Compton Castle

Important notice -

We're working hard to reopen many of our places where it is safe to do so. Compton Castle is currently closed, but we hope to reopen on Tuesday 25 May 2021.

Dramatic fortified manor house and small formal garden

More about this place

Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Visiting this spring 

Our gardens, parks and countryside locations are open to visit. Shops are also open and outdoor seating is available at some cafés. Subject to government confirmation, we're planning to reopen houses in England and Wales from 17 May, and in Northern Ireland from 24 May. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. When space is available, particularly on weekdays, pre-booking isn't always necessary. But to guarantee, entry please always book in advance, especially at busier times like weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance.

Back to top
Compton Castle

What's on 

Please book ahead before visiting 

Compton Castle will reopen from 25 May, and you'll need to book your tickets by 3pm the day before your visit. Members can book for free, while non-members will need to pay when booking. We'll be releasing tickets every Friday. Please note we'll be turning people away who arrive and haven't booked. We're looking forward to welcoming you back.

Book now

Upcoming events

Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place.

Back to top
Compton Castle

History

A distant view of the north front of Compton Castle, Devon

A brief history of Compton Castle 

Find out about the history of Compton, which stretches back to the 1400s, and includes famous connections in Sir Humphrey Gilbert and his half brother Sir Walter Raleigh. There's a video of Sir Humphrey's life and times you can watch as well.

Back to top
Compton Castle

Shopping

Bring some character to your garden with our range of garden decor, available on the online shop

Treat yourself 

Looking for the perfect gift or perhaps you're in need of some retail therapy? You can browse our full range via our online shop. Your purchases and support enable us to continue to care for the nature, beauty and history we all miss.

Back to top
Compton Castle

Places to stay

The garden at Compton Castle, with holiday cottage the Watch Tower in the background

The Watch Tower 

The three-storey building of the Watch Tower is built into the curtain wall of Compton Castle. It has been carefully restored, features a narrow winding staircase and small peeping windows, and sleeps two people.

Back to top
Compton Castle

Our work

Details of three portraits

Addressing our histories of colonialism and historic slavery 

Compton Castle, along with a number of other places and collections in our care, deals with contentious political histories. Learn more about what we are doing to be inclusive in our work and acknowledge the impact and legacies of colonialism.

View from the top of Compton Castle, Devon

Protecting the castle  

Compton Castle had a blanket of scaffolding last year, as we undertook some extensive restoration and installed a brand new lightning protection system.

Back to top
Compton Castle

Join or give

Visitors walking in the garden in spring at Belton House, Lincolnshire

Experience more with National Trust membership 

Now more than ever, we all need access to nature, fresh air and open spaces. Become a member today and you can explore our outdoor places and park at most of our car parks free of charge. What's more, your membership will go towards looking after nature, beauty and history for generations to come.

The rose garden in flower at Compton Castle

We need your support 

For 125 years, people like you have helped us protect some of the UK's best-loved places. Everyone needs nature, beauty and green spaces now more than ever. But our income has dropped sharply due to the coronavirus crisis, and our essential conservation work is at risk. Please give what you can to help us look after these places, so people and nature can thrive.

Back to top
Compton Castle

Art and collections

Our collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Compton Castle on the National Trust Collections website

Search the collections
Back to top
Close

For everyone, for ever

Download the app

© National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA

We use cookies to provide you with a better service. Carry on browsing if you're happy with this, or find out how to manage cookies.