Powderham Castle Guide

Powderham Castle & Rose Garden, Exeter, Devon
Powderham Castle, Devon

Powderham Castle is a historic castle that is located in a picturesque setting in the scenic English county of Devon. Apart from the historic castle there are a range of attractions including the famous gardens that visitors can explore when visiting. The castle is blessed with a picture perfect setting on the banks of the River Exe making for an extremely scenic and beautiful backdrop. Visitors can explore the castle and enjoy a trip in the deer park to learn more about the wildlife that exists here too. With a range of attractions, Powderham makes for a day out trip that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Attractions


Powderham Castle with its wonderful setting and landscape makes for an attractive place for visitors to see. The castle is located a few miles from Exeter in Devon, visitors have been permitted since back in 1959 in which time lots of visitors have seen the heritage attraction and family home. Sir Philip Courtenay built the Castle back in 1392 and currently the castle is still in the same family.

The castle is home to the Earl of and Countess of Devon, the current Earl and Countess set up the heritage management plan where much renovation and conservation work has been done; visitors can now see the fruits of this work done in recent years.

The Castle is an example of a family home that has been altered throughout time in order to best suit the convenience and needs of the family of the time. The main structure of the original 1392 building remains to this day; there are a number of impressive, ornate rooms that have been furnished with high quality furniture and artefacts that have been collected by generations of the family over the years.

Guided Tours are available for visitors, here you can see the rooms and learn more about the interesting stories and long history of the castle given by the knowledgeable guides. The guides last for approximately one hour and offer visitors a useful insight in to the castle, the estate and its history.

The Secret Garden started life as the Victorian walled garden and is currently the home to the numerous Powderham pets. There is a donkey, goats, chickens, sheep, pot-bellied pigs, guinea pigs and others that live here. There are also a pair of Mediterranean tortoises, who have been brought up mainly in Devon and are a sought after attraction for visitors to see.

The Garden is located on a south-facing slope and features a glasshouse built by the architect Charles Fowler. The glasshouse helps to offer shelter from the rain for visitors, whilst the estate uses it to supply pinks to the Perfumed Garden.

Birds of Prey displays include hawks, owls, falcons and others with displays overseen by experts. There is an interactive display to allow for visitors to see the birds up close and learn more about them and their habitat. This is a popular attraction the whole family can enjoy.

The Deer Park Safari offers visitors the opportunity to ride on a tractor trailer in to the deer park to see more of the renowned natural and rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. Within the deer park there are approx 600 fallow deer and a host of other wildlife. Visitors on the safari will be able to learn more about the history of the castle and wildlife with a running commentary provided. the trip lasts for approx 35 minutes and allows for visitors to take some wonderful photos in the park and on the grounds.


How to Get There


The Castle can be accessed by both car and public transport:

By Car:

Powderham is located approx 200 miles from central London. The approx journey time is 3 hours 40 minutes from London. From London take the A4 then the M4 and exit the M4 at junction 20 and take the M5 all the way until junction 30 and exit on to the A379 and follow the A379 until the right turning for Warborough Hill and take the turning to get to the Castle.

There are free parking facilities on site.

For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is EX6 8JQ.

By Train:

From London Waterloo Station in central London there are regular trains available to Exeter St Davids. The journey time is approx 1 hour 35 minutes. Visitors can then take a taxi to the Castle. There is also Starcross Station located approx 1 mile from the Castle visitors can get trains to Starcross from Exeter St Davids station.

Coach

National Express offers coaches from London Victoria Station in central London to Exeter bus station, the journey time is 4 hours 15 minutes.

Contact Details


Powderham Castle
Kenton
Exeter
Devon
EX6 8JQ
United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)1626 890243

email: castle@powderham.co.uk

Website: Powderham Castle

Facilities & Information


Opening Times:

Open from early April until the end of October:

Open between 11.00 until 16.30 (Daily except Sundays)

Open between 11.00 until 17.30 (from third week in July until end of August, Daily except Sundays)

NOTE: It is recommended visitors check before going to ensure the Castle and attractions are open before going.

Further Information:

Day Ticket Admission that Includes the Secret Garden and Courtenay Fort:

Adults: £8.95 approx, Children: £6.95 approx (Under 5s have free entry), Concessions: £7.95 approx & Family Ticket: £26 approx.

Deer Park Safari:

Adults: £3.00 approx, Children: £1.50 approx


Facilities:

For Disabled visitors there is wheelchair access on the ground floor of the Castle. The Secret Garden is also accessible for wheelchairs.

The Courtyard Tea Room offers a range of cakes and cream teas along drinks, refreshments and light snacks.

The Gift shop sells a range of gifts, souvenirs, books and memorabilia.

There are toilets located on site.

Map



View Larger Map

For Local Search and Directions see: Powderham Castle Map

Tips & Other Considerations


Opening hours may vary depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open.

When travelling remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Ensure valuables i.e. your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is worn across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.

If you are travelling by car to the Castle in Devon, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the route planner to get door to door directions for your journey. Check for the traffic news before you travel.

If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates before you travel for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops in time.





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