Castle Drogo
DevonWhere dramatic architecture meets innovative family home. A 20th century castle overlooking the Teign Gorge.
National Trust, Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, near Exeter, Devon, EX6 6PB
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 10 November 2026
Asset Opening time Castle Closed Garden 10:00 - 16:00 Visitor centre 10:00 - 16:00 Café 10:00 - 16:00 Shop 10:00 - 16:00 Last entrance to castle 30 minutes before the advertised closing time (main season this will be 4pm, off season this will be 3pm). Last entry to the cafe 30 minutes before closing.
Car park
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Car Park 4 Hours £4.00 Castle and garden
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £14.30 £13.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £7.20 £6.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £35.80 £32.50 1 adult & up to 3 children £21.50 £19.50 Group (Adult 18+) £12.35 Group (Child 5-17) £6.18 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Bookshop
There is a small second hand bookshop in the café.
- Car park
Limited spaces. If the car park is full please come back another time. Please do not park along the drive as this blocks access for farm vehicles. National Trust members park for free - just scan your membership card for your free parking ticket. Machines accept coins only or you can pay via the JustPark app.
Car park - more information- Coffee shop
The coffee shop at Castle Drogo, serves hot and cold drinks, light lunches, fresh bakes, and cream teas. The coffee shop also offers a takeaway offer including hot and cold drinks, snacks, and bakes.
- Cycle parking
There are bike racks on site, located near the outside seating area for the café.
Cycle parking - more information- Dogs allowed
Dogs on leads are welcome, with the exception of the café, circular lawn and castle. Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the property.
Dogs allowed - more information- Electric vehicle charging point
Eight 11kW electric vehicle charging points are available in the main car park. Chargers can be accessed using mobile app, RFID card, or a contactless payment device. Chargers are only available to visitors during opening hours. Visit our EV charging provider RAW Charging’s website to download the app in advance of your visit.
Electric vehicle charging point - more information- Family friendly
Baby-changing facilities are available at visitor reception and the castle. Buggy/pushchair friendly routes are available around the garden. Hip-carrying infant seats available for loan in the house. Children’s menu available. Throughout school holidays kid's trails and activities run throughout the grounds. Please supervise children at all times.
Family friendly - more information- Guided tour
Roof tours run at certain dates of the year subject to volunteers and suitable weather conditions.
Guided tour - more information- Picnic area
There are benches available in the Orchard and close to the Visitor Centre and car park. Please note: we ask that all visitors take their rubbish home with them.
Picnic area - more information- Plant shop
- Shop
- Toilet
Blue Badge parking and drop-off point. Poor phone signal. Accessible toilets. Some uneven surfaces.
- Accessible route and/or map
There is an accessible map and walking route available from visitor reception.
- Accessible toilet
Accessible toilet at visitor reception.
- Braille (guide or menu)
Braille guides are available in the castle
- Drop-off point
There is a drop-off point on entering the main car park to the left.
- Induction loop
The visitor reception, shop and café have induction loops.
- Large print (guide or menu)
Large copies of maps, children’s trails, and guides available. Please ask at Visitor Reception.
- Level access to food outlet
- Level access to shop
- Level access/terrain
Step-free access available via tarmac and gravel paths (these can be steep in places). Please note: there are steep drops around the property so please supervise young children or vulnerable adults.
- Photograph album
- Powered mobility vehicle available
Tramper hire available from 10.30am - 4pm. To book in advance call 01647 433306 or email castledrogo@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Powered mobility vehicle available - more information- Ramped access/slopes
Ask at reception for door to be opened to access castle via ramped access. Other entrance includes steps.
- Seating available
There are benches around the grounds and garden and chairs throughout the castle
- Steps/uneven terrain
Ask at reception for door to be opened to access castle via ramped access. After the Entrance Hall and Library all rooms are via stairs mostly without handrails. Winter entrance includes steps.
- Transfer available
The buggy is usually available when the castle is open (10.30am-4.15pm), as a shuttle to and from the castle. Please contact us if you require confirmation that the buggy is running today.
- Wheelchairs available
There are wheelchairs available in visitor reception and in the castle.
This is the Castle Drogo car park - what3words: ///premises.taxed.sublet
- On foot
- Castle Drogo is on several long distance walking routes. Two Moors Way, a coast to coast walking route crossing Dartmoor and Exmoor and the Dartmoor way, 108 miles circular route around Dartmoor National park.
