Powderham Castle
We’re lucky being in Exeter that we’re close to many great places to take the kids. Powderham Castle is a stone’s throw away from us and has lots on offer for the kids to do.
Opening Times
11 am – 4.30 pm Sunday – Friday (Not open on Saturdays).
Dogs are allowed on a lead in parts of the grounds. Not in the Deer Park or Walled Garden.
What’s On?
Between 30th July – 4th August the Pocketwatch Theatre Company are going to be there telling magical tales of Knights, Dragon’s, Witches and Wizards. The sessions run for approximately 45 – 60 minutes and are aimed at 5 – 11-year-olds. Tickets are available on the day.
A Guided Tour of the Castle – Take a guided tour inside the castle where you will explore the many beautiful rooms and listen to stories of the Courtenay family and the history of the castle.
The Walled Garden Play Area & Pets Corner – Housed in what was originally a Victorian Walled Garden is now home to many animals and a play area for kids. Here you will find a donkey, pot-bellied pigs, goats, chickens, sheep, guinea pigs, and apparently stick insects. There’s a large picnic area with seating and the Courtenay Fort.
Themed Days – As mentioned above they have a Knights and Dragons event, but listed on the Powderham Castle Website are many more:
- Knights & Dragons – Sunday 30 July – Friday 4 August
- Faerie Folk – Sunday 6 – Friday 11 August
- Robin Hood – Sunday 13 -Friday 18 August
- Pirates & Mermaids – Sunday 20 – Saturday 26 August
- Wonderland – Sunday 27 August – Friday 1 September
These are all provided by the Pocket Watch Theatre Company and Clive PiG so it’s likely that whenever you visit there will be something a bit special happening.
Birds of Prey – Running from 23rd July – 1st September Devon Bird of Prey will be holding demonstrations twice daily (1pm & 3.30pm) and you may even get a chance to hold one of the birds.
The Potting Shed – I’m not sure if this is a new addition as I haven’t noticed this before, but your kids can have a go at planting something which they can take home with them.
Deer Park Safari – Hands up who has a competition to see who can spot the deer first? My in-laws live in Starcross so we always look out for them when we’re on the train (a better view). If they’re sitting out on the grass it’s a sign of a nice day. Not sure how true it is but they always sit out on the nicer days. Take the Safari Tractor Train ride which takes approximately 35 minutes around the grounds to meet many deer (approximately 600) and other wildlife. There is an additional charge for this of £2.50.
Nature Trails – There are two nature trails which you can follow and daily nature craft activities are on offer in the Nature Nook.
How Much Does it Cost?
- Adult tickets start from £8.50
- Children (4 – 16) start from £6.50
- Family ticket from £23.50
The full-priced ticket price does also allows you to return for free within 7 days if you get it validated on the day.
How to get there
Oh and don’t forget to try some of the many yummy cakes that they always seem to have.
Have you been to Powderham Castle? Share your thoughts below in the comments.
For more inspiration of places to visit in Devon, please take a look at our Devon Days Out page.