Berry Pomeroy Castle

Exterior View
Exterior View (c) English Heritage
Berry Pomeroy Castle - Exterior view (c) Exterior View - Exterior View (c) External view of the gatehouse - External view of the gatehouse (c)

Tucked away in a steep wooded valley, Berry Pomeroy Castle is the perfect romantic ruin. Within the 15th-century defences of the Pomeroy family castle, still displaying a wall painting of the Three Kings in its gatehouse chamber, looms the dramatic ruined shell of its successor, the great Elizabethan mansion of the Seymours. Begun in c. 1560 and ambitiously enlarged from c. 1600, their mansion was intended to become the most spectacular house in Devon, a match for Longleat and Audley End. Never completed, and abandoned by 1700, it became the focus of blood-curdling ghost stories, recounted in the audio tour.Woodland walks from the car park (including steep tracks) provide fine views of the ruins from below.

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
21 Mar-30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Oct 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing time    
Closed 1 Nov- 31 Mar    

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.00
Children:
£2.00
Concession:
£3.20
English Heritage Members:

How do I get there?

Address:
Devon - TQ9 6LJ
Road Access:
2 1⁄2 miles E of Totnes off A385
Train Access:
Totnes 3 1/2 miles
Bus Access:
Stagecoach in Devon 111 Torquay - Dartmouth (passes Totnes railwaystation)
Map Location:
Telephone:
01803 866618

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Male/Female Toilets Male/Female Toilets No dogs allowed Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Picnic area Hazardous Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Tea Room
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Beside tea room (not EH). Disabled toliet avaiable, ask custodian for key.
Ticket and entry point: 1 step and ramp.
Refreshments: Level access.
Access:
Access to castle: Ground floor accessible with care, but path from entrance (25m) is rough. Several steps in entrance passage. Narrow spiral staircases with uneven treads to upper floors and exhibition.
Grounds: All accessible though grass surfaces are bumpy; earth and stone pathways. An assisting companion is suggested.
Parking:
60m from entrance; loose stone and gravel surface, then level grass. Disabled drivers may park by custodian's hut by prior arrangement.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Carvings to touch on column bases in loggia; bird song, wildflowers and grasses.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
Please note that the site is not accessible to coaches. The nearest set down point is at the main gate at the start of the forest track. There is no local parking for coaches.
Group Booking:
Parking for minibuses only
Average Length of Visit:
Minimum of 1 hour

Further Info

The tearoom is not managed by the English Heritage
Disabled access - grounds and ground floor only, an assiting companion is suggested.