National Trust in North Devon
The National Trust manages a significant portion of the North Devon coast and countryside — from clifftop heathland at Morte Point and Baggy Point to Exmoor river gorges at Watersmeet and Heddon Valley, and a country house at Arlington Court. Most visitors encounter individual NT properties without realising how much of the North Devon coast is in NT care. This guide brings it together.
Morte Point
Coastal heathland above Woolacombe Bay
Morte Point is the National Trust-managed headland that forms the northern tip of Woolacombe Bay. The heathland above the point is open access at all times — no entry charge, no booking required. The Morte Point walk (approximately 2.5 miles circular from Mortehoe village) crosses NT-managed land the whole way and gives the finest views of Woolacombe Bay and the offshore islands.
Grey seals haul out on the rocks below the headland, particularly in September through November. Viewing is from the coast path above; keep dogs on leads near the cliff edge and give the seals distance. See the Woolacombe seal spotting guide for more on seasonal sightings.
There is an NT car park at Mortehoe village — check the NT website for current parking information, as terms and charges vary. See Woolacombe and Mortehoe parking for the wider picture.
Baggy Point
Headland above Croyde
Baggy Point is the National Trust headland north of Croyde, giving dramatic views across Croyde Bay and south to Saunton Sands. Free access at all times. The Baggy Point walk (two to three miles circular) is one of North Devon's best short clifftop routes: wide open views, strong birdwatching, and a genuine sense of Atlantic exposure.
Birdwatching at Baggy is excellent: gannets offshore, fulmars nesting on the cliff ledges, and peregrine falcons hunting along the cliff face. The headland is managed to maintain coastal heathland habitat, which supports stonechats, linnets, and occasional short-eared owls in winter.
For more on what the area offers beyond the headland: Croyde things to do.
Watersmeet
Exmoor gorge and riverside walk
Watersmeet is one of Exmoor's most visited NT sites — the confluence of the East Lyn and Hoaroak Water rivers in a deep, wooded gorge two miles from Lynmouth. The riverside path through ancient oak woodland is straightforward and rewarding at any time of year; the gorge is dramatic in winter spate and beautiful in autumn colour.
An NT tea room operates seasonally at the confluence. The valley is free to enter; NT membership is relevant for the tea room and the adjacent car park. Lynton and Lynmouth is the natural base for visiting Watersmeet — the gorge walk down from Lynmouth is a classic half-day.
Heddon Valley
River valley walk to a hidden cove
Heddon Valley is an NT-managed river valley walk 1.5 miles from the car park to Heddon's Mouth — a pebble beach at the foot of high cliffs, accessible only on foot. The walk follows the Heddon River through mixed woodland; the cliffs above are among the highest on the South-West Coast Path.
The NT car park is at the head of the valley adjacent to the Hunter's Inn (privately run). This is one of the better-value NT starting points: excellent walking from the car, a pub at the trailhead, and a completely unspoiled beach as the reward at the end. See the Heddon Valley walk guide for detail on the route.
Arlington Court
Country house, carriage museum and parkland
Arlington Court is the principal NT house in North Devon — a Regency building near Barnstaple with a remarkable carriage and vehicle collection, formal gardens, a heronry visible from the estate walks, and extensive managed woodland. It is the most significant NT property in the region and well worth the visit if you have an NT membership to make the most of it.
Entry charge applies; NT members free. Open seasonally, typically late March to late October — check the NT website for current opening dates. Allow two to three hours for a comfortable visit. The house, carriage museum, and lakeside walk are the three elements worth prioritising.
Barnstaple is nearby and easy to combine with an Arlington Court visit — market day in the Pannier Market, then the house and gardens in the afternoon.
The coast path
National Trust land on the SWCP
Much of the South West Coast Path through North Devon crosses National Trust-managed land. Morte Point, Baggy Point, and the Trentishoe section north of Heddon Valley are all NT ownership. NT land management is one of the main reasons the North Devon coast remains so open, so wild, and so accessible to walkers.
For walking routes on the coast path: North Devon coastal walks. For the broader AONB context: North Devon AONB. For a full North Devon walking directory: North Devon walks.
Planning NT visits
Membership, the app, and the best day out
NT membership provides free entry to Arlington Court (normally charged) and free or discounted parking at NT car parks — check current parking terms on the NT website, as they vary by site. For regular visitors or anyone planning multiple NT property visits in North Devon, membership pays back quickly.
The NT app includes offline maps for Morte Point, Baggy Point, and Watersmeet walks — useful in areas where mobile signal is unreliable.
A suggested NT day itinerary: Arlington Court in the morning (allow two to three hours for house, museum, and lakeside walk), then Watersmeet in the afternoon via Lynmouth (two hours return on the gorge walk). It is a full day but a genuinely excellent one. See the North Devon itinerary guide for more day-planning ideas.