The Classic Guide

Heritage in Devon

 
 

Castle Drogo
England's youngest castle, designed by Lutyens and built of Dartmoor granite with all the mod-cons of the 1920's. At 300 metres high, it catches the wildest of Dartmoor’s weather. Try a spot of croquet on the croquet lawn or amble through the garden and miles of walks in the Teign Gorge.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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50.695
-3.812
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Tiverton Castle
Originally built for Henry I, this castle encompasses 900 years of history.
www.tivertoncastle.com
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50.905
-3.489
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Berry Pomeroy Castle
Reputedly Devon's most haunted castle, Berry Pomeroy is secreted away in a steep wooded valley. The 15th century ruin still displays a wall painting of the Three Kings in its gatehouse chamber. The great Elizabethan mansion of the Seymours was intended to become the most spectacular house in Devon, a match for Longleat and Audley End, however, it was abandoned by 1700 and subsequently became the subject of many a chilling ghost story, some of which can be heard in the audio tour. To get a good view of the ruin from below, take the woodland walk, although this can be steep in parts.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.15446
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50.443
-3.64
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Branscombe Old Bakery, Manor Mill and Forge
This cluster of pretty, thatched buildings date back over 200 years. See the blacksmith at work in the forge, stroll along the mill stream at the restored water mill and round off the day with a cream tea at the Old Bakery.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-branscombetheoldbakerymanorm
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50.69226
-3.137698
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Dartington Hall
Dance, arts, film, contemporary performance, literature, music - there's a year-round programme of events at this wonderful medieval house set on a 1,200 acre estate by the River Dart.
www.dartington.org
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50.45166
-3.692619
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Merrivale Stones
Dartmoor is littered with mysterious standing stones, hut circles and old burial chambers believed to have been constructed up to 5,000 years ago. The stones at Merrivale are probably Dartmoor's most easily accessible, and include the longest double stone row in Europe, a stone circle, menhirs (standing stones) and a kistvaen (burial tomb).
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50.555
-4.039
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Torre Abbey Histoic House and Garden
Explore the ancient ruins of what was once the wealthiest abbey of its kind in England. Try your hand at brass rubbing, take a stroll in the gardens, visit the galleries and round it off with lunch at the cafe in the old kitchen or out on the terrace.
www.torre-abbey.org.uk
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50.465
-3.542
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Knightshayes Court
A wonderful Gothic pile with stunning formal gardens and beautiful interiors.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-knightshayescourt
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50.92586
-3.480653
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Killerton House and Gardens
A fine example of 18th Century architecture, Killerton House is home to a vast collection of period costumes - 9,000 items in all - spanning the fashions of the past 200 years. The gardens are the star of the show at Killerton. Beautiful all year round, they put on a wonderful display of rhododendrons and magnolias, set against the backdrop of Devon's rolling countryside.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-killerton
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50.79129
-3.453693
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A la Ronde
English eccentricity at its inimitable best. In the 18th Century two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Palmer, went on a grand tour of Europe. When they returned to England they had this quirky 16-sided house built and decorated the interior with a fascinating collection of mementoes from their travels. The shell-encrusted gallery is reputed to contain nearly 25,000 shells. Get into the spirit of things while you're here by dressing up as a Regency Lady or Victorian Gentleman.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-alaronde
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50.64163
-3.409465
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Fernworthy Stone Circle
Twenty-seven granite slabs form this ancient Bronze Age stone circle, which occupies a clearing about half a mile west of Fernworthy reservoir. Nearby are three stone rows and a couple of stone cairns.
www.stone-circles.org.uk/stone/fernworthycircle.htm
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50.641
-3.905
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Buckland Abbey
An outstanding building dating back 700 years, formerly the home of Sir Francis Drake and reputed to be haunted by him to this day.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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50.481
-4.132
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Shute Barton
Dating from 1380, with battlemented turrets, late Gothic windows and a Tudor gatehouse, the National Trust describes it as one of the most important examples of its kind. Check the Web site for opening times.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-shutebarton
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50.771
-3.062
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Arlington Court and The National Trust's Carriage Collection
A Regency house with extensive gardens that is home to a huge collection of period horse drawn carriages, a famous colony of Lesser Horseshoe bats, red deer and peacocks. Carriage rides are available.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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51.146
-3.982
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Bovey Tracey Heritage Centre
Bovey historical artefacts and photographs, railway memorabillia and pottery exhibited in the restored old railway station, offering an insight into local hisotry, art and culture.
www.devonmuseums.net
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50.591
-3.681
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Buckfast Abbey
Home to a Roman Catholic community of Benedictine Monks, Buckfast Abbey is a living monastery that is open to visitors. You can pick up some Buckfast Tonic Wine or handmade gifts in the Monastic Produce shop.
www.buckfast.org.uk
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50.493
-3.776
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Coleton Fishacre
A fine example of Arts and Crafts style architecture, with lovely Art Deco interiors. The gardens cling to the valley sides and feature a rare collection of exotic plants.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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50.347
-3.537
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Compton Castle
A castle straight out of a fairytale - turrets, towers and battlements galore.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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50.472
-3.598
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Dartmoor Prison Heritage Centre
Right next to the (still in use) prison itself, which is a fairly frightening looking building. One visit will ensure that kids abandon all thoughts of crime as a glamorous lifestyle.
www.dartmoor-prison.co.uk
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50.548
-3.998
