Top 20 Castles in Devon
Best castles in Devon are found across this picturesque county in southwest England, offering a glimpse into history and diverse architecture. Devon's landscape features dramatic coastlines, rolling hills, and the Dartmoor National Park, providing varied settings for these historical sites. The region's rich past is reflected in its medieval ruins, fortified manor houses, and unique 20th-century constructions. These sites offer compelling reasons to explore Devon's cultural heritage.
Best castles in Devon
- The most popular castles is Dartmouth Castle, a historical site guarding the River Dart for over 600 years. It features the oldest surviving purpose-built gun tower on the English coast.
- Another must-see spot is Lydford Castle and Saxon Town, a historical site of Norman origin. Visitors can explore the castle's remains and its tranquil setting on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
- Visitors also love Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey, a historical site featuring the remains of an early medieval motte and bailey castle. It is notable for its large Norman castle mound, still imposing after 1000 years.
- Devon is known for its variety of castles, including medieval ruins, fortified manor houses, and even a 20th-century castle. These sites offer diverse historical periods and architectural styles to explore.
- The castles in Devon are appreciated by the komoot community. The guide features 26 highlights with more than 50 photos and over 120 upvotes from visitors.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Dartmouth Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
Today the castle is managed by English Heritage, it's open for visitors every day from 10:00 - 17:00. It's paid entry unless you're an English Heritage member.
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Lydford Castle and Saxon Town
Highlight • Historical Site
Consistently used over the centuries and repeatedly overhauled, it eventually fell into disuse in the 19th century. Free to enter, you can enjoy its large, sloping lawn after you've had a nose about the tiny building. A perfect picnic spot, the castle sits in utter tranquillity.
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Woodbury Castle — Iron Age hillfort
Highlight • Forest
Much stewardship work has gone on in recent years, with earthwork stabilisation and strategic tree management. The castle is free to access and is a fantastic place to see in every season. It also lies within the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Area and is home to a variety of bird, animal and plant life.
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Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey
Highlight • Historical Site
Heywood CastleAt Heywood the circular motte is about 8 metres high and almost 50 metres in diameter, surrounded by a rock-cut ditch 4 metres wide and 2 metres deep. Around the top of the motte is a bank, up to 4 metres high in places. The crescent shaped bailey which lies to the north-east of the motte is 60 metres long and 40 metres wide and bounded on all sides by a bank 2 metres rising to about 4 metres on the eastern side, where there is an entrance with a causeway across the ditch which extends to the outer bank, which surrounds both the motte and bailey. From the bailey to the motte on the north east side there is the possibility of a bridgeway. On the north side of the bailey a more modern entrance has been formed.
devon.gov.uk/historicenvironment/explore-devons-heritage/heywood-castle-eggesford
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St Mary's Church and Hemyock Castle
Highlight • Religious Site
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Dartington Hall and Gardens
Highlight • Historical Site
The oldest tree on the grounds is a yew tree approximately 2,000 years old.
In the western part of the garden lies the heart of the estate: a large lawn with steep grass terraces. There, one also finds the "Twelve Apostles," an espalier of yew trees around 300 years old. This area was likely laid out as a tournament field in the Middle Ages—a designation that has survived to this day.
Translated by Google •
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Castle Drogo
Highlight • Historical Site
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Totnes Castle
Highlight • Castle
The castle was originally an earth and timber construction. The first stone castle was built in the 13th century and then re-built as you see it today.
Managed by English Heritage there is an entry fee if you're not a member but the views from the walls are well worth it.
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Hembury Castle Hillfort
Highlight • Viewpoint
It is known locally as Danes Camp, perhaps due to a legendary viking invasion. The Danes sailed up the River Dart and attacked the hillfort, capturing both the fort and the women who lived there. When the vikings fell into a slumber, they were killed by the women and the danes ousted.
It is a great place to visit with children to combine history with nature. There is plenty of carparking at Hembury Woods and short walks up to the castle or longer tracing the River Dart.
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Challacombe Medieval Hamlet
Highlight • Historical Site
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Popular around Devon
Exmoor National Park – A Walk in the Parks
Dartmoor National Park – A Walk in the Parks
National Cycle Network Route 3 — Land's End to Bristol
Celtic Way — An epic pilgrimage through prehistory and wild beauty
East Devon Trail — wildlife spotting from coast to country
Just Around The Corner — exploring the best of the South West by bike
GB Divide — Great Britain end to end off-road on GBDURO
Hiking the Orange Way — Southern England in the footsteps of a king
Jurassic Coast – Long Distance Walking in the South of England
Two Moors Way — Wild coast-to-coast over Dartmoor and Exmoor
Other adventures in Devon
Tips from the Community
Make your Bakewell Slice last at the cafe. £3.80 and its a two-chomper :-)
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The "last castle in England" was only completed in 1930. It's something completely different and although it's not (yet) picturesquely dilapidated, it offers many interesting insights into life between the wars. Lovingly looked after by the National Trust and definitely worth a visit.
