Castle Drogo is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Uncover the rich stories of the National Trust property and the captivating stories surrounding this historical site. Immerse yourself in the stunning countryside of Devon and witness breathtaking views. Here’s how you can have an unforgettable visit to Castle Drogo Devon.
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Castle Drogo was the last castle to be built in England. It is Grade I listed.
Castle Drogo Reviews
As I walked up to Castle Drogo in Devon, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. The towering castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Devon countryside, looked like something out of a fairytale. I was excited to learn more about the history of this National Trust property, inspired by the rugged Dartmoor tors surrounding it.
As I entered the 20th Century castle and museum, I was greeted by friendly staff who provided me with a guidebook and offered their assistance should I need it. The castle was built between 1911 and 1930. Walking through the castle’s many rooms, I was struck by the intricate details and impressive architecture. Who built Castle Drogo? The castle was designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and took over 20 years to complete.
As I explored the castle, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would have been like to live there in its heyday. The castle has a rich history built for Julius Drewe and was a family home for over 600 years. I learned that the castle had undergone extensive conservation work in recent years, with the National Trust investing millions of pounds to preserve this important piece of history. The National Trust has done an incredible job of preserving this piece of history for future generations to enjoy.
Castle Drogo Gardens
The castle has a formal garden which is Grade II listed. The views of Teign Gorge and the surrounding countryside are breathtaking. There are miles of pathways to explore, teeming with wildlife and plants alive with colour throughout the seasons.
Relax in the sunken rose and tranquil chapel gardens or wander through the formal terraces and rhododendron gardens. You can also explore the orchard, let children burn off steam on the circular lawn, or play in the Bunty House.
Castle Drogo Walks
The Castle Drogo Circular Walk, also known as the Teign Gorge Classic Circuit, is one of the most famous walks on Dartmoor. Follow Hunters Path from the castle. It’s a moderate walk with mixed terrain. The walk will take about 2.5 hours, covering 4.1 miles (6.56km).
Castle Drogo Wild Swimming
Salmon Leaps is a popular wild swimming spot on a long stretch of open water on the River Teign. The pool sits at the foot of Castle Drogo and is accessible on foot, just a short walk from their car park.
Drewe Family Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo is a country house. Julius Drewe, the founder of Home and Colonial Stores, believed the land was his supposed medieval ancestors, Drogo de Teigne. He bought 450 acres in 1910. How much did Castle Drogo cost? The budget was £50,000 for the castle and a further £10,000 for the garden. Due to limited craftsmen, the castle build was delayed during the First World War. Castle Drogo was finally completed in 1930.
Castle Drogo Events
If walking around the magnificent halls wasn’t enough, plenty of events happen throughout the year at Castle Drogo. There are craft sessions for children, disability play dates, theatre shows and food festivals. Check out the visitor information before you travel.
- Castle Drogo Easter – generally, there’s an Easter Egg trail around the garden and grounds.
- Castle Drogo Half Term – you can participate in a trail around the gardens, visit the café, play in the play area, walk to Fingle Bridge or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the castle.
- Castle Drogo Halloween – are you brave enough to walk in the woods? Learn some Dartmoor folklore, follow the pixie trail or do some pumpkin carving.
- Castle Drogo at Christmas – there will be music and magic around the castle, decorated for a Christmas Eve party. Father Christmas also visits the castle. He tells a story with one of the elves and hands out gifts.
- Castle Drogo Weddings – currently, you can’t get married at Castle Drogo.
Castle Drogo Opening Times
The Gardens, Book Shop, Plant Shop and Visitor Centre are open daily from 10am, and the Castle from 10.30am. The Castle closes at 4.30pm from March to October and 3.30pm outside of those months. The Garden, Book Shop, Plant Shop and Visitor Centre are open until 5pm. The estate and car park is open from dawn to dusk.
Castle Drogo Cafe Opening Times
The café is open from 10am to 5pm daily. National Trust cafes are great places to stop for food or drink. The menu is inspired by Dartmoor, including burgers using venison from the estate. You can also enjoy pastries, sandwiches, soup and jacket potatoes. Drinks include tea, coffee, soft drinks and juice. There’s also ice cream, cakes and freshly baked scones.
Currently, the Castle Drogo Afternoon Tea is not available. However, you could make your own by purchasing sandwiches, scones, cake and a pot of tea.
Castle Drogo Gift Shop
The National Trust shops offer something different to the high street. As well as mementoes inspired by Castle Drogo, there are things to brighten up your home, such as rugs, blankets, cushions, ceramics and kitchen items. Alongside this, there are sunglasses, hats, scarves, bags and jewellery.