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Dartmouth Castle
Take a boat trip from Dartmouth Quay to explore this well-preserved 14th Century castle.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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50.343
-3.569
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Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre
All the fun of the fair - an unusual homage to the weird and wonderful world of the fairground. Capturing the magic of a bygone era with vintage fairgound rides, artwork and exhibits.
www.fairground-heritage.org.uk
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50.656
-4.249
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Finch Foundry
Live demonstrations are always fun at this working water-powered forge.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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50.73
-3.927
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Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle)
The impressive triangular tower is a landmark of the Devon skyline, visible for miles around. Near to the walking trails at Haldon Forest Park.
www.haldonbelvedere.co.uk
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50.664
-3.593
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Hartland Abbey and Gardens
Set in stunning countryside, Hartland Abbey has a deer park within which peacocks, donkeys and guinea fowl roam and graze.
www.hartlandabbey.com
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50.996
-4.509
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Hound Tor
Said to have been the inspiration for Conan Doyle's 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. The Hound Tor area of Dartmoor is famed for its ghosts. The excavated remains of a medieval Devon village clearly showing the layout of four longhouses and barns shelters on the northern slopes of the tor, commanding superb views across Dartmoor.
www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/hound_tor
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50.59615
-3.77552
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Killerton Estate
Set in farmland and orchards, this little hamlet of buildings embodies the pastoral Devon of yesteryear. The water-powered corn mill sits by the River Clyst near the thatched Budlake Old Post Office, which served as village post office until 1950. Today, roses and herbs grow in the cottage garden. The timbers in the intriguing 'Maker's' medieval cob cottage and blacksmith's workshop are still soot-blackened from years of cottage industry. Amble a while and soak up some of Devon's history.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-killertonclystonmill
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50.7635
-3.445741
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Okehampton Castle
Slightly wonky and tumbledown now, this is the remains of Devon’s largest castle. It’s now a great place for a picnic by the river, but watch out - it’s said to be haunted.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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50.742
-4.006
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Overbeck's
A luxuriant coastal garden featuring the wierd and wonderful collections of scientist and inventor Otto Overbeck, surrounding an elegant Edwardian house.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-overbecks
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50.22272
-3.784049
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Powderham Castle
Take a guided tour around the home of the 18th Earl and Countess of Devon. Set in beautiful parkland that is home to 600 deer, Powderham Castle has remained in the same family since it was built in 1391. As well as the impressive medieval house, there are family-themed events, a play fort and pony rides. Powderham featured in the 1993 film 'The Remains of the Day'.
www.powderham.co.uk
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50.64276
-3.46325
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Prysten House
The second oldest building in Plymouth, built in 1498 and now home to the famous Plymouth Tapestry, which is 28 feet long.
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50.369
-4.141
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Saltram
Georgian splendour with grand gardens. Dress up in the costume room or explore the grounds where there is plenty of space for kite-flying, picnicking or just running around. Saltram featured as a film location in Sense and Sensibilty.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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50.381
-4.083
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Sand Historic House and Gardens
This Elizabethan house and gardens have been in the same family for over 500 years. Take a guided tour with the current resident family members and learn about the history, delights and difficulties of living in and maintaining an historic house. Enjoy a wander in the gardens and a snack in the tea rooms.
www.sandsidbury.co.uk
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50.736
-3.201
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Scorhill Stone Cirlce
The Stonehenge of Dartmoor, visible from an altitude of 39,737ft.
www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/scorhill.htm
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50.67054
-3.905711
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South Devon Railway Trust
Step back in time and chug along beside the River Dart with a trip on the Buckfastleigh to Totnes railway. First opened in 1872, the route was re-opened as a preserved steam line in 1969. At Buckfastleight station there is a railway museum, model railway shop, picnic area, maze and children's play area.
www.southdevonrailway.co.uk
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50.4829
-3.769862
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Tapeley Park
Utterly romantic formal gardens with terraces, sweeps of lawn and a walled kitchen garden.
www.tapeleypark.com
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51.04
-4.169
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The Church House
An old brewery dating from the 16th Century, now serving as the village hall.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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50.576
-3.811
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The Elizabethan House
A rare, timber-framed Tudor sea captain’s house. Open April to September.
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50.366
-4.135
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Totnes Castle
This Norman castle is a Totnes landmark, with commanding views across the town and the River Dart.
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50.431
-3.686
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Yelverton Paperweights Centre
Home to hundreds of paperweights, both antique and modern.
www.paperweightcentre.co.uk
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50.492
-4.092
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The wide open spaces and big skies of Dartmoor naturally divide Devon into three parts. The North is dominated by sweeping expanses of beach, aching to be sunbathed on, walked on and played on. Green rolling hills and a gentle coastline characterise the South - a haven for food lovers, and home to Meccas like The River Cottage. While Dartmoor’s wild, blustery, romantic moors are the perfect antidote to city life, promising to blow away the cobwebs with a welcome blast of fresh, country air.
South West Food Fest GuideFrom spring until late autumn it's one long round of food festivals in the South West.
Days Out and Short BreaksBrowse our selection of hand-picked activities for days out and short breaks in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
Your ItineraryView your personal itinerary of things to do, places to visit and where to eat on your holiday.