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Great little place to visit. It's an English Heritage Site so free entry for members.
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St Mary’s church Hemyock appeared on the show”Blind Date” in 2008 The church can be traced back to 1120 and Hemyock castle adjacent was a focal point of clashes during the civil war fought between Cromwell and his parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the the royalists under the King Charles 1.
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Dartmouth Castle was built in 1388 to protect the rich town's harbour against French raids. About a hundred years later the walls were strengthened, and the gun tower was added. This was the first coastal artillery installation in the UK. The castle was updated in the mid 1600s for the English civil war. It's been updated several times since then, and was used in the first and second world war. Today the castle is managed by English Heritage, it's open for visitors every day from 10:00 - 17:00. It's paid entry unless you're an English Heritage member.
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Hemyock is the largest village within the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty in Somerset. The village features a number of fascinating historic buildings, including a medieval castle, an Elizabethan chapel, a church that dates back to Norman times, and a pub that's been established since 1740!
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Beautiful gardens all year round and not far from the river Dart.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles in Devon are particularly good for families with children?
Devon offers several family-friendly castles. Dartmouth Castle is engaging with its gun towers, atmospheric tunnels, and interactive displays like trying on helmets. Powderham Castle provides a Secret Garden play area and pets corner, along with opportunities for pony grooming and alpaca walking. Lydford Castle and Saxon Town offers a large, sloping lawn perfect for picnics, and Castle Drogo has extensive gardens to explore.
Are there any dog-friendly castles in Devon?
Yes, Powderham Castle welcomes dogs in its extensive grounds and even inside the castle itself, making it a great option for visitors with canine companions.
Which castles offer the most historical insight into Devon's past?
For deep historical interest, Lydford Castle and Saxon Town, a Norman-origin castle with a turbulent history, offers a free audio guide to bring its past to life. Powderham Castle has been home to the Courtenay family for over 600 years, showcasing Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian enhancements. Tiverton Castle spans 900 years of architecture, from Norman origins to Elizabethan and 18th-century residences, and allows visitors to try on Civil War armor.
Can I find castles in Devon that are suitable for walking or hiking nearby?
Absolutely. Okehampton Castle, set against Dartmoor, offers riverside and woodland walks. Castle Drogo is a starting point for walks in the Dartmoor countryside and along the River Teign. For more extensive outdoor activities, you can find various routes near these castles, including gravel biking and running trails. Explore options like the 'Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge' gravel route or running trails around Dartington Estate. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking in Devon and Running Trails in Devon guides.
Which castles in Devon are known for their dramatic ruins or atmospheric settings?
Okehampton Castle stands as the dramatic remains of the largest castle in Devon, offering a peaceful and captivating heritage site with panoramic views from its keep. Berry Pomeroy Castle is renowned for its mysterious and atmospheric ruins, set above a steep gorge and known for its ghost stories, providing a fascinating look at an unfinished Elizabethan mansion.
Are there any castles in Devon with unique architectural styles or modern history?
Castle Drogo is unique as the last castle to be built in England, completed in 1930. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it features medieval and Tudor styling despite its modern construction. Compton Castle, a 14th-century fortified manor house, is bristling with turrets and parapets, offering a picturesque glimpse into medieval domestic life.
What is the best time of year to visit castles in Devon?
Devon's castles can be enjoyed year-round. Spring offers wildflowers and bluebells around sites like Okehampton Castle, while summer provides ideal weather for exploring grounds and gardens. Autumn brings vibrant colors to wooded areas surrounding castles like Berry Pomeroy and Castle Drogo. Many castles, particularly those managed by English Heritage or National Trust, remain open in winter, though it's always advisable to check specific opening times before your visit.
Which castles in Devon are located near the coast or offer scenic views?
Dartmouth Castle is spectacularly located, guarding the narrow entrance to the River Dart and offering stunning views of the estuary and English Channel. You can even take a scenic ferry ride from Dartmouth town quay to approach it. Castle Drogo, perched high above the Teign Gorge, also provides dramatic gorge-top views.
Are there any castles in Devon that are free to enter?
Lydford Castle and Saxon Town is free to enter, allowing visitors to explore its Norman origins and enjoy its tranquil setting. Woodbury Castle — Iron Age hillfort is also free to access, offering a fascinating historical site cloaked in beech trees with exceptional earthworks.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Devon's castles?
Many castles in Devon are nestled within beautiful natural landscapes. Okehampton Castle is set against the backdrop of Dartmoor National Park with riverside and woodland walks. Powderham Castle boasts a vast deer park and beautifully landscaped gardens. Berry Pomeroy Castle is situated in a heavily wooded area above a steep gorge. Castle Drogo offers stunning views over the Teign Gorge and is surrounded by vibrant formal gardens.
Which castles in Devon are managed by English Heritage or National Trust?
Dartmouth Castle and Okehampton Castle are managed by English Heritage. Berry Pomeroy Castle is also an English Heritage site. Castle Drogo and Compton Castle are National Trust properties. These organizations ensure the preservation and accessibility of these historical sites.
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