The journey is an experience in itself - you'll often spot seabirds and dolphins along the scenic route.

 

Lundy’s rugged and dramatic landscape makes it a haven for wildlife. Every year birdwatchers flock to this Marine Conservation Area to catch a glimpse of native and migrating species. Seals are often seen sunning themselves on rocky outcrops along the shoreline. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an infamous Lundy puffin!

 

2.    Woolacombe Beach,

Woolacombe

Much of North Devon is managed by the National Trust and Woolacombe beach is no exception. The impressive beach is widely considered one of the best in Devon and has earned international acclaim on the global stage. The golden sandy beach is the perfect place to enjoy a lazy beach day with the family in the summer or a bracing walk during the colder months. It’s also a popular surf spot, when the conditions are right. 

 

The 3-mile stretch of sand is flanked by dunes to the rear. The sand dunes are home to a variety of wildlife as well as red ruby cattle! There are a selection of facilities and scenic footpaths nearby. It’s a hive of activity whenever you choose to visit and should be on your hitlist, when visiting Willingcott Valley Holiday Village.

 

 3.    Watersmeet

Lynmouth

Photo credit: Steve Bittinger, Flickr

Escape the hustle and bustle of seaside resorts along the Devon coast and head to Watersmeet for some peace and quiet. Spend an afternoon soaking up the scenery and enjoying some tranquillity as you marvel at the dramatic river gorge. There are over 2,000 acres of ancient woodland to navigate during your visit, with miles upon miles of footpaths to explore. After an action packed day of walking, treat yourself to a tasty cream tea at Watersmeet House – a historic hunting lodge that dates back to 1832! 

 

You can reach Watersmeet via a detour from the South West Coast Path. You can also venture to Foreland Point if you’ve got the energy. This is Devon’s most Northerly point! 

 

 4. Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum

Barnstable 

Photo credit: Tony Hisgett, Flickr

History enthusiasts should take the time to visit Arlington Court during a stay at Willingcott Holiday Village. This spectacular country estate is situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park and boasts an impressive regency house set within idyllic grounds. The house is open to the public and full of treasures waiting to be explored. Take a tour of the property for an up-close look at the curiosities on display.

 

Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the formal gardens, where you’ll find water features, stunning flower beds and plants from around the world. The Pleasure Grounds have been thoughtfully landscaped to create unique photo opportunities and frame some of the best views. There are more than 20 miles of footpaths to conquer during your visit. Well behaved dogs are welcome in the outside areas on leads.

 

Don’t forget to check out the Carriage Museum in the stables during your day trip. It houses an extensive collection of horse drawn vehicles, some with Royal connections! Arlington Court plays host to a range of family friendly events throughout the year. There’s a second-hand book shop and delicious tea room, where you can enjoy a homemade treat.

 

5.    Castle Drogo

Drewsteighton

Photo credit: Tim Hodson, Flickr

Spend an afternoon at Castle Drogo exploring the inner workings of this unique castle come family home. Tour the unique interior and learn how previous inhabitants harnessed hydroelectric power and were at the forefront of renewable energy sources for their time.

 

If engineering is not your thing you can view some of the artifacts housed within this impressive building. The Drewe family placed great emphasis on outdoor pursuits and the collections reflect their love of nature. If the weathers on your side, explore the grounds which include landscaped gardens, an ancient gorge and trails alongside a picturesque river.

 

 

6.    Heddon Valley

Barnstable

Photo credit: Alistair Campbell, Flickr

Blow away the cobwebs during a scenic walk along the cliffs at Heddon Valley. Enjoy far-reaching sea views as you negotiate the well-trodden paths around some of Exmoor National Park’s best loved sights. There are many routes to follow, depending on what you fancy. Head down to the beach or onto Hangman Hills for panoramic vistas and woodland walks.

 

This area was popular with landscape poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge and it’s not difficult to see why. The rugged coastline looks spectacular whatever time of year you decide to visit.

 

7.    Knightshayes

Tiverton 

Photo credit: Alison Day, Flickr

If you’re looking to get outside and experience the beauty of the Devon countryside, take a trip to Knightshayes. This spectacular house and gardens dates back hundreds of years and offers an interesting day out for all the family.

 

The Gothic Revival House was designed by William Burges – an esteemed architect whose designs have divided opinion. Inside you’ll find an array of opulent furnishings and fine art from around the world.

 

The surrounding parkland is what sets Knightshayes apart from the crowd. The woodland garden is widely considered on of the best in the country with more than 1,200 unique plant species in carefully crafted arrangements. There’s a walled kitchen garden, which supplies the Stables Café with seasonal produce for delicious, homemade meals.

 

8.    Dunsland

Holsworthy

Dunsland is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a National Trust site without all the frills. Explore a large area of parkland with beautiful lake and orchard containing a variety of pear, apple and plum trees.

 

It’s a great spot for a family picnic during the spring and summer months. When the weathers mild, wildflowers often carpet the ground, creating a colourful backdrop whilst enjoying your alfresco meal.

 

The Park is dog friendly, but your four-legged friend must be kept on a lead due to grazing livestock. There are no facilities, so ensure you come well prepared and take your litter home.

 

9. Finch Foundry

Okehampton

Photo credit: Luke Joyce, Flickr

Finch Foundry is a bit of a drive from us at Willingcott Valley on the North Devon Coast, but still worth a mention on our list of top National Trust sites in Devon. This popular cultural attraction allows you to step back in time and learn more about Dartmoor’s industrial past.

 

Take a guided tour and learn more about this water-powered forge. At its peak, workers produced more than 400 tools that were distributed across the UK and further afield. Volunteers will show you the waterwheels and sharpening stone that were central to proceedings. You’ll also learn about some of the families that worked in the forge over the years. 

 

10.    Mortehoe

Woolacombe

Photo credit: Lars Ploughmann, Flickr

Enjoy some fresh air during your Woolacombe holiday and head to Mortehoe for a scenic family walk. Visit the Heritage Centre to learn more about the coastline and then continue onto Morte Point to take in the panoramic views. On clear days you’ll be able to see for miles. When the sea’s choppy, snap photos of the crashing waves.

 

Round off your walk with a lite bite in the heritage centre tearoom. If you’re in need of something a bit heartier, stop at one of the nearby pubs to rest and refuel!

 

Willingcott Valley Holiday Village is a collection of well-equipped self-catering cottages near Woolacombe on the North Devon Coast. We have a selection of homes on offer – some sleeping up to 8.

Our holiday cottages are ideally placed for enjoying activities, attractions and National Trust Sites throughout Devon. Get in touch to find out more, or book your stay today!

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