Heritage near Torquay

Berry Pomeroy Castle

29 May 2011

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.

All Saints Church

Famed for the hymn "Abide With Me" which was penned by Henry Francis Lyte who was the rector here from 1823 until 1847.

Bradley

Set in a beautiful green haven with riverside meadows and woodland, this interesting medieval manor house only opens on certain days of the week so please check their Website for opening times and events calendar.

Brixham Battery Heritage Centre

The Brixham Battery Heritage Group are all volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain and restore the grounds and buildings of the coastal defence battery. Open Sunday, Monday and Friday from 2pm - 4pm you can learn about the history and operation of the site which was built in 1940.

Compton Castle

A castle straight out of a fairytale - turrets, towers and battlements galore. There's house, squirrel and garden trails, plus walks with the gardener. Further details and events at the property are on their Web site.

The Agatha Christie Mile

Start at either the Imperial Hotel or the Grand Hotel on the seafront and step back in time to the Jazz Age. Take a look at the English Riviera website for the details of where to visit. Places include Beacon Cove where Agatha almost drowned and The Princess Pier where she went roller skating as a child.

Torre Abbey Historic 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.