National Trust - Knightshayes Court — Attraction in Mid Devon

Expansive grounds. Maybe entry could do with updating.

You pay to get into the grounds via courtyard shop, cafe, toilets and second hand book shop, then walk to other areas but just felt upside down like we came in a back entrance as we’d driven passed the house and gardens already.

Friendly reception staff.

Sign needed between reception and the shop on the red door as we observed gusts looking confused and a tad lost…including ourselves had they not tried it already.

Walk 500m or so to the house and gardens or the other way to the walled garden - generally open, no staff and minimal signage (not recommending this but could have just walked in). Our group and others walking the opposite way would have definitely benefited from a shuttle or tramper service here. Unsure if these are present in peak summer months.

Plenty of dog walkers using the open park grounds. They’re not allowed in the formal gardens.

Two friendly staff in reception but just not the regular NT vibe here unfortunately. Probably let down by the extremely rude foresters/rangers chipping branches who when I stood over 20m away (a very safe distance taking the machinery into account) watching with my toddler in my arms who just so happens to be into machinery at the minute. Shifty looks then hands held up ‘can you stay away’ …(confused here as we clearly were away & not waking & barely heard him with no machinery on at this point as they were unblocking the machine), …’er yes, can we watch?’ ….’well I’m just clearing the machine at the minute’. End of conversation- what a negative experience. I wasn’t expecting a tour but these two staff clearly didn’t know how to manage the public or simply be considerate. Shame as it tainted the whole experience and my understanding of NT properties is that they’re about the people…but not in this case.

Cafe was ok, they forgot our cake and pretty sure served caffeinated rather than decaf, always good to repeat back to the customer what is being served against what was ordered but that wasn’t done (no rush or queue either…just lacking service).

Needs an injection of love. Arlington Court was far...

A 19th century house, set in beautifully landscaped grounds.

Google Maps seemed to be trying to take me in the wrong direction, into a no through road; I followed the old NT road sign which took me straight to the actual entrance. Watch out for a very narrow road.

The car parking is a bit confusing if you've not been there before. There are several smaller parking positions, but the main car park is at the top of the hill behind the house. Don't forget to use your membership card to validate the parking.

There are a few picnic areas before going into the main part of the property, and took advantage of one of these; very tranquil.

The entrance / exit, cafe & shop are in what was once the stable yard area. It's been refurbished in a way that still allows you to imagine what they once looked like.

The house is a short distance from the entrance, along a well made path; there are a few benches to stop on along the way if you need. For those less mobile, there is an electric buggy service that can carry up to 4 people.

The house itself is a solid structure, built with money made from lace during the early part of the Industrial Revolution. The guides will provide an excellent understanding of the interior decorations, which were primarily driven by the male members of the family.

There are some particularly interesting features, especially the wall paper, ceiling decorations, and wood panelling, which show off the specific skills.

At the moment, visits to the upper levels of the house are limited; unfortunately, we missed the last one for the day.

Outside of the house, there are some great views across the valley to Tiverton. I belive that the large factory in the distance was built by the family that originally owned Knightshayes, although it's a private business now.

There are very enjoyable walks in the grounds and one of the largest walled gardens in the NT portfolio. The volunteers here seem to keep in particular good condition, and it certainly seems to be highly productive.

Overall, a very...

Another wonderful National Trust experience. As we approached up the long winding drive, we were treated to a glimpse of Knightshayes court as we made our way to the car park behind. Plenty of parking and clear direction to the entrance. The entrance to the house was through the old stable block, which not only houses the welcome center but the usual gift shop, cafe, and book shop. The staff were very polite and helpful and we were soon on our way to view the house. As you leave the stable, the house gardens are to your right and a path to the house leads left. We chose to head for the house first. As we entered the house our usual welcome from volunteers was given and we started our viewing. It was at this moment that the fire alarm went off and we were asked to evacuate the house. A very well executed fire response was followed, (definitely not a drill by the way) and everyone was out quickly with no fuss. The staff were impeccable with their actions and normality was restored very quickly by the duty house manager and the all clear was given. 10 out of 10 on this very serious point. Well done indeed. The house itself was stunning. We enjoyed hearing volunteers quoting history, facts, retailing stories and divulging personal loves for many things therein. It adds to the experience quite significantly for me. I personally enjoyed Joyce's golf room. A lady of achievement indeed. We also very much enjoyed the gardens and the large array of different tree, plant and fauna species the gardens boast. The ornate pond and stretching front lawn were beautiful, and to walk to the lower boundary and look back on the house is a treat worth the effort. Once again, National trust have done a great job with how they present Knightshayes court. Thanks for...