Pavillion in the Woodland Garden

Grounds & Gardens

Powderham Castle lies in a beautiful deer park on the banks of the River Exe, just a stone's throw from the historic cathedral city of Exeter.

The Castle was first opened to visitors in 1959, since then in excess of a million people have been through the doors to share in over 600 years of history and heritage and take away many fond memories

Pavillion in the Woodland Garden

The American Garden

This haven of peaceful tranquillity was created by the 3rd Viscount of Devon. This beautiful secluded garden is adorned with exotic trees and the gothic summerhouse. The American Garden is perfect for hosting a summer woodland wedding.

Please note that the American Garden is open between 1st April – 1st September.

The Belvedere Tower

Built between 1771 and 1774 for the second Viscount Courtenay, the three-sided structure was the crowning glory of a major re-landscaping of the castle grounds. The three-storey building offered unrivalled views over the Exe Estuary, providing a unique vantage point from which to view the busy shipping lanes between Topsham and Exmouth.

Please note that the American Garden is open between 1st April – 1st September.

The Belvedere served as a ballroom for the family too, with a sprung rosewood floor – a perfect venue for the entertainments of the Viscount's thirteen daughters. The Belvedere later became a gamekeeper's cottage and also inspired the copycat Haldon Belvedere, at nearby Lawrence Castle.

The iconic Belvedere Tower has recently undergone stabilising and re-roofing to restore this magnificent building following a ruinous fire post-World War 2 that has seen it long on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.

Charlie Courtenay, the current Earl of Devon, comments:

"This is a terrifically exciting project for Powderham and the whole community, for which the Belvedere is such a beloved landmark. This preservation work will ensure the Belvedere survives for future generations, and it allows us to renew interest in Powderham's remarkable Woodland Gardens. We are particularly grateful to Natural England for their support, and we have enjoyed working closely with them, Teignbridge and Historic England to do this important work."

Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is home to beautiful blooms from June onwards, with wisteria hanging in all its glory from the Castle's east-facing terrace just before. A delightful spot to take pictures of the Castle, take in views across the Deer Park, home to 600 Fallow deer, and along the Exe Estuary.

The Chapel is alongside the Rose Garden and is open from 11am - 4pm