Family-friendly things to do at Castle Drogo
Have a family adventure at Castle Drogo whatever the season. Discover a host of family-friendly activities to take part in, from outdoor challenges to spotter trails in the castle and more, there's plenty to make the most of your family day out.
Pushchairs and baby carriers
It's not possible to take pushchairs or large baby carriers (worn on the back) around the castle. There are a lot of stairs that make it unsuitable for pushchairs, and large back carriers pose a risk to the collection. There is a covered pushchair parking area close to the castle, we can also offer hip carriers. Ask one of our team of friendly volunteers in the Entrance hall.
Planning your family visit
Here is the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out to Castle Drogo:
- There is a children's menu available as well as access for wheelchairs in the café. Find out more about eating and drinking at Castle Drogo by following this link.
- Baby-changing facilities are available in visitor reception and at the castle.
- Buggy and wheelchair friendly routes are available around the garden.
- Bags can be left in a cupboard in the entrance hall and hip-carrying infant seats are available for loan in the house.
- Pocket money gifts and children’s books are available in the shop.
- Bikes, scooters and ball games are not allowed in the grounds.
- Dogs are welcome in some areas of the property. Follow the link to find out more about visiting with your dog.
- We ask that you please take any rubbish home with you.
Family fun at Castle Drogo
There's plenty of fun to be had in the gardens.
Even on wet weather days, you can make the most of a day out with your family.
Things to do in the garden
The garden has lots of paths to explore. Follow Mr Drewe's path for impressive views across the Teign Gorge, or follow the path through to the Chapel Garden and feel like you’re in a secret garden. For those with a bit of energy to burn, head to the circular lawn, the perfect place to have a run around. Why not see how long it takes to run all the way around the edge?
We run family trails throughout each school holidays, so there will be something for when you're tired of being at home. The current trail is Summer of Play where you can spend the day having fun with classic toys and games from the 1970s. You can learn more about a day out with Summer of Play at Castle Drogo below.
Get closer to nature
Do you know what you'll see when you visit Castle Drogo in Spring? How about in Autumn? We're very lucky here to have a wealth of nature to explore not just in the gardens but across the entire gorge. Each season we have a different spotter sheet for you to use on your outdoor adventure to help you discover the wonderful wildlife that surrounds us. You can take a photo of the spotter sheet at Visitor Reception to take with you on your exploration.
Summer of play
There’s lots of fun to be had this summer at Castle Drogo as we turn back the clock to the 1970s.
From space hoppers to swingball, the gardens will be filled with classic 1970s toys and games for you to find and enjoy. There will be ten stations in the garden, for you to explore. Make sure you follow your map and keep an eye out for bunting to find them all.
There is also a trail in the castle with some 70s objects to spot as you explore each room. So — whatever the weather — it's guaranteed to be perfect for kids and parents alike. Visit the Summer of Play event page by clicking here.
Things to do in the castle
We care for some impressive rooms and objects here at Castle Drogo, so there is plenty to be explored and adventures to be had.
Do you want to know what the velvet curtains feel like? How about what the cologne that Mr Drewe would have worn smells like? Throughout several of the rooms you'll find places with an octagonal sign inviting you to touch or play or smell or pick up. These will help you understand what life would have been like at Drogo, great for inquisitive minds (and hands).
Find out more about things to do inside the castle here.
The pets of Castle Drogo
Throughout her life, Mary Drewe was a big animal lover. She had many different pets, including dogs, cats, and even a parrot. You might notice that they have run off to hide around the house. Can you spot them all to help us find them?
70s throwbacks
50 years ago this year, Castle Drogo was opened to the public. We're making this year all things 70's, including a trail of classic 70s items around the house. Can you find the David Cassidy album? How about Bagpuss? Keep your eyes peeled during your visit.
The Undercroft Disco
Can you hear that? Next to the chapel you'll find our Undercroft Disco. Fitting in with the theme of the 1970s this room is the perfect place to burn off some energy and cut some shapes on the dance floor. From dancing like a queen with ABBA to rocking out with Thin Lizzy, there is no reason not to pop in for a boogie.
'50 things to do before you're 11¾'
Can you tick these off your '50 things' list at Castle Drogo?
- No. 4 Build a den: Test your wilderness skills and have a go at building a den. There is lots of excellent woodland around the Teign Gorge perfect for building a den. Always remeber to not disturb and wildlife and leave no trace.
- No. 31 Make friends with a bug: Find some dead wood or a nice big stick turn it over and see what creepy crawlies are livig there.
- No. 44 Watch a bird: The Teign Gorge is home to many bird varieties. Listen out for the songbirds and the unmistakeable tap of the woodpecker. Out on the gorge there are often buzzrds and ravens soaring over head.
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.
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.
Eating and shopping at Castle Drogo
The café 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.