- By train
- Trains run from Exeter to: Yeoford train station (8 miles from Castle Drogo) Okehampton train station (12.3 miles from Castle Drogo)
- By bus
- Take the Country Bus 173 from Exeter Cheeke Street, Stop 39, (Exeter to Moretonhampstead). The 173 bus operates Monday to Saturday and takes roughly 1 hour. The bus drops off at the bottom of Castle Drogo's drive which is 800 yard walk uphill to the Visitor Centre.
- Cycling
- There are bike racks on site, located near the outside seating area for the coffee shop. The nearest cycle route is Route 28 of the National Cycle Network (NCN28), which is part of the long distance cycling route, the Dartmoor Way. From Moretonhampstead on NCN28, you need to go straight on instead of left at the junction to Great Weeke to reach the A382, then turn right at the Sandy Park Inn and follow the road until you reach the bottom of the drive to Castle Drogo. From Chagford on NCN28, you need to turn left when you reach Chagford village square and follow the B3206 to Easton Cross. At Easton Cross turn left onto the A382 and follow that road until you reach the Sandy Park Inn. At the junction here, turn right and follow the road until you reach the bottom of the Castle Drogo drive. Please note: These roads are narrow and shared with heavy traffic.
- By road
- 5 miles south of A30. From the A30 take A382 Whiddon Down to Moretonhampstead road; turn off at Sandy Park, then follow signs to Castle Drogo. Approach lanes narrow with tight corners. From Plymouth drive over Dartmoor passing Two Bridges, when you reach Moretonhampstead follow the A382 to Sandy Park, turn right, and follow signs up to Castle Drogo. Due to the narrow roads on the approach to Castle Drogo coaches and motorhomes longer than 10.5 metres and wider than 2.39 metres (or bigger than 43 seats) are not recommended.
- Parking
- Car park is 400 yards from the property. This car park uses the JustPark app and payment machines for member check-in and non-member payments. If you choose to use the JustPark app, please download it before your visit and create an account if you do not already have one. You’ll be asked to add payment details; National Trust members will not be charged for parking. The JustPark code for this location is 80535. Non members: £3 for up to 4 hours, £7.50 all day. National Trust members park for free - scan your membership card for your free parking ticket. Machines are coin only.
National Trust, Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, near Exeter, Devon, EX6 6PB
Planning your visit
Sustainable travel across Dartmoor National Trust
Sustainable travel to National Trust places around Dartmoor is easier than you might think. We've put together a useful guide to help you navigate some greener transport options.
Christmas at Castle Drogo
This Christmas join us to celebrate the winter months and experience Christmas at Castle Drogo. With stunning wintery walks, set amongst the beautiful and wild Dartmoor landscape, there's plenty to keep you active and warm. Head down to the Castle and enjoy music from local community groups, or admire the castle decorated for Christmas. In the visitor centre why not indulge in some festive treats in the coffee shop and of course do a little Christmas shopping. The shop is stocked with lots of gift inspiration, check out some of our products from local makers for something extra special.
Visiting Castle Drogo with your dog
Castle Drogo is a two pawprint rated place. You and your dog are welcome to take a gentle stroll around the grounds or head to the Teign Gorge for miles of dog friendly routes.
Highlights
Castle
Where dramatic architecture meets innovative family home. A 20th-century castle, overlooking the Teign Gorge. Please check our opening times page for full details.
Estate
Explore this ancient gorge, teeming with wildlife on trails along the river.
Garden
Created over 100 years ago and carved into the landscape, there's something of interest to see in all seasons.
Shop
Pick up souvenirs from your visit at the Castle Drogo shop.
Café
Come and fill up in the Castle Drogo café, with a selection of hot and cold drinks, light lunches and snacks.
Chapel
The last part of the castle to be built, finished in 1931, with the addition of the bell tower.
Things to see and do
Exploring the Teign Gorge at Castle Drogo
Follow the winding paths below the castle into the sheltered Teign Gorge. Explore this ancient gorge teeming with wildlife on trails along the river or soak up views over Dartmoor.
