Top 5 Castles around Woodland

Yes, several castles in the Woodland area are great for families. Dartington Hall and Gardens is a family-friendly historical site with extensive grounds and a 2,000-year-old yew tree. Hembury Castle Hillfort is also noted as a great place to visit with children, combining history with nature. Additionally, Compton Castle and Formal Gardens offers a fortified manor house and beautiful gardens suitable for a family outing.

The castles around Woodland cover a range of historical periods. You can explore Iron Age history at Hembury Castle Hillfort, which also features a Norman Motte and Bailey Castle. Totnes Castle is a classic Norman motte and bailey, rebuilt in the 13th century. Dartington Hall is the largest medieval estate in the west of England, while Berry Pomeroy Castle dates back to the 15th century, and Compton Castle is over 600 years old.

The castles around Woodland are often set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. The region is known for the River Dart, which you can see from Totnes Castle and near Dartington Hall. Hembury Castle Hillfort is located high up in Hembury Woods, offering a combination of history and nature, with opportunities for walks along the River Dart. Berry Pomeroy Castle is nestled in the woods and features a small lake with waterfowl.

Yes, many castles offer opportunities for walks. Hembury Castle Hillfort has short walks up to the castle and longer trails tracing the River Dart. Footpaths run around Berry Pomeroy Castle, allowing you to glimpse the ruins. For more extensive walking, you can explore the running trails around Woodland, which include routes like the 'Fishscale House – The Card House loop from Ashburton'.

Beyond exploring the castles, the Woodland area offers various outdoor activities. You can find gravel biking routes, such as the 'Fingle Bridge – Wray Valley Trail loop from Bovey Tracey'. There are also cycling routes, including the 'View of the River Dart – Totnes Town Centre loop from Broadhempston'. For those who enjoy running, there are several running trails available.

Yes, some castles offer convenient dining options. Dartington Hall and Gardens has a good cafe with vegan options. Berry Pomeroy Castle also features an excellent cafe on-site.

The best time to visit castles around Woodland generally depends on your preferences. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring gardens and grounds, with Dartington Hall even hosting summer concerts. Autumn can provide beautiful scenery with changing foliage, especially around sites like Berry Pomeroy Castle nestled in the woods. Always check specific opening times as they may vary seasonally.

Yes, Dartington Hall and Gardens is unique in this regard. It is the largest medieval estate in the west of England but was never fortified with walls, towers, or moats, unlike most manor houses of its time.

Totnes Castle is a classic Norman motte and bailey, considered one of the best-preserved in England. Perched on a hill, it commanded the area and the important inland harbour of the River Dart. Originally an earth and timber construction, it was rebuilt in stone in the 13th century. Visitors can enjoy great views over the town, countryside, and River Dart from its walls.

Yes, both organizations manage castles in the Woodland area. Compton Castle and Formal Gardens is managed by the National Trust. Totnes Castle and Berry Pomeroy Castle are managed by English Heritage. Entry fees typically apply for non-members at these sites.

Visitors appreciate the rich history and natural beauty surrounding the castles. Many enjoy the unique architectural styles, from medieval estates to fortified manor houses. The extensive grounds and gardens, like those at Dartington Hall and Compton Castle, are frequently highlighted. The scenic views, especially from elevated sites like Totnes Castle, and the combination of history with nature at places like Hembury Castle Hillfort, are also popular.

Yes, several castles have unique aspects. Dartington Hall is notable for its 2,000-year-old yew tree and the 'Twelve Apostles' yew espalier. Hembury Castle Hillfort is locally known as Danes Camp, with a legend of a Viking invasion. Berry Pomeroy Castle is a ruined castle with a reputation for being haunted, adding an intriguing element to its historical appeal.