Group Visits

Planning your visit

It is always a pleasure to welcome visitors to Powderham Castle and we want to ensure that you have an enjoyable visit. There is so much to see and do, tours around the Castle, walks and views across the gardens and grounds, meeting the friendly animals, joining a deer park safari and even the chance to do a bit of shopping! Most of all you will want to relax and take time to savour the whole experience.

You are welcome to simply stop by for a guided tour inside the Castle, which takes a good hour, but if you want to do everything we would recommend you allow at least 3 hours. Whatever your itinerary we will do everything we can to ensure it runs smoothly.

Please download our 2011 Group Information Pack

2011 Group Information 2011 Group Booking Form 2011 Courtyard Tea Room Menu

Group Admission Prices, Opening Times and Group Tour Times

We are open for guided tours from 1 April to 30 October 2011. (Please note during the last week of the season times may be restricted and tours may not be exclusive to your group)

Sunday to Friday 11am to 4.30pm (to 5.30pm 24 July to 2 September)

Please note we do consider group tours outside of the season by arrangement.

Special rates for groups of 15 or more

OFF PEAK*                PEAK*

(School holidays)

*Last tour on a Friday is at 14.15 all season

A carer looking after a disabled person is admitted free. Teachers are admitted free on the basis of 1 to 6 students (under 10yrs) or 1 to 8 students (11+yrs). Please contact us on 01626 890243 for a pre-school aged group as rates are subject to your visit requirements.

Coach Drivers are entitled to visit for free and will receive a £5 voucher that can be redeemed in the Courtyard Tea Room for one meal transaction.

Booking your group visit

The grounds, gift shop and Tea Room are open from 11am, but an earlier tour of the Castle can be arranged. Group tours need to be booked in advance to allow us to allocate a guide to your group and reserve your tour time. Punctuality is essential; unfortunately if you are late your tour may be cut short. Please complete the booking form and send it back to us. We will contact you by return to confirm your booking. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Groups Dept on 01626 890243 where they will be glad to help you plan your visit. Please check availability with us before publicising your visit.

Payment

We accept your signed booking form as confirmation of your visit. Please pay your admission on arrival at the Welcome Hut (we accept cheques and credit cards except American Express). If you have an early tour admission may be paid in the Coutyard Gift Shop afterwards. Any pre-booked lunches or refreshments should be paid for in the Courtyard Tea Room. To avoid delays we would ask you to pay in one transaction for your whole group.

Cancellation

If you need to cancel your visit please notify us as soon as possible by ringing 01626 890243. If you cancel within 2 weeks of the date of your visit you will be liable to a 25% cancellation fee on the admission and catering booked.

Parking and Drop-off points

There is plenty of free parking at Powderham Castle. Coaches should park in the area to the left just beyond the Welcome Hut. The Castle is a short distance from here.

Accessibility

The ground floor of the Castle is accessible to wheelchair users. A wheelchair is available for loan whilst in the Castle only, on a first come first served basis. The Walled Garden Play Area and Pets Corner, home to the friendly animals and Courtenay Fort is accessible to visitors with wheelchairs and pushchairs, although there are some steep slopes.

Toilets

These are located in the Courtyard and the Walled Garden Play Area & Pets Corner.

Refreshments

The licensed Courtyard Tea Room offers a range of light snacks, refreshments and delicious cream teas. To help us cater adequately for your group it is essential you confirm your requirements at the time of booking your visit. The enclosed menu is only available if pre-booked. If you wish to select from this menu we would need to finalise details at least 7 days ahead of your visit. The Tea Room has seating for 25 with additional seating in the Coach House for a further 25 and tables and chairs outside, weather permitting. You are most welcome to bring your own picnic, which can be enjoyed in the designated areas.

Shopping

You will want to visit our Courtyard Gift Shop for a range of Powderham Castle gifts, books and postcards, mementos of a wonderful day. We also have a small shopping complex near the exit, feel free to stop there on your way out. It includes a wonderful plant centre, plantagenista, the House of Marbles and a lovely food hall with a selection of local produce.

Souvenir Brochure

A beautifully illustrated brochure is available to purchase from our Gift shop. A lovely way to remember your visit, it encompasses the history of Powderham Castle and the Courtenay family.

Photography

Amateur photography and filming (including mobile phones) are welcome in the grounds, but not inside the Castle

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside the Castle, Tea Room, Gift Shop, within the Walled Garden Play Area & Pets Corner or any enclosed area including the Tractor/Trailer.

Dogs

Sorry, no dogs are allowed except guide dogs.

Directions & Contact Details

From the M5 it is about 8 miles. Leave at Junction 30 (Sandygate) and proceed towards Exeter joining the A379 in a southerly direction. Continue over the Countess Wear Roundabout. Take the first exit left on the A379, signposted to Dawlish, then follow Powderham Castle brown tourist signs. The castle entrance is in the village of Kenton, on the left hand side.

Group Bookings can be contacted on 01626 890243 or email castle@powderham.co.uk

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