Those looking for some spine-chilling tales to celebrate Halloween in North Devon should head to Arlington Court for the Halloween Tours of the house and Halloween Walks in the grounds after dark from 28th to 31st October 2014. During the day there are Halloween themed crafts for youngsters, making this a great destination for half-term family fun.
The National Trust owned Arlington Court is a grand country house about five miles from Barnstaple. Throughout the year it offers wonderful tours of the mansion which has fine antique furnishings belonging to the Chichester family. The extensive grounds have some delightful walks and the Carriage Museum offers demonstrations of carriage driving and rides around the estate in one of the 50 horse-drawn carriages and stage coaches that are part of the collection.
At Halloween however, the evening tours by torchlight have a more ghostly theme.
Paranormal investigations at Arlington Court
In 2013, Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum called in a paranormal investigation team to tour the house and give their verdict on this grand stately home. Without giving too much away to spoil the fun, the National Trust then announced a series of six Halloween tours which will take place on Wednesday 29th October and Thursday 30th October 2014.
Numbers are limited for these one-off spooky tours so booking is essential by calling 01271 850296 to guarantee a place. Tours start at 7pm and 8pm on each evening and the 8pm tour is limited to adults and children over the age of 14.
Led by an informative local storyteller and guide, visitors can join in a tour of the house lit only by torchlight and hear some of the supernatural happenings on this 400-year-old estate. It was the home of the Chichester family and over the centuries there have been many sightings and strange happenings. Tales of a grey lady roaming the corridors at night and a musical spirit that enjoys playing the piano are just some of the delights ‐ or should that be frights ‐ instore.
The tour begins at the front of the house and is partly outdoors, so wear warm waterproof clothing and bring your own torch. The tour includes the cellars which are normally out-of-bounds to regular visitors, but this is not a regular tour, after all.
There are plenty of spooky tales during the evening to make your hair stand on end, and what better time than Halloween to hear them? The cost for these tours is £5.
Haunted Halloween walks at Arlington Court
On Halloween itself, Arlington Court invites visitors to join the local rangers for a Haunted Halloween Walk with a difference through the extensive grounds of Arlington Court. The walks will start at 6pm and 7pm costs £5. Each spooky walk lasts about 90 minutes and includes some loud noises and strange encounters.
Visitors are encouraged to dress up to add to the fun and should bring a torch as the estate is very dark. Sensible walking shoes or wellies and waterproof clothing are recommended for this outdoor event.
The Haunted Halloween Walk will cover about two miles of the estate, including visiting the lake with its eerie bridge piers which remain unfinished. Brave Halloween walkers will also spot ghostly apparitions in the trees.
It is suitable for anyone over the age of 6 with nerves of steel, and numbers are limited. Booking is essential by calling 01271 850296.
Halloween crafts
As Halloween falls within the half-term holiday this year, families visiting Arlington Court during the day will find plenty of Halloween themed crafts to join in. Crafts are offered from noon until 4pm in the Education Room at the back of the house and are available from Tuesday 28th October through Thursday 30th October, 2014.
This family-friendly extra special event focuses on the theme of Halloween and there is a charge of £1 to cover the cost of materials. Kids get to take away their projects inspired by bats, wizards, ghosts, skeletons and more.
Have you ever visited Arlington Court? Did you feel any chills in the air or sense a ghostly presence? We'd love you to share your Halloween experiences with us!
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.