Powderham Castle

Located on the banks of the River Exe, Powderham Castle is one of the oldest family homes in Devon with over 600 years to discover. Its extensive Estate provides a beautiful opportunity to enjoy nature – from formal gardens to woodlands, estuary walks to panoramic views. 

Tramper routes at Powderham enable you to enjoy the wide variety of natural attractions offered by the Estate. One route heads west from the Castle providing access to the Walled Garden, American Garden, woodland and up to the Belvedere Tower, while a longer route passes through the famous Deer Park, skirts the Exe Estuary to Powderham Church. 

Tramper hire is available from the Welcome Hut. 

The Walled Garden
Enter the Victorian Garden and discover a sunny south facing garden which combines a pet corner, play area, refreshments and a glasshouse built by architect, Charles Fowler. A great place to enjoy for the whole family. 

The American Garden
Planted with species from around the Americas as well as other parts of the globe this secluded part of the Estate is one of the unexpected highlights. Thought to be inspired by the Fonthill Estate in Wiltshire, the leafy glade was originally planted in the 1790s. 

The Belvedere Tower
The Tramper really comes into its own in provinding up the hill to one of the most famous landmarks of the Estate and surely one of the finest views in the Exeter area. Built in 1773, the hill by the tower provides breathtaking views across the Exe Estuary and towards the historic city of Exeter. The recent restoration works were recognised by a Highly Commended award in the 2019 Georgian Awards.

The Deer Park 
An iconic feature of the Powderham Estate is the Deer Park, home to hundreds of fallow deer since before 1723. The deer will often come close to the tree lined track that forms one of the Tramper routes. 

Powderham Church 
St Clement’s Church dates back to 1259 and is the home church of the Courteney Family with some members of the previous generations acting as its Rector. Its services, open to visitors, reflect this history through use of the 1662 Prayer Book and readings from the King James Bible – reputedly the only church in the Diocese of Exeter to do so. 

Visitor Opening in 2022

Open Sunday to Friday until 30th October with the following exceptions:

Castle & Grounds closed: 28 & 29 April, 1 May, 3rd July, 15 – 17 July, 22 August – 10 September, 29 September – 2nd October 

1st July – only the Grounds are open.

Opening Hours – 10 – 4pm (extended to 5pm from 29th May)

Thank you to Exeter Chiefs Foundation
The cost of purchasing the Tramper available for hire at Powderham Castle was partly funded by the Exeter Chiefs Foundation. A big thank you to them for their support in providing access for visitors and locals to this popular attraction.