Woodbury Common and Woodbury Castle
Explore ancient history at Woodbury Castle's hillfort and wander through miles of tranquil heathland and woodlands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for walks
Woodbury Common and Woodbury Castle
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient history at Woodbury Castle's hillfort and wander through miles of tranquil heathland and woodlands.
"A glen of peace and tranquility with amazing hill fort castle and woodland walks."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain can be uneven, especially around the hillfort. Good walking shoes are a must for comfortable exploration.
🗺️ Look for Signage
While exploration is encouraged, updated signage with suggested routes would be helpful for visitors seeking guidance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Woodbury Castle Hillfort
Central mound within Woodbury Common
Explore this ancient prehistoric hillfort with its prominent bank and ditch encampment. A unique historical site.
Expansive Heathland Trails
Woodbury Common
Wander through miles of open heathland, offering tranquility and stunning views of East Devon. Ideal for long walks and dog exploration.
Woodland Walks
Surrounding areas of Woodbury Common
Enjoy peaceful walks under a woodland canopy, with well-established paths and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Heathland and History
Navigating Woodbury Castle Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain can be uneven, especially around the hillfort. Good walking shoes are a must for comfortable exploration.
🗺️ Look for Signage
While exploration is encouraged, updated signage with suggested routes would be helpful for visitors seeking guidance.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Woodbury Common is an excellent spot for dogs, offering 10 sq km of open space to explore. Keep them on a lead where necessary.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Help keep this beautiful place pristine by taking all your rubbish with you. Let others enjoy it rubbish-free.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain can be uneven, especially around the hillfort. Good walking shoes are a must for comfortable exploration.
🗺️ Look for Signage
While exploration is encouraged, updated signage with suggested routes would be helpful for visitors seeking guidance.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Woodbury Common is an excellent spot for dogs, offering 10 sq km of open space to explore. Keep them on a lead where necessary.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Help keep this beautiful place pristine by taking all your rubbish with you. Let others enjoy it rubbish-free.
🏰 Understand 'Castle'
Remember, Woodbury Castle is a historic hillfort mound, not a traditional stone castle. Enjoy the unique historical landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Woodbury Common for its beautiful, expansive heathland and woodland trails, making it an ideal spot for dog walking and long hikes. The historical Woodbury Castle hillfort adds a unique element, though some note the lack of modern facilities and signage. Overall, it's a highly recommended natural escape.
"The entry to Woodbury castle a hilltop fort is to the left of the carpark as you enter, you go under the trees and walk towards a circular mound in front of you, you then walk up some earthen stairs up into the actual fort over the top and view the circular fort before you! You can walk through the amazing hill fort castle to the other side which is straight in front of you and turn left into a bit of forest, look out for squirrels and hear and sometimes see many kinds of birds in the trees.
As you turn to the slight right the heathland opens up before you a glen of peace and tranquility.
This is a circular walk and you can view and follow this right around till it goes back to the carpark also look out for the pond, if you have dog with you he maybe tempted to jump in.
And remember take everything out that you took in...ie- Rubbish...so others may enjoy this fantastic place rubbish free 😃"
Jon G
"No actual castle. Just the grounds that that are left.
Other than that very pretty woodland and surroundings lands."
j t
"Lovely place, would benefit from signage updating with suggested routes for walks, maybe easy 30 min circular etc. yes it’s great to explore but some guidance would be super helpful. We aren’t all able to do massive hikes so to avoid taking a wrong turn a discrete signed route would be lovely. We really enjoyed our walk under the woodland canopy as it was too hot to venture too far"
lucy burton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Woodbury Common is accessible by car, with a carpark available near the entrance to the castle grounds. Public transport options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach the site.
Yes, there is a carpark located near the entrance to Woodbury Castle, making it easy to access the common and its walking trails.
While cycling is possible on some of the wider tracks, the terrain can be challenging. It's best suited for walking and hiking.
Due to the natural terrain and uneven paths, Woodbury Common may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs. Some areas might be manageable with assistance.
Woodbury Common is adjacent to the village of Woodbury and bordered to the south by the towns of Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Woodbury Common and the grounds of Woodbury Castle is free. It's a public area for everyone to enjoy.
Woodbury Common is open to the public at all times. However, it is sometimes used as a military training ground, so be aware of any flag warnings.
There is no entrance fee for Woodbury Castle, as it is part of the natural landscape of Woodbury Common.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety concerns on the uneven terrain.
The main restriction is to be mindful of military training activities. Always follow any posted signs and guidelines for your safety.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy extensive walking, hiking, and exploring the heathland and woodlands. The Woodbury Castle hillfort offers a unique historical perspective. It's also great for dog walking.
Exploring the castle mound and immediate surroundings can take about 30 minutes to an hour. For longer walks across the common, you can spend several hours.
There are no dedicated facilities like toilets or cafes directly on Woodbury Common. Visitors should come prepared with their own provisions.
You might spot squirrels and various types of birds in the woodlands. The heathland also supports diverse flora and fauna.
Yes, the open heathland, woodlands, and the unique hillfort provide excellent opportunities for landscape and nature photography.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Woodbury Castle hillfort offers panoramic views. The heathland with its heather and gorse, and the dappled light in the woodlands are also picturesque.
Early morning or late afternoon light (golden hour) can create beautiful, dramatic shots across the heathland. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and any military restrictions before flying a drone.
Focus on the unique circular mound of the hillfort, the textures of the earthworks, and the expansive views from its summit.
For landscapes, use a wider aperture for depth of field. For wildlife, a telephoto lens might be useful. Consider a polarizing filter for heathland shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring a picnic as there are no facilities on site. Sturdy shoes are essential for everyone to navigate the paths safely. Encourage children to be curious about the history of the hillfort and the natural environment around them. Remember to take all litter home to keep the common clean for future visitors.
🐶 Dog Owners
While dogs are welcome, it's important to keep them under control, especially near the hillfort and any areas with livestock or military activity. Be mindful of other visitors and ensure your dog doesn't disturb wildlife. Bring water for your dog, especially on warmer days, and always clean up after them.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Plan your route if you prefer structure, or embrace spontaneous exploration. The varied landscape provides excellent photography opportunities, particularly during the golden hours. Be prepared for all weather conditions, as the open heathland can be exposed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Woodbury Castle
Today, the remains of the hillfort are a circular mound, offering a tangible connection to the area's deep past. Visitors can ascend the earthen stairs to reach the summit and imagine life in this ancient settlement. The historical significance of Woodbury Castle adds a layer of intrigue to the natural beauty of the common, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and casual explorers alike.
It's important to manage expectations: while the historical context is rich, the physical remains are primarily earthworks. The true 'castle' is the landscape and its ancient purpose, rather than stone walls. This unique aspect is what draws many to explore its grounds.
Exploring Woodbury Common's Natural Beauty
The common is crisscrossed with well-established paths, making it ideal for dog walking and long, leisurely strolls. You can wander through shaded woodlands, listen to the sounds of various bird species, and keep an eye out for squirrels. The open heathland provides a sense of tranquility and offers expansive views across the East Devon countryside.
For those who enjoy longer hikes, it's possible to spend several hours exploring different sections of the common without repeating your steps. The presence of streams and a pond adds to the natural charm, though your dog might be tempted for a dip! Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve this beautiful natural area for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit