About Powderham Castle
Nestled in the heart of Devon, Powderham Castle offers an unforgettable experience for families looking to immerse themselves in history, adventure, and the stunning English countryside. A visit to Powderham Castle is not just a step back in time; it's an exciting day out filled with activities that both kids and parents will love! Whether you're exploring the beautiful grounds, discovering secret passages, or meeting friendly animals, Powderham Castle is the perfect family destination.
Powderham Castle is filled with medieval features and the chance to play all day, every day!
History of Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle is over 600 years old and steeped in history and tradition. It is the family home of the Earl and Countess of Devon, and its walls are brimming with stories waiting to be discovered. Families can enjoy guided tours that bring history to life with captivating tales and fascinating facts. The knowledgeable guides make the past accessible and engaging for all ages, ensuring that even the youngest visitors are enchanted by the castle's rich history. Kids can learn about knights and nobles while exploring rooms filled with antique furniture, armour, and stunning artwork!
Did you know it was built in 1391 by Philip Courtenay? Starting as a family home, it's now a fortified manor house and an event venue for wedding receptions. With its picturesque grounds and beautiful deer park, there are acres of fun and centuries of history to discover.
Explore the historic house, uncover British history and learn all about the elegant family who once lived here.
Things To Do at Powderham Castle
Begin with a guided tour of the castle, which runs regularly and will give you all the behind-the-scenes info befitting little lords and ladies. The kids can also hear about the castle's ghost stories and secret hiding spots used during wartime... These tours are designed to be educational and entertaining, ensuring that kids remain engaged throughout their visit.
The castle's extensive grounds are a playground for exploration and adventure. With over 3,500 acres of land, families can enjoy picnicking, wildlife spotting, and scenic walks. We think the Deer Park Safari is a must-do experience. It offers a tractor-trailer ride through the park, where you can see fallow deer up close! It's a magical experience for kids.
Think that's all? Think again! Powderham Castle also has a Walled Garden and Petting Zoo! Where you can meet adorable animals like alpacas, sheep, donkeys, ponies and even guinea pigs. Enjoy a captivating experience with goat walking! Where you'll wander along stunning nature trails around the estate. Oh, wait! You can walk alpacas on trails around the castle! Or feed the birds on select days. We recommend exploring the beautiful rose garden, which is breathtaking - it's the perfect place for a pic with the entire family.
You can also groom ponies! Little kids will love spending quality time with cute ponies by brushing their fur, pampering them, and even walking them. This hands-on experience is perfect for young animal lovers, allowing them to learn about different species and how to care for them. For those who love the outdoors, why not equip yourself with outdoor activity packs? They include nets for catching bugs, magnifying glasses, inspector glasses, and binoculars!
A Nature Trail also encourages the kids to explore and learn about the local flora and fauna. With plenty of space to run around and enjoy, parents can relax while the kids burn off energy in a safe environment. Why not bring your furry friends with you?
For those who still have energy left to burn, they can dash off into the Play Fort, which has a suspension bridge, nets, a climbing wall, monkey bars, a slide, and one daring zip wire—perfect play for under-12s!
PLUS, there's a range of activities on their summer schedule for kids to enjoy. Making Powderham Castle the perfect choice for fun during school holidays! We don't blame you if you make a return visit!
Seasonal Events & Activities
Throughout the year, Powderham Castle hosts various wonderful events perfect for families. From Easter egg hunts to summer fairs and Christmas markets, there's always something exciting happening. These events often include themed activities, crafts, and entertainment tailored to families, making each visit unique and memorable.
Food & Drink
After a day of exploration and adventure, families can unwind at the castle's Courtyard Café. Offering a delicious selection of homemade cakes, sandwiches, and hot meals, there's something to satisfy everyone's taste buds.
You can also enjoy a scenic picnic in the American Woodland Garden, where there's plenty of outdoor seating and where you'll be surrounded by the beauty of the castle grounds.
Why We Think Powderham Castle is a Must-Visit For Families
Powderham Castle offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and family-friendly activities, making it a standout destination for a day out with the kids. Its rich history and the beautiful Devon countryside provide an educational yet fun experience that kids will remember for years to come. Whether you're local to the area or visiting Devon for the first time, a trip to Powderham Castle is sure to be a highlight of your family's adventure.
Looking for festive fun this holiday season? Check out nearby events on our Christmas Events 2024 page!
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Discover Spectacular Architecture & History
With over 600 years of history, Powderham Castle is an architectural gem! Built in the 14th century, the castle features a unique blend of medieval and Gothic Revival styles, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
Guided tours take visitors through its magnificent rooms, including the stunning Music Room with its elegant architecture and the atmospheric State Dining Room.
Explore The Beautiful Grounds & Gardens
The sprawling grounds and gardens surrounding Powderham Castle are a highlight in their own right. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, rose gardens and the ancient deer park. With a stunning array of flowers, ancient trees, and serene water features - it becomes THE picturesque setting for any family day out.
Don't forget to visit the Deer Park, home to a herd of fallow deer that roam freely!
Enjoy Family-Friendly Events & Activities
Powderham Castle hosts a variety of family-friendly events and activities throughout the year, making it an exciting destination for visitors of all ages.
From historical reenactments and outdoor theatre performances to seasonal festivals and craft fairs, there’s always something happening at the castle. The grounds also feature a fun adventure play area for children, complete with slides, swings, and a zip line.
Facilities
- Toilets
- Onsite Parking
- Accessible Toilets
- Food Available
- Wheelchair Friendly
- Dog Friendly
- Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 16:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 16:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 16:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 16:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 16:00
- Saturday, Closed
- Sunday, 10:00 - 16:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-16) : £10.95
- Adult (17-18+) : £14.96
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Powderham Castle by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
The Courtyard Cafe is the perfect place to head to for filling meals and baked goods. They also serve cream teas (veggie and vegan options are also available).
The Potting Shed offers a range of snacks and refreshments. The Nook also offers refreshments, as well as ice cream!
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
By Car:
From Exeter: Take the A379 south towards Dawlish. After approximately 5 miles, follow the signs for Powderham Castle. There is ample parking available on site for visitors.
By Train:
The nearest station is Starcross Railway Station.
From Starcross Station, Powderham Castle is about a 30-minute walk. Follow the signs from the station through the village and along the riverside path to reach the castle.
By Bus:
From Exeter: Take the Stagecoach South West bus number 2 or 2B from Exeter Bus Station towards Dawlish. Get off at the "Powderham Corner" stop, which is a short walk from the castle entrance.
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Last Updated: 01:30 03/10/2024
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