The top 10 National Trust attractions to visit in Devon

As one of the most enchanting corners of the UK, home to golden sandy beaches, breathtaking gardens and an abundance of historical sites, it’s no wonder that the National Trust in Devon has so many beauty spots to explore.

We have chosen some of the top National Trust attractions to visit in Devon, including stately homes, castles, waterfalls and beaches. Many feature shops, tearooms and play areas for children, and several allow dogs to enjoy the scenery too. And if you’re a National Trust member, you may even be able to enter the sites for free.

As one of our top things to do in Devon, a visit to a National Trust property in Devon is a must.

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Devon cottages

Arlington Court, Barnstaple

Nestled into a historic wooded estate on the edge of Exmoor and held by the Chichester family for over 500 years, Arlington Court is one of the top National Trust properties in Devon. This intriguing Regency house boasts a treasure trove of antiques and collections within an elegant 19^th-century Greek Revival-style interior.

A wander around the ornate yet homely residence reveals all manner of fascinating objects including model ships, shells, pewter and costumes, whilst outside there are 2,700 acres of beautiful gardens and landscaped grounds to explore where peacocks roam free.

Barnstaple cottages

Lydford Gorge, Tavistock

Home to the deepest river gorge in the South West with a dramatic 30-metre-high waterfall, Lydford Gorge on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park is definitely one of the National Trust places in Devon not to be missed! There are a variety of exhilarating woodland walking trails which will take you to the beautiful falls, alongside the rippling River Lyd which meanders through the twists and turns of the ravine.

In spring and summer, the woodland is carpeted in bluebells and aromatic wild garlic, while autumn brings a kaleidoscope of colour as the oak leaves turn from green to gold. After passing a series of tranquil pools, gentle rapids and abundant wildlife, you will eventually reach the thundering cascade of White Lady Waterfall – so-called as local legend says it is home to a ghostly lady who, to this day, is occasionally spotted in a long white gown.

Tavistock cottages

Buckland Abbey, Yelverton

Step back in time at Buckland Abbey, an ancient gem in the Tavy Valley, surrounded by meadows, orchards and woodlands. Once home to such famous seafarers as Sir Richard Grenville and Sir Francis Drake, the 700-year-old abbey is an Aladdin’s cave of treasures. Beginning life as a tranquil Cistercian monastery in 1278, Buckland was remodelled and converted into a house by Grenville after 1576. 

The interior features spectacular Elizabethan plasterwork in the hall, oak panelling, and a Georgian staircase rising through four storeys of interactive museum galleries. And outside, there are some of the best National Trust gardens in Devon to explore - find a seat under the shade of a tree, surrounded by colourful borders, stunning views and the blissful sound of bird song. This is certainly a must on your National Trust Devon checklist.

Photo credit: @laurajbishop_ (bottom right)

 

Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear

Coleton Fishacre near Kingswear is one of the most evocative National Trust houses in Devon, where you can experience the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age. Built in the Arts and Crafts style in 1926 for Rupert and Dorothy D'Oyly Carte, this unique county retreat has an air of Art Deco decadence. Immerse yourself in the eccentric lifestyles of the original residents by trying on clothing and hats from this roaring decade, listening to jazz music and even playing the Blüthner.

Outside, the ostentatious gardens accredited by the RHS are full of exotic plants that thrive in the milder climate of South Devon's English Riviera. Viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea and meandering paths weave their way through 30 acres of ponds, streams and fragrant flora.

Kingswear cottages

Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, near Exeter

Come and visit the last castle to have been built in England. Finished as recently as 1939 by renowned 20th-century architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, Castle Drogo sits high above the Teign Gorge and surveys the weathered and robust Dartmoor tors that frame it. With over 1,000 acres to explore on the estate, you’ll not be short of walking opportunities. Why not try the Teign Gorge circular and take in the winding trails of the river valley?

The castle gardens are a treat for the senses in any season, with the crimson reds and bursts of gold in autumn being particularly revered by visitors. There’s a multitude of activities for families too including the 50 things experience – perfect for young adventurers. Bring your four-legged friend along too, with dogs allowed everywhere except inside the castle, the formal gardens and inside the cafe.

