The American Garden
This Georgian 7-acre garden sits nestled between the Castle Grounds and the Old Plantation; the estate’s historic timber source. The garden was created for the 3rd Viscount, and designed to be enjoyed in motion. Circular walks and pathways lead you through a natural gallery of specimen trees, first brought back from early voyages to America. The garden’s serene and beautiful scenery makes for a uniquely romantic landscape – perfect for courtship. Within the centre of the garden, sits the 19th century pavilion, once a tea-house, now one of Powderham’s unique outdoor wedding venues.
The Belvedere
Standing high above the estate the Belvedere Tower was built by the second Viscount as part of his remodelling of the grounds at Powderham. The 90ft tower originally housed a ballroom with floor to ceiling windows offering, as the name suggests, beautiful views of the Estuary and countryside below. The tower later became an estate cottage but was tragically nearly destroyed by a fire after the second world war. After the fire the tower fell into further disrepair. The roof, windows and doors all destroyed it was left to the elements until 2017 when work began to save it. Conservation and repair work to the stone work, brick and render and a new roof and windows has now secured the tower for future generations to enjoy. Inside the tower is yet to be refurbished, but the hollow tower makes for a unique and exciting wedding venue. The walk to the tower is not for the faint-hearted, a steep walk through the woodlands. However, the views on arrival make it worth the effort, and benches on the lawn provide opportunity to catch your breath whilst enjoying a panoramic view of the Exe Estuary – from the city to the coast.
The Rose Terrace
In front of the Castle, between the building and the Deer Park you’ll find the Rose Terrace. The Rose Garden was planted by Frederick the 16th Earl, it was his only contribution to the Estate during his short few months at Powderham. The Garden offers a brilliant vantage point for deer and wildlife spotting. From the turrets on either side children can enjoy the feeling of defending (or conquering) the Castle! The garden contains mixed varieties of English Roses, as well as more recent planting of herbaceous borders. From the garden you can also access the Chapel, in what was the Medieval Grange building.
Woodland Walks
We are pleased to offer a circular walking route through the woodlands at Powderham. These walks take you to many great spots. For the most adventurous, the walk to the Belvedere takes approximately 40 minutes from the Welcome Centre, at the end there’s a steep incline, but it’s worth it for the views! Along the route you will pass the working Forge, up past the Old Sawmills, through the American Garden and then return via the top track and pass the Secret Garden, our former Victorian Walled Garden. There is a shorter route to the Secret Garden from the Welcome Centre (ideal for younger visitors) that takes approximately 10 minutes.
The routes are mainly along stone tracks, and are suitable for most prams or mobility scooters. But please do be careful as some paths are slippery when wet, or have loose gravel under feet.
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