Where is Castle Drogo?
The estate is 5 miles south of the A30. The roads on the approach are narrow, so they may not be suitable for coaches or motorhomes. The Castle Drogo Car Park is pay and display starting at £2 for 2 hours. National Trust Members are free. Castle Drogo Postcode is EX6 6PB. You can also get there on foot, by bike or on the bus: Castle Drogo Directions.
Is Castle Drogo Dog Friendly?
Yes! Absolutely! Dogs on leads are welcome. The only areas they can’t go in are the café (though they are welcome in the outside seating area), castle and formal gardens. Dog waste bins are in the car park and the estate, and water bowls are outside the visitor centre and café.
Castle Drogo Entrance Fee
To enter the Castle and Gardens is £14 per adult, £7 per child and family tickets start at £21. Castle Drogo Book Tickets – this was a COVID protocol; pre-book tickets are no longer needed. Is Castle Drogo free for National Trust Members? Yes, National Trust Members get in free of charge.
National Trust Wales Membership
With your membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The National Trust membership includes:
- Unlimited free entry to all of the properties.
- Essential companion card where you can bring up to two carers if you have a disability. These can be different people; the card is in your name.
- Free parking at the majority of car parks. Some National Trust car parks are in other natural areas like beaches and countryside walks.
- Annually you’ll be sent a handbook full of information about the properties. However, the website is easy to navigate, finding places to visit by area or postcode.
- Regular members magazine, sent three times a year.
- Regular e-newsletters.
- Join by direct debit and get a £15 gift card to spend in the National Trust shops or café.
Perks to visiting National Trust properties:
- The majority of National Trust sites are dog-friendly. Going inside the buildings can be tricky, as dogs can’t enter them. However, you can take turns if you go as a couple or a group.
- There are plenty of activities for children, such as things to find in the gardens and walking trails. Many of them have play areas too.
- If you are going for history, you may have to do your own research.
- National Trust wins in nature, as the properties have many grounds, long walks, and nature areas such as the South West Coast Path.
How much is a National Trust membership?
Memberships can be purchased in total, by direct debit or as a gift voucher and are for a year. Get yours here.
- Adult Membership (age 26 plus) = £84 a year (£7 per month)
- Young Person Membership (age 18-25) = £42 a year
- Junior Membership (age 6-17, under 5’s are free) = £10 a year
- Joint Membership (2 adults) = £139.20 a year (£11.60 per month)
- Family Membership (for 2 adults) = £146.40 a year (£12.20 per month)
- Family Membership (for 1 adult) = £91.20 a year (£7.60 per month)
- Individual Life Membership = £1, 845 or £1,380 for over 60s
- Joint Life Membership = £2,305 or £1,730 for over 60s
- Family Life Membership = £2415
Use Top Cash Back when purchasing your membership
I’ve been a member of TopCashBack UK for several years and, to date, have earned over £1000 from it. Trust me, it’s a no-brainer, and you can make extra money by shopping online. Currently, you can get 3.15% back on your National Trust membership.
Castle Drogo Game of Thrones
Castle Drogo has no association with Game of Thrones. However, the show features a character called Kahl Drogo and castles.
Castle Drogo Accommodation
National Trust Holidays offer a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. Sleeping 2 – 12 guests, they have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
Have you visited other National Trust properties in Devon?
If you are in Devon or the South West, there are so many National Trust places to visit. Explore Killerton, a fascinating estate with an even more interesting history. There are also plenty of fascinating National Trust near Plymouth. If you love to explore historic houses, stately homes and gardens, there are also English Heritage places to visit in Devon.
Castle Drogo to Plymouth
Travelling from Cardiff, I often stop at Castle Drogo on our way to Plymouth or one of our annual visits to Looe and Polperro. Castle Drogo is about an hour from Plymouth.
If you are on a budget or want to watch the pennies during the school holidays or when on staycation, there are plenty of free things to do in Plymouth. If historic buildings are your thing, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, a short ferry ride from Plymouth, is a hidden gem rich in history, wildlife and walks. Also, if your dog is in tow, there are many dog-friendly restaurants to choose from.
Castle Drogo to Newquay
I have also visited Castle Drogo on our way to Newquay. The popular seaside resort is family-friendly and dog friendly and has previously been voted one of the nation’s favourite seaside towns. Discover all of the things to do in Newquay, Cornwall. You can also feel the sand between your feet and the salty sea breeze blowing through your hair on the best beaches in Newquay.
Get 50% off food
After visiting the National Trust, refuel up with Tastecard. You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
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