Devon is full of mystical places to visit and you’ll find castles all over the county, some are ruins and others are fully functioning exhibits. One is so modern it has electricity!

Seeing a historical sight, like a castle, always makes a trip away seem more exciting, so we’ve rounded up the best places to find castles this summer.

Dartmoor
If it's romance and adventure you’re after, heading to Dartmoor is always a safe bet and for those of you who want to find a castle or two, this is the ideal place to start. All across the moor are ancient ruins but there are a number of fully formed standing castles remaining too.

On the edge of Dartmoor in the town of Lydford, you’ll find a number of defensive buildings including a castle, tower and former prison. It’s said to have first appeared in the Norman times and local historians will tell you that it had quite a reputation. Also on the fringes of Dartmoor is Cranbrook Castle, an ancient hill fort, if that isn’t enough of a castle for you, a more traditional looking castle is Okehampton Castle, which can be found on the edge of Okehampton in the Dartmoor region. This ruin is a popular attraction, so make sure to add it to your itinerary.
The UK’s newest castle can also be found in the Dartmoor region, Castle Drogo was built in the 1930s and is probably the only castle that came complete with electricity, heating and purely decorational turrets. You’ll find it in Drewsteignton which is one of Dartmoor’s gateway towns.
 

South Devon

Aside from being a bohemian haven, Totnes is also home to a number of castles all ready to be explored. The largest of which is Berry Pomeroy Castle. The castle structure was never finished and there are plenty of horror stories about the remains.
Totnes Castle is also in the town, it’s a traditional looking motte and bailey castle and dominates the landscape in the town, so you really can’t miss it.
One of the most attractive castles in south Devon can be found in Dartmouth, Dartmouth Castle stands at the entrance of the Dart Estuary. The castle’s owners offer boat trips that take you along the quay and up to the battlement.

North Devon
Watermouth Castle is one of the more fun castles you can visit in the county. Situated in Ilfracombe, North Devon, aside from being a complete castle also houses one of the biggest family attractions in the county, so you can explore the history of the former smuggler’s caves and see the stately home while also checking out the theme park.

Mid Devon
If you fancy staying overnight in a castle, Mid-Devon is the place to go, Tiverton Castle was initially built in 1106 and was once the home of several important people. These days, you can stay over and there are gardens to explore.
Powderham Castle in Exeter is one of the region’s popular event venues and has a busy events calendar throughout the year as well as having gardens and a deer park.

This is just a few of the amazing castles, stately homes and ruins that can be found in Devon, have you visited any of these places? We’d love to see your photos, be sure to tag us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram!