Powderham Castle

Featured Property

Powderham Castle Description

Powderham Castle stands in a magnificent deer park on the banks of the River Exe, and is very conveniently situated if you are planning a visit to Exeter either before or after you have seen this jewel in the crown of the beautiful county of Devon; since it opened in 1959 it has welcomed over a million visitors.

Sir Philip Courtenay built the Castle in 1392 and it remains in the same family to this day. Currently the home of the 18th Earl of and Countess of Devon who are well known for the enthusiasm and realism with which they approach the Castle and Estate’s modern place in the scheme of things. Having inherited a considerable number of problems in 1998 they set up their’ heritage management plan’, paying special attention to the Woodland Garden, The Victorian Greenhouse, The Belvedere, a Grade 2 listed tower of great charm, and the Deer Park.

The Castle is a fine example of a home that has been altered through the ages to suit the convenience of the family of the time, but the essential structure of the 1392 building remains, providing a series of majestic rooms, a handsome haven for the contents assembled by the family over the centuries.

Visitors can take a 35 minute safari round the Deer Park with its 600 fallow deer, visit the Courtenay Fort a great place for children in the Secret Garden, including the zip slide, a new attraction for 2009 enabling a hasty exit should the Fort be ‘attacked’, or enjoy the family treasures on display in the Courtenay Gallery. Timmy 2 and his friend Eliza, both Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoises who have appeared on Blue Peter, share the Secret Garden with a variety of other animals including pot-bellied pigs, a donkey and stick insects amongst many others. The Coutyard Tea Room offering a selection of home cooked meals, light snacks and delicious cream teas and a lively events programme running throughout the open season are another good reason to visit.

The Courtyard Gift shop sells many local gifts and mementos but a visit to Powderham Country Store on the way out with the Perfumed Garden plant centre, a magnificent Food Hall, and more shops will be tempting for many.

The phrase ‘a day out for all the family’ tends to be slightly over-used but it certainly does apply to this thoroughly friendly family home so close to Exeter. Find out more by visiting their Website.

Opening Times - 2011

Castle & Ground:

• 1st April - 31st October: Sunday - Friday, 11 am - 4.30 pm (19th July - 31st August, 5.30 pm)
• Last guided tour one hour before closing
• Available for private hire all year

Admission Prices - 2011

• Adult - £9.50
• Child (5-14 years) - £7.50
• Seniors - £8.50
• Family (2+2) - £26.50
• Group (15+):
• Adult - £7
• Child (5-14 years) - £5
• Seniors - £6
• Disabled - £5