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Barna Barrow #50places2026

I was on my way back from Arlington Court I was driving along the A39 coastal road to Bridgwater via Minehead and it looked magnificent. I decided I would stop and have enjoy the views on foot. As I left Lynmouth at the top of the hill was a National Trust car park, well that’s handy.

Barna Barrow is the name of the National Trust car park, but from there you can access the coastal paths along the North Devon coast.

I went for a walk along the paths with amazing views of the sea and Wales in the distance.

Current saving £310.55
One adult n/a
Parking n/a
Total saving £0
Cumulative saving £429.75
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £333.75

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Woody Bay #50places2026

steam train

The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway opened in 1898 and ran for 19 miles connecting the North Devon town of Barnstaple with the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth.  Due to the difficult terrain    a narrow gauge railway was constructed. It was never a success, it became part of the Southern Railway, and despite investment, the railway was closed in 1935.

The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust was formed in 2000. They worked on the railway and a short section was reopened to passengers in 2004, which was extended in 2006.

We made our first visit to Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in June 2006. Back then we rode the train to Killington Lane. It has to be said that there isn’t much to do at Killington Lane. We did another visit in April 2011 and once again we rode the train. Our last visit was in April 2014.

Over the last ten years I have driven past Woody Bay a few times, and do remember at least once seeing the train steaming to the station along the line.

Since I visited in 2014, the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust had gained a new steam locomotive, Lyn, a replica of one of the steam locomotives that the Southern Railway used in 1923. I had wanted to plan a return visit to see this loco in action. This time, it was a fleeting visit, and I didn’t travel on the train itself. However, I did take the time to visit the tearoom, and did treat myself to a teatowel in the shop.

I did enjoy watching this recreation of the original Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust steaming in and out of Woody Bay station.

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Arlington Court #50places2026

Looking over the National Trust website, I was planning where I should go in the future. Arlington Court was on my list, but even though it is about eighty miles away is a two hour drive.  Whilst planning I also saw that Arlington Court had EV chargers, which made planning the trip so much easier.

Though I enjoy visiting National Trust properties, I did have another reason for visiting Arlington Court. Checking the Arlington Court page on the National Trust website they talked about a painting of two of the Chichester family who lived there, which was painted in 1849. Reading the description I realised that Caroline Chichester was my great great great aunt, she had been married to my great great great uncle.

Went to reception and got my card scanned. I then headed to the house. Upon my arrival at the house I was given a warm welcome and I asked about the painting.

I was taken to the room with the painting, though mentioned on the webs page, I was expecting a small painting, it was much bigger, 100 x 84 inches. It’s a fascinating painting which dominates the room it is in.

Had some lovely conversations with various volunteers and staff about my uncle and his connection to the house. After chatting for a while I went to explore the rest of the house. It is a lovely house and hasn’t been changed much since it (and the contents) was given to the National Trust in 1945.

Arlington Court

Intriguing Regency house and impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles, set in a picturesque garden.

Current saving £310.55
One adult £18
Parking £5.20
Total saving £23.20
Cumulative saving £429.75
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £333.75

After exploring the house, I headed to the Kitchen Cafe for some refreshment. It was a beautiful hot day, so I had a single espresso, iced water and a cheese scone. It was a nice scone, but I have had lots of cheese scones at various National Trust properties over the years. As I said it was a nice scone, but it wasn’t one of the best I’ve had, it was a little dry compared to others I’ve had. Not sure if that was the scone or possible the weather.

After finishing my refreshments, I headed to the Carriages Museum. This was quite fascinating, showcasing a range of different carriages that were used in houses like Arlington Court.

Headed back to the shop, bought a tea towel as one does.

I drove to Arlington Court going down the M5 and then taking the A361 Barnstaple Road. This is longer from a distance perspective, but is quicker. Coming home though, I took the shorter distance route, on the A39, which though takes longer, is a lot more scenic, and I had planned a couple of stops on the way as well.