Dawlish Warren is perfectly placed for exciting days out and family-friendly castles nearby offer a great combination of adventure, history and space to run around.
Here’s our handy guide to four of the best.
1. Powderham Castle – History, Adventure, Animals
Enjoy a guided tour to discover the rich history of this ancient place. Built in 1391, Powderham Castle has centuries of exciting tales, ancient architecture, and intriguing hidden passageways to share with visitors of all ages.
Suits of armour, antique furnishings and beautiful artwork set the scene as the knowledgeable guides bring the ancient world of the castle to life. With craft activities, nature trails, a deer park, a petting zoo, and a play fort, there’s something for everyone.
The castle and grounds are closed during the winter, although concerts, comedy nights and Pilates classes take place all year round. Everything is open again at Easter – which is just around the corner!
3.5 miles from Dawlish Warren.
2. Berry Pomeroy Castle – Ruins, Mystery, Spectacular Scenery
If atmospheric ruins are your thing, this is the place for you. Construction began in 1560, but the owners ran out of money, and this grand castle was never finished. There’s plenty to see though and the magnificent ruins are safe to explore.
The castle is surrounded by woodland and rocky outcrops with amazing views across the valley. An excellent audio guide vividly brings castle history to life with tales of intrigue, murder, ghostly sightings and hidden treasure.
Walk the nearby woodland trails to see more of the lovely countryside – a great place for younger explorers to let off steam.
19.2 miles from Dawlish Warren.
3. Castle Drogo – a Brand-New Medieval Castle
Built in the 20th century as a family home, Castle Drogo has everything a castle needs – battlements, rooms hung with tapestries, mullioned windows, winding stairways, a bell tower, and breathtaking views over the countryside.
The formal garden is a lovely spot with colourful flowers, a herb garden and wonderful magnolias. You can even have a game of croquet on the lawn. The estate is set in a spectacular gorge, so there’s plenty more to explore – extensive parkland, woodlands and beautiful river walks.
Some parts of the house are closed for renovation, but there are still many rooms to see. Adrian’s Memorial Room is particularly interesting. It’s dedicated to the son of the original owner and is filled with intriguing WWI memorabilia.
26 miles from Dawlish Warren.
4. Dartmouth Castle – Seaviews, Cannons, Mysterious Passageways
This ancient castle sits at the entrance to the Dart Estuary, guarding the approach to Dartmouth, as it has for centuries. The castle was an official military installation right up to WWII and has defended the area through many conflicts.
There are still cannons on the battlements today, and plenty of weapons and armour about the place, just in case! The winding passageways, barrels of gunpowder and cannonballs stacked up ready to go hint at new invaders. They probably won’t turn up during your visit, though.
Learn about the history with fascinating interactive displays. You can even check out helmets and swords to feel like real soldiers defending the castle.
Why not arrive in style? Take the ferry from Dartmouth town up the river to the castle and enjoy some spectacular scenery on the way.
33 miles from Dawlish Warren.
Ready to conquer the castle? Your own little army will love an adventure in South Devon.
Request a brochure or get in touch at Welcome Family in Dawlish Warren.