Join us for a summer of fun & learning at Powderham
With the sun shining & so much to explore here at Powderham, it’s time to book your tickets!
From exploring our Castle via our Castle Patterns Trail to our Victorian School Experience, there is lots to see & do.
Or explore our French lineage in the Secret Garden and see how many animals you can correctly translate. We also have Pony Grooming, Animal talks, feeding & our much loved Mini Keeper Experience.
Our Grounds offer acres to explore at your leisure, unwind and relax. We now offer a Nature Backpack for children to enhance their visit, holding all the key ingredients for a true day of adventure & exploration.
For adults, we also have our guided Garden Walks, where our head groundsman will explore everything Powderham’s ancient grounds have to offer, or go unguided with our Tree Wellness Trail where you can bathe in nature’s beauty & tranquillity.
Each of our Summer of Learning activities has its own timings so please see below for further information. Don’t miss out on these fun-filled activities that are perfect for a summer day out with family and friends.
Please pick up our Summer of Learning sheets, every time you complete an activity you will receive a stamp. Pick an activity sheet up and book your activities from our Welcome Centre. Many of these activities are included within a General Admission ticket however, some are an additional fee and can be booked below.
Inside The Castle
Castle Pattern Trail
From July 22nd
All Day
15 - 30 Mins
Here's your chance to explore the castle in more detail and match the different patterns to the rooms and objects.
Can you find all the different patterns around the castle?
Pick up your castle pattern sheet from the castle entrance.
Junior Collections Assistant
Every Tuesday
11am and 1pm
30 - 45 Mins
Become a Junior Collections Assistant for the day! Learn how we care for our collections with this interactive session. Discover more about our objects and how we catalogue and preserve them. This is a unique insight into the workings of Powderham's archives. Book in advance or at the Welcome Centre.
Victorian Baking Sessions
Every Monday
11am and 1pm
30 - 45 Mins
Assist cook in the kitchen for a busy day at Powderham. We need help to bake our famous griddle cakes! And if you are lucky, you may taste them for yourself! Book in advance or at the Welcome Centre.
*Our griddle cakes contain wheat, egg, milk.
The Victorian School Expereince
Every Thursday
11am and 1pm
30 Mins
Do you have what it takes to survive Victorian School? Under the strict supervision of Teacher, experience firsthand the life of a Victorian schoolchild. Learn how different the lessons were, how to write on slate with chalk and if you are feeling brave, ask Teacher what happens if you misbehave in class!
Book in advance or at the Welcome Centre.
Open Archive Drop in Sessions
Every Tuesday
All Day
All Day
Discover hidden treasures and rare artefacts at our exclusive Open
Archive Drop-In Sessions. This unique opportunity allows you to explore
items from our collections that are not typically on display.
Whether you're a history buff, researcher, or simply curious, these sessions offer a rare glimpse into our most precious and seldom-seen materials.
Secret Garden
Guess the animals In French
July 22nd until September 3rd
All Day
15 - 20 Mins
The noble house of Courtenay originated in France during the 11th century after the knight Athon fortified the town of Courtenay and took the town’s name as his own. Brush up on your French and learn more about the French connection with our new Secret Garden activity. Visit the Secret Garden to take part.
Animal Talks
July 22nd until September 3rd.
10:30 AM: Ask the Alpaca Keeper 2:00 PM: Tortoise Time Talks
15 Mins
Get up close and personal with our furry and feathered friends. Learn about their diets and enjoy the joy of feeding them yourself. Each talk is packed with fun insights and interesting stories about our residents. Visit the Secret Garden to take part.
Bird Feeding
July 22nd until September 3rd.
All Day
Get up close and personal with our feathered friends. Learn about their diets and enjoy the joy of feeding them yourself. Each talk is packed with fun insights and interesting stories about our residents.
*Please note there are a limited number of bags per day. Bags are available on a first come first served basis.
Animal Food is only for the birds of the Secret Garden. Other animals are not to be fed.
Goat Walks
July 22nd until September 3rd.
11:15am 3:00pm
Experience the charm of goat walking at Powderham! Join us for a delightful stroll with our friendly goats through picturesque trails around the estate.
*We recommend booking in advance. Please note the activity is weather dependant and attendees must wear closed toe shoes.
Pony Grooming
July 22nd until September 3rd.
1:30pm
Spend quality time with Kinder, our gentle pony and Harry the donkey as you brush, pamper, and bond with them.
Pony grooming must be booked in advance and participants must be aged 4+.
*We recommend booking in advance. Please note the activity is weather dependant.
Mini Keeper Experience
Every Sunday
12:00 pm
30 - 45 Mins
Step into the shoes of a keeper with our Mini Keeper Experience! Perfect for animal lovers, this interactive adventure offers a behind-the-scenes
look at the daily life of our dedicated animal care team. From feeding and grooming to enrichment activities and habitat maintenance, you’ll get hands-on experience and learn what it takes to care for our amazing animal residents. Recommended ages 6-12.
Grounds
Nature backpacks
Our Children’s Nature Backpacks are now available for hire, equipped with everything young explorers need for outdoor adventures including a bug catching net, magnifying glass, bug inspector glass, and binoculars.
These can be hired from the Welcome Centre at a small cost.
Garden Walks
Every Thursday
1:30pm
90 Mins
Join a member of Powderham's grounds team to discover and explore the history from the rose terrace to the pleasure grounds, American garden and more! Please ensure suitable footwear is worn.
Story Time
Every Wednesday and Friday
11am and 1pm
30 Mins
Get ready for a summer of stories at our Powderham Story Time. Nestled among the shady trees, we invite young book worms to enjoy a quiet place to read in the pleasure grounds this summer. Don't miss out on story time every Wednesday and Friday at 11am and 1pm with one of our wonderful Powderham Volunteers. Why not grab one of our Book Club Cards from the Welcome Centre and see how many books you can read this summer.
Tree Wellness Trail
July 29th until September 3rd.
All Day
30 - 60 Mins
Join us for a wellness inspired walk through the trees. Immerse yourself in Powderham's great outdoors as you stroll from one grounding place to another.
Follow our wellness walk around the grounds, discovering the health benefits provided by trees, Powderham's beauty spots and calm moments as you
reconnect with nature. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels, come and experience the healing power of trees with us!
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