Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo is a country house near Drewsteignton, Devon, England. It was built from 1911 and was finished in 1930 for Julius Drewe (businessman and founder of the Home and Colonial Stores) to designs by architect Edwin Lutyens, and is a Grade I listed building. Castle Drogo was the last castle to be built in England, and probably the last private house in the country to be built entirely of granite.
T: 01647 433306 SN: EX6 6PB
W: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo/
Buckland Abbey
When you visit Buckland, you follow over 700 years of footsteps; from the Cistercians who built the Abbey and farmed the estate, to seafarers Grenville and Drake who changed the shape of the house and the fate of the country.
The Abbey is part museum, part house, and filled with treasures such as the legendary Drake’s Drum. There’s no mistaking the magnificence of the Great Barn, which has remained virtually unchanged since it was built all those centuries ago.
T: 01822 853607 SN: PL20 6EY
W: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey/
Killerton House
One of Devon’s great estates, Killerton was given to the National Trust by Sir Richard Acland because of his political beliefs. At Killerton you can discover the fascinating Aclands and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as you explore their intimate family home. Enjoy the new costume collection exhibition, Gems, to see the most elaborate pieces and frocks from the collection and try on replica costumes.
T: 01392 881345 SN: EX5 3LE
W: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton/
Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle is located in a unique, picturesque setting just outside Exeter, beside the Exe estuary. Six hundred years of history are contained within the walls of one of England’s oldest family homes. Sir Philip Courtenay began building it in 1391 and it has remained in the same family to this day, currently home to the 18th Earl & Countess of Devon.
T: 01626 890243 SN: EX6 8JQ
W: http://www.powderham.co.uk/
St Michael’s Mount
Stroll across the causeway where a legendary giant once walked. Follow the footsteps of pilgrims. Boat hop to an island where modern life meets layers of history. Discover a medieval castle, a sub-tropical paradise and a close-knit island community. Delve into the history of an island, a priory, a harbour and a home.
T: 01736 710265 SN: TR17 0EF
W: http://www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk/
Gardens
Devon and Cornwall with their year round mild weather have many award-winning gardens with glorious displays for every season, meaning people return time and again for ideas, inspiration or simply to enjoy a marvellous day out. There are rose gardens, fruit and vegetable gardens, many have an arboretum, lakes and even bog gardens so there is something for everyone to enjoy. The ones we think you might like to visit include:
Cotehele
The Tudor house, perched high above the River Tamar, is decorated with tapestries, arms and armour, pewter, brass and old oak furniture. The interior tour has changed little over the years, although the furnishings were titivated as Cotehele continued to inspire its adoring owners.
Outside, explore the formally planted terraces, or lose yourself in the Valley Garden, which includes a medieval stewpond and dovecote and leads down to the river. Seek tranquillity in the Upper Garden or visit the two orchards planted with local apples and cherries.
From early spring flowers to herbaceous borders in high season, to the orchards in the autumn and snow drops in winter, you’ll find horticultural activity all year round.
T: 01579 351346 SN: PL12 6TA
W: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele/
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan near Mevagissey in Cornwall, are one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK. The gardens are typical of the nineteenth century Gardenesque style with areas of different character and in different design styles.
The gardens were created by members of the Cornish Tremayne family from the mid-18th century up to the beginning of the 20th century and still form part of the family’s Heligan estate. The gardens were neglected after the First World War and restored only in the 1990s, a restoration that was the subject of several popular television programmes and books.
T: 01726 845100 SN: PL26 6EN
W: www.heligan.com
The Garden House
Explore a beautiful garden steeped in history, set in a tranquil Devon valley – a source of pure joy and inspiration. The garden is several gardens in one, and its 10 acres glory in a huge and diverse plant collection – nearly 6,000 plant varieties to admire.
W: http://www.thegardenhouse.org.uk/
The Eden Project
Lanhydrock
Lanhydrock is the perfect country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home.
The extensive gardens have year-round colour and there are beautiful herbaceous borders, a fabulous formal parterre and colourful higher gardens.
The estate is well worth exploring too, with ancient woodlands and tranquil riverside paths. There are also off-road cycle trails, with special routes for families and novice riders, and you can even hire a bike from us to make the most of this new opportunity.
As with many gardens, the best time to visit Lanhydrock is when the azaleas are in bloom in the Higher Garden behind the main house. The scent and sight of the flowers is quite overwhelming.
T: 01208 265950 SN: PL30 5AD
W: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock/
Trelissick
W: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick/