Devon Historic and Architectural Properties and Gardens
Castles, Abbeys, Churches, Houses, Estates and Gardens (English Heritage / National Trust / other), many with brief details of disabled access.
Along with the attractions listed on this page you may also find places of interest on the Devon Attractions and Nature pages. We suggest that you also visit the pages for the neighbouring counties to see what else there is in the area.
We support ‘Accessible Countryside for Everyone’ in providing a brief guide as to the access / facilities for the sites listed, where we have them.
A la Ronde (NT) - Exmouth - "Quirky 18th-century, 16 sided house with fascinating interior decoration and collections....every nook and cranny crammed with bizarre items collected over the years", walks, tea room - "Building - level entrance. Alternative access for wheelchair users (advance notice helpful) to main showrooms on ground floor, which has narrow doorways, small rooms, very limited turning space. Lower ground floor has small ramped step and narrow doors. Photo album of first floor rooms. Grounds - hard surface paths from car park to shop, visitor reception, and courtyard in front of house entrance. Hard surface path to tea-room which is on a slope, but accessible for wheelchair users ", Braille and Large print guide available, accessible toilet
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/a-la-ronde
Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum (NT) - Barnstaple - "on the edge of Exmoor, a complete family estate held by the Chichester family for over five hundred years. The collection consists of treasures for all tastes, from model ships to shells, collected over several generations. The house itself, built in 1823 and extended in 1860, has an austere facade. However, inside the cosy rooms purvey a homely, family atmosphere...The Carriage Museum in the stables has a vehicle for every occasion from cradle to grave", Tea-room set in the original Victorian kitchen - "Loose gravel paths, slopes, partly accessible grounds. Map available of an accessible route around grounds...Lift to first floor of the carriage museum...Tramper Mobility Scooter available for hire to explore old lake walk ", Braille and Large print guide available, induction loop, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arlington-court
Berry Pomery Castle (EH) - Totnes - "Within the 15th-century defences of the Pomeroy family castle, looms the dramatic ruined shell of its successor, the great Elizabethan mansion of the Seymours. Begun in around 1560 and ambitiously enlarged from around 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, cafe -"Only the grounds, shops and ground floor of the site are accessible to disabled visitors. An assisting companion is recommended. There are a number of slopes on the site", accessible toilets, baby changing facilities
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bradley - (NT) - Newton Abbot - "unspoilt and fascinating medieval manor house is still a relaxed family home. You can wander through rooms untouched by time, warm yourself by the open fire, and unwind in the tranquil garden" - (no toilets or refreshments) " Entrance and ground floor have steps and narrow doorways, ramp available. Chapel door is too narrow for wheelchairs. Stairs with handrail to other floors. Partly accessible grounds with narrow and loose gravel paths, steep slopes plus some steps...Braille guide and sensory experience"
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bradley
Buckland Abbey, Garden and Estate (NT) - Yelverton - "follow over 700 years of footsteps; from the Cistercians who built the Abbey and farmed the estate, to seafarers Grenville and Drake who changed the shape of the house and the fate of the country...The Abbey is part museum, part house, and filled with treasures such as the legendary Drake’s Drum", orchards, woodlands, way-marked trails, "At the cider house, herbaceous borders provide seasonal interest and a secret ‘wild’ garden", Restaurant, " Abbey is on steep slopes with some uneven paths. Ramped main entrance. Wheelchairs available. Ground floor is accessible by wheelchair - stairs to other floors", accessible toilets, baby changing facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey
Burrow Farm Gardens - Dalwood, Axminster - (seasonal) "East Devons Secret Garden has 13 acres of lovingly designed gardens with colour throughout the year", tea rooom, nursery - "Wheelchair access to parts of the garden, tea room, shop and nursery", Unfortunately we have no accessibility information for this site
www.burrowfarmgardens.co.uk
Castle Drogo (NT) - Exeter - undergoing conservation, "staying open during the conservation work, giving you the opportunity to go behind the scenes...Lutyens-designed terraced garden with dramatic views of Dartmoor" walks, cafe, shop - "Wheelchair access to the castle. One wheelchair available to borrow. Two rooms wheelchair accessible. Stairs to other floors...Formal garden partly accessible by gravel paths off of the main drive", accessible toilets, baby changing facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo
Castle Hill Gardens - Earl and Countess of Arran - Filleigh, Barnstaple - (seasonal) Palladian house, seat of the Fortescues since 1454. The house was built in 1730, family friendly 50 acre garden, set in a spectacular 18th century parkland landscape punctuated with statues, follies and temples, tea room - "Access to the formal gardens and terraced lawns in front of the house as well as the riverside walk is possible for visitors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. There are gravel paths that can prove a problem for some wheelchairs, and some of the woodland gardens and hilltop castle are only accessible by steep paths. There are gravel paths that can prove a problem for some wheelchairs, and some of the woodland gardens and hilltop castle are only accessible by steep paths"
www.castlehilldevon.co.uk/gardens
Chambercombe Manor - Ilfracombe - (seasonal), "Chambercombe Manor was owned by the Champernon family from around 1162. In the early 16th century it became the property of Henry Duke of Suffolk father of the ill fated Lady Jane Grey", Buttery tea rooms, guided tours, shop Unfortunately we have no accessibility information for this site
www.chambercombemanor.org.uk
Coleton Fishacre (NT) - Kingswear - "built in the Arts & Crafts style, and is imbued with Art Deco elegance...You can get an insight into 1920s life 'upstairs and downstairs' from the glamorous Saloon and the airy servants' rooms...In the RHS accredited garden viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand", guided garden walks, cafe, shop "Wheelchair access to ground floor of house, many stairs to other floors...Map available of the accessible garden route, the upper paths are reasonably flat. Grass paths and steep slopes. Not suitable for powered mobility vehicles", Two wheelchairs available, Braille guide and induction loop available, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre
Compton Castle (NT) - Paignton - "A rare survivor, this medieval fortress with high curtain walls, towers and a portcullis, is set in a landscape of rolling hills and orchards...wander round this charming small castle's medieval kitchen, great hall, solar and sub solar.", orchard , Table-top shop "Access to Compton Castle is extremely limited as there are many changes in levels and steps. Please let us know when you arrive so that we can give you help with portable ramps...Grounds are partly accessible and there are steps to the Rose Garden...Braille guide and large print guides available"
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/compton-castle
Dartmouth Castle (EH) - "For over 600 years Dartmouth Castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth", displays of weaponry and armour used to defend the castle, see where Victorian soldiers worked in rooms packed with gunpowder and explosive shells, two open-air gun platforms, passenger ferrry, tea room, shop - Believed not to be wheelchair accessible - No accessible toilets or baby change facilities
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Dunster Castle (NT) - Minehead - "An ancient castle and comfortable country home with dramatic vistas and subtropical gardens", impressive medieval gatehouse and ruined tower, Leather Gallery, library, Grand Staircase built in 1680, diverse collection of paintings, silver, furniture and porcelain, tours available, Keep garden, River Gardens, parkland and wooded areas, walks, tea room, shop - "Building - on steep slope. Steps to ground floor. Stairs to other floors. Limited access via mobile stairclimber...Grounds - partly accessible, steep slopes. Map of accessible route. Steep paths. Two single-seater PMVs", accessible toilets (by shop and ticket office), baby change facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstercastle
Hartland Abbey and Gardens - a country house family home with treasures and memorabilia collected over many generations, gardens and parkland - Wheelchair access is limited to the ground floor and basement inc. tea room, museum, document and photographic displays and William Stukeley Exhibition please see the website -
www.hartlandabbey.com
Killerton House (NT) - Exeter - "Glorious landscape garden surrounded by parkland, fine 18th-century house with renowned historical fashion collection", Georgian mansion in 6,400 acre estate of working farmland, woods, parkland, cottages and orchards, Off-road cycle paths, Children's play area, two cafes, shop "Wheelchair access to ground floor in house. Many stairs to first floor fashion exhibition", accessible toilets (by car park), baby change facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton
Knightshayes Court (NT) - Tiverton - "acres of glorious gardens and parkland, surrounding a spectacular Gothic Revival house", Victorian country house with richly decorated interiors and garden, "Full of quirks and curiosities", Children’s play area,cafe, tea room, shop - "House - ramped entrance. Three wheelchairs available. Ground floor accessible. Stairs to other floors...Formal and Woodland Garden: Partly accessible, with hard surfaced step-free path around much of it. Please be aware of slopes, gravel paths and steps down to the terraces...Parkland and woodland: Some surfaced paths, though steep and un-even in places, and slippery when wet", accessible toilets (at stables and house entrance), baby change facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knightshayes-court
Lydford Castle (EH) - (ruin) on the fringe of Dartmoor, Norman earthwork castle, Saxon town defences, 13th century tower on a mound, built as a prison, audio tour download available on their website - Unfortunately we have no accessibility information for this site
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Marwood Hill Gardens - Barnstaple - "20 acre private garden with three lakes is set in a valley... impressive collections of plants, shrubs and trees", tea room, gift shop, plant sales - Unfortunately we have no accessibility information for this site
www.marwoodhillgarden.co.uk
Okehampton Castle (EH) - "The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in a stunning setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement", audio tour available, riverside picnic area, woodland and river walks - "The majority of the site is wheelchair accessible (except for the keep, which can only be accessed by a steep staircase)...main pathway surfaces are loose gravel, earth and grass. Some are steep. The grass pathway provide a gentle wheelchair access gradient...Induction loops are available in the admissions kiosk", accessible toilets, baby changing facilities
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Powderham Castle Earl & Countess of Devon - Six hundred years of history are contained within the walls of one of England's oldest family homes, guided tours of the castle, attractions in the grounds for visitors of all ages, Deer Park, Walled Garden, Play Area & Pets Corner, cafe, gift shop - "The ground floor of the Castle is accessible to wheelchair users and electric scooters. A wheelchair is available for loan, whilst in the Castle only. The tractor/trailer has a ramp and the Walled Garden Play Area & Pets Corner is accessible, although there are some steep slopes. The Courtenay cafe is accesible, however the Gift Shop is not. Disabled parking and toilets are available in the Courtyard."
www.powderham.co.uk
Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) - Exeter - "world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities...Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the World Cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world", internationally important world cultures and natural history collections, exhibitions, activities and events, guided tours available, cafe, shop - "There are two lifts in the museum. The lift at the Queen Street entrance operates between ground and first floors and the garden entrance lift also provides access to the Case Histories gallery viewpoint and the Roman wall. There is level access on each floor with ample space to manoeuvre between displays. Some doors open automatically... Hearing loops have been installed at both receptions, three exhibition galleries and in meeting rooms A and B. A portable loop is available and can be used throughout the museum for groups of three...There is a handheld audio tour of key objects designed for visitors with visual disabilities on iPod Touch", accessible toilets on both levels
www.rammuseum.org.uk
Royal Citadel (EH) - Plymouth - (Pre-booked visits only ) "A dramatic 17th-century fortress built to defend the coastline from the Dutch" Due to its nature as an operational military establishment there is limited photography permitted and no large bags (bags are searched rigorously) and all visitors are required to produce ID - Unfortunately we have no accessibility information for this site
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Saltram - "Magnificent Georgian house magnificently decorated, with original contents including Chinese wallpapers and an exceptional collection of paintings (several by Sir Joshua Reynolds). It also has a superb country house library and Robert Adam’s Neo-classical Saloon...The garden is mostly 19th century, with a working 18th-century orangery and follies, beautiful shrubberies and imposing specimen trees providing year-round interest", tours available, tea room, shop - "Ramped entrance to house. Ground floor has steps, small rooms, uneven floors. Dining room, great kitchen, east corridor, garden room and children's activity room are not wheelchair accessible. Stairs to other floors", Map of accessible grounds route, Three wheelchairs available, accessible toilets (at the stables and restaurant), baby changing facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram
Tapeley Park Gardens - Instow - From the formal terraces to the natural grace of the Lake, woodland walks, abundant organic vegetable gardens and surprising animal encounters, park with lake, monument and labyrinth, tea room, shop - "Limited wheelchair access available with free admittance". Unfortunately we have no other accessibility information for this site
www.tapeleygardens.com
Tiverton Castle (limited opening) - Part Scheduled Ancient Monument and part Grade I Listed, the Castle is the private home, Originally built in 1106 by order of Henry I, and later rebuilt and much enlarged in the 13th and 14th centuries. "With later additions and alterations down the centuries all periods of architecture from medieval to modern can be seen, with beautiful walled gardens within the romantic ruins...walled gardens - interesting and rare plants, colourful borders, well-stocked kitchen garden, orchard, woodland garden" - "Disabled visitors are most welcome, but wheelchair access is limited to the garden and ground floor of the Castle only."
www.tivertoncastle.com
Torre Abbey Gardens - "Founded in 1196, Torre Abbey tells the story of 800 years of history, from life in a medieval monastery, through its dissolution by Henry VIII, the Spanish Armada, the Napoleonic Wars, and Georgian family life – to its present incarnation as a museum, art gallery and Ancient Scheduled Monument...Over 4 floors, you will find stunning heritage rooms, art exhibitions, interactive displays, videos and games to bring history to life. With over 600 works from the 18th century to the present day, Torre Abbey’s art collection includes Pre-Raphaelite works by Holman Hunt and Burne-Jones, watercolours by Thomas Luny and F J Widgery and a rare proof set of William Blake’s ‘Book of Job’" activities , trails for families, creative workshops, dressing up, award-winning garden, Palm House, tea room - There is level access to the undercrofts, visitor entrance and cafe and ample disabled toilets. A new glass lift takes visitors to most other areas of the attraction including the galleries.
www.torre-abbey.org.uk
Totnes Castle (EH) - "A classic Norman motte and bailey castle, founded soon after the Conquest to overawe the Saxon town. A later stone shell-keep crowns its steep mound, giving sweeping views across the town rooftops to the River Dart" - "Inner Bailey is accessible to wheelchair users. However the Motte and Keep cannot be accessed by wheelchairs due to the steep slope and stone steps...An induction loop system is located at the till...There are no toilets on site "
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Watermouth Castle and Family Theme Park - Ilfracombe - "a Victorian Castle full of eclectic treasures, nostalgic displays and curios, a theme park including rides and play areas, and beautiful landscaped gardens", several rooms set up to demonstrate how life would have been in the Victorian times - "The majority of the Castle and Gardens are accessible to wheel chairs users, (we have a route to follow), and all our pathways are tarmac, but, some are steep in places and it is recommended that you are accompanied by someone willing and able to help in these areas...Disabled toilets and baby changing facilities can be found in the Castle courtyard and in the Gardens."
www.watermouthcastle.com
