Compton Castle
Step back in time at Compton Castle, a remarkably preserved 14th-century fortified manor house with a living history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Garden in bloom, fewer crowds
Compton Castle
Best Time
Garden in bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Compton Castle, a remarkably preserved 14th-century fortified manor house with a living history.
"A lovely hour spent at this beautiful building, with friendly and knowledgeable staff."
🚗 Parking is across the road
The main car park is just over the road from the castle entrance. Disabled parking is available within the grounds.
📸 No interior photos allowed
As the castle is still lived in, photography inside is restricted. Enjoy the history without the camera!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Fortified Exterior
Castle Grounds
Marvel at the imposing medieval fortified manor house, complete with a portcullis and battlements. A true step back in time.
The Great Hall and Medieval Kitchen
Interior of the Castle
Explore the heart of the home, imagining life centuries ago in the Great Hall and the atmospheric medieval kitchen.
The Walled Garden
Castle Gardens
Wander through the charming, leafy walled garden, a peaceful oasis offering a contrast to the castle's defensive structure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Narrow Devon Lanes
A Glimpse into a Lived-In History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is across the road
The main car park is just over the road from the castle entrance. Disabled parking is available within the grounds.
📸 No interior photos allowed
As the castle is still lived in, photography inside is restricted. Enjoy the history without the camera!
🐕 Dogs welcome in grounds
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are permitted in the castle grounds but not inside the house itself.
🧺 Picnic spots available
There's no cafe on-site, but plenty of tables are available outside for a lovely picnic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is across the road
The main car park is just over the road from the castle entrance. Disabled parking is available within the grounds.
📸 No interior photos allowed
As the castle is still lived in, photography inside is restricted. Enjoy the history without the camera!
🐕 Dogs welcome in grounds
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are permitted in the castle grounds but not inside the house itself.
🧺 Picnic spots available
There's no cafe on-site, but plenty of tables are available outside for a lovely picnic.
🧥 Period costumes for fun
Fancy a unique photo? Costumes are available to try on for a fun, historical snapshot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Compton Castle a charming and historically significant fortified manor house, appreciating its well-preserved exterior and lovely gardens. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers are frequently praised for enhancing the experience. However, some find the interior access limited due to the family still residing there, and the narrow approach roads can be a point of contention.
"Lovely little Castle,4small rooms, lovely garden and small kitchen & chapel to view. Beautiful building,staff were friendly and very helpful, volunteers knowledgeable. No shop or café and parking over the road but several spaces for disabled drivers in the grounds.
Narrow Devon roads to get to it,which seems the norm for Devon.
Lovely hour spent there. Would recommend."
Caroline Morgan
"Fantastic long house - turn castle. The Compton family originally had a long house on this site which grew and grew, contained more valuable commodities. As such they expanded the footprint and built taller walls and stronger reinforcements upon finally getting 'castle' status. The house changed hands a few times throughout the years. And was left derelict for a long time before being lovingly and painstakingly restored. The current owning family still lives on site. There is very good access around the site. Dogs are allowed on the grounds but not in the property. The carpark is located just over the road from the castle."
Zack Highfield
"I was a bit disappointed tbh , the building is ugly imho but inside is a different story. The guide ladies were in period dress and so knowledgeable, a treat to listen to. The history was fascinating but sadly photography inside isn't allowed as the family still live there and only 4 rooms (2 up 2 down) are accessible plus the separate kitchen out back. There are costumes available for you to dress in if you fancy your photo taken in such .The garden in July was lovely and well tended. Car park is small by cafe on left with small overflow outside the house and access is narrow country lane for the last half mile."
Warren Heath
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Compton Castle is accessed via narrow Devon country lanes, which can be challenging. It's located near Torquay. Consider using a GPS, but be prepared for a slower journey.
Yes, there is a car park located just across the road from the castle. A few disabled parking spaces are available within the castle grounds.
Public transport options to Compton Castle can be limited due to its rural location. It's best to check local bus routes from Torquay, but driving is generally recommended.
Many visitors note that the roads leading to Compton Castle are narrow, which is typical for the Devon region. Drive cautiously and be aware of passing places.
The nearest major town to Compton Castle is Torquay, a popular seaside resort in Devon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission fees apply, and prices can vary. Check the National Trust website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, is often recommended to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
There are a few disabled parking spaces within the grounds. While the exterior and garden are generally accessible, interior access may be limited due to the historic nature of the building.
Yes, National Trust members can usually enter Compton Castle for free. Ensure your membership is valid before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore a few key rooms of the fortified manor house, including the Great Hall, a medieval kitchen, and a chapel. Photography is not permitted inside as the family still resides there.
Children can enjoy exploring the castle's exterior, the gardens, and imagining medieval life. The limited interior access might be less engaging for very young children.
Photography is generally allowed in the grounds and gardens. However, due to the family living in the property, interior photography is not permitted.
Knowledgeable volunteers, sometimes in period dress, are often on hand to share insights into the castle's history. +1
There is no shop or cafe on-site. However, picnic tables are available in the grounds, and there are restrooms. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the fortified manor house, especially with its portcullis, offers dramatic shots. The walled garden also provides beautiful, serene photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at National Trust properties to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's best to check the specific regulations for Compton Castle.
Yes, photography is strictly prohibited inside Compton Castle because the family still lives there.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful light for exterior shots. Midday can be harsh, but the garden offers shade.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the castle's exterior and the garden. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the garden, making it a more relaxed and budget-friendly outing. The opportunity to try on period costumes can also be a fun, interactive element for children. Remember that the journey involves narrow country lanes, so factor in extra travel time and keep little ones entertained during the drive.
🚶♀️ History Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the details of the Great Hall and the medieval kitchen, which offer a tangible connection to centuries of domestic life. The fact that photography is restricted inside only adds to the mystique and encourages visitors to be fully present in the moment, absorbing the atmosphere rather than just capturing images.
📸 Photographers
The walled garden provides a softer, more romantic setting with its greenery and floral displays. While interior shots are not permitted, the exterior and garden offer ample opportunities to capture the essence of this historic site. Be mindful of the narrow approach roads, which can make access a bit challenging, but the photographic rewards are well worth the effort.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Compton Castle
The castle's architecture reflects its defensive purpose, featuring a formidable exterior with a portcullis and battlements. Inside, visitors can glimpse into the past by exploring the Great Hall, the medieval kitchen, and other accessible rooms. The fact that it remains a private residence means access is curated, offering an intimate, albeit limited, view into its living history.
Archaeological digs have also taken place at Compton Castle, uncovering more about its past inhabitants and development. These efforts by volunteers contribute to our understanding of the site's rich heritage.
The castle's story is one of resilience, adaptation, and enduring family connection to a historic site.Exploring the Grounds and Gardens
Visitors are welcome to bring picnics and enjoy them in designated areas within the grounds. This makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed day out, combining historical exploration with a pleasant outdoor experience. Remember that while dogs are allowed in the grounds, they are not permitted inside the castle itself.
The surrounding estate also offers opportunities for gentle walks, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the Devon countryside. The combination of historical architecture and natural landscapes makes Compton Castle a well-rounded destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
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