Okehampton cottages

South Milton Sands, Hope Cove

The sweep of golden sand that makes up South Milton Sands is one of the most iconic National Trust beaches in Devon. Lapped by crystal-clear waters and instantly recognisable by the spectacular Thurlestone Rock archway which sits just offshore, this is a popular choice for a family day out. The beach is set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a haven for wildlife, home to migratory birds, dolphins, seals, basking sharks and even the occasional whale. Just behind the beach, you can discover wetlands home to rare butterflies too, making it a true favourite among National Trust places in Devon.

The clear calm waters are ideal for water sports such as swimming, windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking, and the beach is lifeguard patrolled during the summer holidays. After fun in the surf, you can warm up with a hot chocolate and tuck into a fresh crab sandwich in the funky Beachouse Cafe just behind the rolling sand dunes.

Hope Cove cottages

Greenway, Brixham

Famously coined by the acclaimed crime author Agatha Christie, as ‘the loveliest place in the world,’ Greenway provides an extraordinary glimpse into the novelist’s private English Riviera family holiday home. Now owned by the Devon National Trust, this atmospheric house is set in the 1950s and is filled with happy family memories, from the portraits on top of the Steinway piano to the journals and finds from archaeological digs belonging to the Queen of Crime’s husband in the sitting room. The house, one of the most popular National Trust houses in Devon, is just as the family left it as if they had stepped out for a walk along the river. 

Outside, the Greenway gardens are just as beguiling, featuring a romantic woodland garden, with a restored vinery and peach house, monkey puzzle trees, camellias and rhododendrons, which drift down the hillside towards the sparkling Dart Estuary. Relax in a deckchair and soak up the views before delighting in a spot of tea and cake in the Barn Cafe. There are many different ways to travel to Greenway, including ferry and steam train.

Brixham cottages

Lundy, Bideford

Managed by the Landmark Trust on behalf of the National Trust in North Devon, Lundy is a unique granite rock formation rising 400 feet from the sea, with skies full of birds, a coastline filled with pirate haunts and rugged scenery home to rare wildlife. Lying around 12 miles off the North Devon coast, this wild and unspoilt 3.5-mile-long island was England's first Marine Conservation Zone and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, owing to the rich array of sea life and coral beds.

A world away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and undisturbed by cars, this isolated natural haven is a walker’s paradise and a wildlife watcher’s dream. As well as puffins, falcons, and razorbills, there are birds so rare here that they bring birdwatchers to Lundy from all over Britain. There are 42 scheduled monuments and a clutch of listed buildings to discover including an 18th-century man-made cave that housed smuggled bounty and convicts, the remains of a World War II German Heinkel bomber, a Victorian church and the 13th-century Marisco Castle.

Bideford cottages

Killerton, Exeter

Once owned by the notable local Acland family, the Killerton Estate was given to the National Trust in Devon in 1944. Set within 6,400 acres of stunning parkland, working farmland and orchards, the 18^th-century house is renowned for its historical costume collection and runs a full programme of events throughout the year. As well as the house, there are more gems to discover in the estate including the working watermill Clyston Mill, a medieval house steeped in history known as Marker’s (separate admission), and a 1950s post office with a charming cottage garden.

Created by John Veitch, the glorious gardens are a highlight of the estate, full of champion trees, formal lawns and beautiful shrubs offering a rich display of year-round colour. Explore by foot or by bike, following myriad winding paths and trails, and admire the inspiring views towards Dartmoor.

Exeter cottages

Baggy Point, Croyde

If you’re looking for a National Trust walk in Devon with some of the most exceptional views in the county, a visit to Baggy Point is a must. This towering headland is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its interesting geological features. You’ll find some of the most memorable vistas on the South West Coast Path here, overlooking the famous Croyde Beach, Saunton Sands, Bideford Bay and Lundy.

Baggy’s easy-access path means walkers of all ages and abilities can enjoy this beauty spot, and there are even opportunities to climb, surf and coasteer. Plus, the walk is dog-friendly too, so you can bring your four-legged family member along to soak up the views - just be aware of the Hebridean sheep. If you’re bringing the kids, pick up one of the free activity packs from the National Trust car park hut.

Croyde cottages

Stay in a Devon cottage

Which one of these popular National Trust sites in Devon will you choose to visit on your next holiday? If you’re ready to book a memorable getaway and make the most of these historical and beautiful places, click the button below to browse our holiday cottages in Devon.

Devon cottages