Top 4 Castles around Drewsteignton

The area around Drewsteignton offers a fascinating journey through history, featuring a diverse range of castles. You can explore ancient Iron Age hillforts like Prestonbury Castle, medieval motte and bailey ruins such as Okehampton Castle, and even the unique 20th-century country house, Castle Drogo, which is known as the last castle built in England.

For stunning panoramic views, Castle Drogo is dramatically situated on a rocky spur overlooking the Teign Gorge and offers expansive views over Dartmoor. Prestonbury Castle, an Iron Age hillfort, also provides commanding views over the Teign Valley. From the keep of Okehampton Castle, you can enjoy broad views of the surrounding moorland.

Yes, Prestonbury Castle, located within the parish of Drewsteignton, is an Iron Age hillfort dating back over 2,000 years. It consists of impressive earthwork ramparts and offers a direct connection to pre-Roman British history and early defensive structures.

Castle Drogo holds the distinction of being the last castle built in England, constructed between 1911 and 1930. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it blends medieval aesthetics with modern comforts of its time, including electricity and central heating. It's a unique example of early 20th-century ambition and architectural innovation.

Okehampton Castle is a medieval motte and bailey castle ruin, the largest in Devon, managed by English Heritage. You can explore its evocative ruins, climb to the keep for expansive views, and enjoy tranquil walks along the River Okement and through ancient woodlands. It's ideal for history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful heritage experience. Tickets cost £5.40, and you can find more information on their website: english-heritage.org.uk.

Yes, both Castle Drogo and Okehampton Castle are listed as family-friendly. Castle Drogo offers elegant rooms and gardens to explore, while Okehampton Castle provides ruins to explore and riverside walks. Prestonbury Castle, as an Iron Age hillfort, offers open spaces for exploration and views.

The area around Drewsteignton and its castles is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various hiking trails, including easy hikes like the 'Hunter's Path – Fingle Bridge loop' or 'Fingle Bridge – Riverside path along the River Teign loop'. There are also gravel biking routes, such as the 'Fingle Bridge – Clifford Bridge loop', and road cycling options like sections of the 'Dartmoor Way Cycle Route'. For more details on routes, visit the Drewsteignton guides for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling.

Absolutely. Castle Drogo is a popular starting point for walks into the Teign Gorge, with trails like the 'Wooden steps leading to Castle Drogo' highlight. Okehampton Castle is set amidst beautiful riverside and woodland areas, perfect for tranquil walks. Prestonbury Castle, being a hillfort, is also accessible via walking paths offering scenic views. You can find various hiking routes in the Easy hikes around Drewsteignton guide.

The castles and surrounding natural areas are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer vibrant gardens at Castle Drogo and pleasant walking conditions. Autumn brings spectacular foliage to the Teign Gorge. Even in winter, the dramatic landscapes and castle ruins offer a unique, peaceful experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours. Always check specific castle opening times before your visit.

While specific castle interiors might have restrictions, the grounds and surrounding areas are generally dog-friendly. Castle Drogo's extensive gardens and the Teign Gorge walks are popular with dog walkers. Okehampton Castle's riverside and woodland paths are also great for dogs. Always keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in sensitive natural areas.

There are options for refreshments. Castle Drogo has a cafe and shop on-site. The Fingle Bridge Inn is located near the Teign Gorge, offering amenities for walkers. In Drewsteignton village, you can find local pubs like The Drewe Arms. For Okehampton Castle, the nearby town of Okehampton offers various pubs and cafes.

For Castle Drogo, allow 2-3 hours to explore the castle and its gardens. Okehampton Castle can be explored in 1-2 hours, with additional time if you plan to walk along the river. Prestonbury Castle is an open-air site, and a visit might take 1-1.5 hours, including time to enjoy the views. If you plan to combine a castle visit with a longer hike, allocate a full half-day or day.

Public transport options to Drewsteignton and the castles can be limited. While there might be local bus services, they often require careful planning. For Castle Drogo, it's advisable to check the National Trust website for specific public transport advice. Okehampton Castle is more accessible from Okehampton town, which has better transport links. Driving is often the most convenient way to reach these sites.