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Castle Drogo
Where dramatic architecture meets innovative family home. A 20th century castle overlooking the Teign Gorge.
Drewsteignton, near Exeter, Devon, EX6 6PB
Important notice
We are aware of recent reports of dogs falling ill after being exercised near or on land at Fingle Bridge on Dartmoor. Sadly, two dogs have subsequently died. We are taking matters very seriously and our team are continuing to investigate.
Opening times for 3 May 2024
Asset Opening time Castle 10:30 - 16:30 Garden 10:00 - 17:00 Visitor centre 10:00 - 17:00 Café 10:00 - 17:00 Shop 10:00 - 17:00 Last entry to the castle is always 30 minutes before the advertised closing time. During the main season last entry to the castle is at 4pm, in the winter last entry is at 3pm.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard 2 hours £3.00 Castle and gardens
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £16.50 £15.00 Child £8.30 £7.50 Family £41.30 £37.50 Family (1 adult) £24.80 £22.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Assistance dogs only
Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site.
Dogs
Dogs on leads are welcome, with the exception of the cafe and castle. Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the property.
Book shop
There is a small second hand bookshop in our café.
Plant shop
Cafe
Shop
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.
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.
Level access/terrain
Step-free access available via tarmac and gravel paths (please note steep in places).
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilet at visitor reception.
Photograph album
Braille (guide or menu)
Braille guides are available in the castle
Powered mobility vehicle available
Tramper hire available
Drop-off point
There is a drop-off point on entering the main car park to the left.
Ramped access/slopes
Ramped access to the castle entrance
Induction loop
The visitor reception, shop and café have induction loops.
Seating available
There are benches around the grounds and garden and chairs throughout the castle
Large print (guide or menu)
Large copies of maps, children’s trails, and guides available. Please ask at Visitor Reception.
Transfer available
The buggy is available when the Castle is open, as a shuttle to and from the Castle. Please contact us if you require confirmation of the buggy service.
Level access to food outlet
Wheelchairs available
There are wheelchairs available in visitor reception and in the castle.
Level access to shop
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: 400 yards, parking charges apply, £3 for up to 2 hours, £7.50 all day. Members free, but please scan your card in the machine to receive a ticket to put on your windscreen.
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 Stagecoach bus 173 from Exeter City Centre, Bus station stand 1 (Exeter to Chagford). 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.
By bicycle
Castle Drogo is close to National Cycle Network Route 28 which is part of the long distance cycling route, the Dartmoor Way. There are bike racks on site, located near the outside seating area for the café.
Planning your visit
Article
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.
PDF
Article
The Tramper at Castle Drogo
Mobility Tramper hire is available for use on the estate and grounds, operated in partnership with Countryside Mobility Scheme.
Highlights
Castle
Where dramatic architecture meets innovative family home. A 20th-century castle, overlooking the Teign Gorge.
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
Article
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.
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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.
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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'.
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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.
Spotlight events
What's on at Castle Drogo
Hydro Turbine 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.
Natural Navigation Trail
Join us this May half term and learn to read nature's clues. Follow a fun trail around the Drogo gardens using just the landscape and your wits to guide you! This is a free event (normal admission applies) running from 25 May until the 2 June.
Eating and shopping
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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.
Top trails
Trail
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.
Trail
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.
Trail
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
Event
Second hand book sale
This bank holiday weekend Castle Drogo will be holding a second hand book sale. We have lots of books that need new homes!
Event
Hydro Turbine 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.
Event
Waggy Walks at Hembury and Ausewell
Join us for a sociable dog walk at our woodlands in the Dart Valley.
Event
Meet the Local Makers: Four Elms Fruit Farm
Join us in the shop to experience the flavours of locally made apple juice and cider with Four Elms Fruit Farm.
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
Article
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
Project
Project
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.
Project
Project
Conserving Castle Drogo’s Casson organ
We have recently started the 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 is conserving our organ so it can be played.
Support us
Article
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.