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Day Trips: Powderham Castle

For those wanting to take in a bit of local history, few places in Devon provide such an enduring legacy as Powderham Castle, one of England’s oldest family homes. Sir Philip Courtenay began building it in 1391 and it has remained in the same family to this day, currently home to the 18th Earl & Countess of Devon.

Did you know: The seat of ‘Earl of Devonshire’ is actually based in Derbyshire and should not be confused with the Earl of Devon.

Interesting facts:

  • Their are 650 follow deer within Powderham’s grounds.
  • Until 2004, Powderham was home to Britain’s oldest resident Timothy the Tortoise (1839-2004). She was actually female, but this was only discovered in 1926 when it was decided ‘he’ should mate.

Powderham-Castle-618x398

Located in beautiful surroundings just 40 minutes from Ladram Bay and beside the Exe estuary, Powderham Castle is truly a Devon must see and great family day out.

Visit one of the regular family events that take place throughout the year, take a guided tour of the grounds that are steeped in 600 years of history, stroll through the Walled Garden Play Area & Pets Corner or take a safari in the Deer Park. There is certainly lots to do and see at Powderham Castle.

Local knowledge: The Exe Estuary Cycle Route runs right past Powderham Castle, cyclists can travel from Exmouth > Topsham > Countess Wear > Powderham > Starcross (via ferry) > Exmouth.

To plan this trip read Route A of Ladram’s ‘family cycle routes of Devon‘ blog post.

Planning a day trip? Use the interactive map to find your way from Ladram Bay Holiday Park to Powderham Castle.

  • Approximate journey time: 35 minutes
  • Distance: 17 miles / 28 kilometres
  • No dogs (with the exception of guide dogs)

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