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Powderham Castle

In a tranquil and beautiful setting beside the picturesque estuary of the River Exe lies the Medieval Castle of Powderham in a beautiful deer park, just a stone's throw from the historic cathedral city of Exeter.

Very little of the Castle itself has changed since those early days, but there are now many more attractions in the grounds for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
You can see the majestic rooms and hear the fascinating stories of the Castle as told by our knowledgeable and entertaining guides. The guided tours are suitable for all ages and last approximately one hour. Tours start at regular intervals during the day. All tours leave from the Courtenay Gallery, next to the Courtyard Gift Shop.

Visit a succession of magnificent Halls and State Rooms filled with lavish furnishings, tapestries and historic portraits of the Courtenay family, whose home the Castle has been for over 600 years. The Music Room is one of the finest rooms on display and was added to the Castle in 1794. Designed by James Wyatt, it was built for the 3rd Viscount's coming of age ball. The breathtaking Grand Staircase was once part of the Medieval Great Hall.

But if the exterior is a Victorian recreation of an idealised medieval castle, the interior is pure Georgian country house, with a profusion of elegant rooms topped by carefully moulded plasterwork ceilings. An extraordinary centrepiece is provided by the staircase hall, which rises the height of the building. The walls are encrusted with plasterwork birds, animals, and a variety of artistic motifs celebrating themes of peace and love.

The Estate and Castle has featured in a number of films including 'the Oscar winner:' Remains of of the Day and television programmes such as Midsummer Murders, and The Black Farmer. More recently Powderham Castle was featured in 'Great Country Houses' - Winner of RTS award 2006 for 'Best Programme about the Region'.