Visiting the garden at Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo’s garden is the highest garden cared for by the National Trust. Discover circular lawns, formal terraces, a rhododendron garden and a tranquil Chapel Garden at this castle garden on Dartmoor.
Family-friendly things to do at Castle Drogo
Explore the garden and Teign Gorge at Castle Drogo. With miles of paths to explore, there’s an adventure for children of all ages. Discover the Bunty House in the garden, let off some steam along the river or tick off some of your '50 things to do before you're 11¾'.
Things to see and do inside Castle Drogo
Explore the castle’s interior and discover its precious treasures and family stories. As the last castle to be built in England modern features were included for the ambitious owner.
Christmas at Castle Drogo
This Christmas join us to celebrate the winter months and experience Christmas at Castle Drogo. With stunning wintery walks, set amongst the beautiful and wild Dartmoor landscape, there's plenty to keep you active and warm. Head down to the Castle and enjoy music from local community groups, or admire the castle decorated for Christmas. In the visitor centre why not indulge in some festive treats in the coffee shop and of course do a little Christmas shopping. The shop is stocked with lots of gift inspiration, check out some of our products from local makers for something extra special.
Spotlight events
Christmas at Castle Drogo
Get into the festive spirit at Castle Drogo this winter and celebrate 100 years of Christmas with us. The castle will be decorated with trees, garlands and of course lights to give that feel-good glow of Christmas.
Eating and shopping
Eating and shopping at Castle Drogo
The coffee shop at Castle Drogo serves hot and cold drinks, lunches, snacks and sweet treats. Afterwards, stop off at the shop for a choice of gifts and souvenirs to take home with you.
Top trails
Piddledown Common walk
Enjoy a visually memorable walk from Castle Drogo that overlooks the dramatic Teign Gorge and takes in a variety of flora, including oak trees and wildflowers.
A walk to the Hydro Turbine at Castle Drogo
Take a gentle walk down to Castle Drogo's Hydro Turbine, built over 100 years ago to supply electricity to the castle, and find out more about how it works.
Teign Gorge classic circuit
Follow the breathtaking Hunters Path high above the river Teign for chances to spot wildlife and stunning views. The path then drops down into the beautiful woodland as you follow the river back to Castle Drogo.
Places to stay
Warcleave Cottage
A woodland hide-out complete with a tree-top balcony and a riverside garden.
The Lodge at Parke
A homely bolthole for two with the wilds of Dartmoor on its doorstep.
Upcoming events
Hydro Open Day
The hydro turbine building on the River Teign will be open for you to look inside. The knowledgeable guide will be able to tell you about the history of this building along with how it was restored and how it works.
Christmas at Castle Drogo 2026
Get into the festive spirit at Castle Drogo this winter and celebrate 100 years of Christmas with us. The castle will be decorated with trees, garlands and of course lights to give that feel-good glow of Christmas.
About Castle Drogo
High above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge stands Castle Drogo. Inspired by the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it, the castle was designed and built by renowned 20th-century architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Outside the Lutyens designed garden is colourful in all seasons, and there are miles of pathways to explore in the Teign Gorge.
History
History of Castle Drogo
Julius Drewe, a wealthy tea merchant, commissioned Edwin Lutyens to build Castle Drogo in Devon in 1911. He was inspired by a claimed link to the Norman baron Drogo de Teign. Despite delays, scaling down, and persistent leaks, the castle was completed enough for the family to move in by 1926 and later passed to the National Trust in 1974. The Trust finished restoration of the roof in 2021.
The hydro turbine at Castle Drogo
Discover how a hydro turbine was used at this remote family home and castle on Dartmoor, by generating electricity from renewable resources.
Art and collections
Castle Drogo's objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Castle Drogo on the National Trust Collections website.
Our work
Conservation at Castle Drogo
Find out how Castle Drogo has been conserved using a combination of high-tech and heritage building materials. Discover how the work was funded through generous donations.
Conserving Castle Drogo’s Casson organ
Last year we started a project to put the icing on the cake in the Chapel. After finishing work to make the chapel watertight, redecorating the interior, conserving our stained-glass windows and altar rail, the final piece in the jigsaw was conserving our organ so it can be played.
Support us
Volunteer opportunities at Castle Drogo
Find out more about volunteering opportunities at Castle Drogo and how you can join the team to play your part in looking after this special family home.
