Top 5 Castles around Bickleigh

Bickleigh is home to Bickleigh Castle, a fortified manor house situated on the banks of the River Exe. It boasts a rich history dating back to Norman times, featuring an 11th-century motte castle, a 15th-century mansion, and a Saxon chapel. The castle's architecture reflects its evolution over centuries, with elements from various periods.

While Bickleigh Castle primarily functions as a wedding venue, it is open to public visitors by prior appointment, with guided tours typically lasting about an hour. During certain periods, such as Thursday afternoons from April to October, the castle, gardens, and grounds are open to the public. You can explore its historic architecture, including a 12th-century gatehouse and a Saxon chapel, and enjoy the extensive grounds with the River Exe flowing through.

Yes, beyond Bickleigh Castle, the region offers several other notable historical sites. You can visit The Royal Citadel, Plymouth, a dramatic 17th-century fortress, or explore Mount Batten Tower, an artillery tower built in the 1650s that guarded Plymouth Sound. Another interesting spot is Radford Castle and Hooe Lake Shipwreck, a 19th-century castle located within Radford Park.

Bickleigh Castle features a two-storey main building with a thatched roof. Inside, you can discover a remarkable 16th-century overmantel carved with scenes depicting the Reformation, including the trial and execution of figures like Henry Courtenay and Sir Nicholas Carew. It also includes stylized depictions of the City of Exeter, Bickleigh Castle's inner keep, and King Henry VIII.

Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Radford Castle and Hooe Lake Shipwreck is located within Radford Park, a green space perfect for exploration. Additionally, Cotehele House and Gardens offers pristine gardens and grounds, woodlands, and apple orchards, making it a great family outing.

The area around Bickleigh and its castles is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and mountain biking. For instance, there are hiking trails like the 'Dewerstone, Sheeps Tor & Burrator loop' or the 'River Plym – Dewerstone Rock Viewpoint loop'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Bickleigh guide, the Gravel biking around Bickleigh guide, or the MTB Trails around Bickleigh guide.

Yes, Bickleigh Castle itself is set within extensive grounds, featuring a 'secret garden' with an orchard and pond, and a moat, all alongside the River Exe. Another excellent example is Cotehele House and Gardens, which boasts pristine gardens, woodlands, and apple orchards, offering beautiful views down the Tamar Valley.

The Royal Citadel, Plymouth is a dramatic 17th-century fortress built in the late 1660s to defend the coastline, particularly from the Dutch. It was designed by Sir Bernard de Gomme and is still used by the military today, encompassing the site of an earlier fort from Sir Francis Drake's time.

Yes, Bickleigh Castle offers various accommodation options, including the Tudor Suite in the main castle building with a four-poster bed, and traditional thatched cottages overlooking a central courtyard. It provides bed and breakfast accommodation year-round, making it suitable for a unique historical stay.

Trematon Castle features a 12th-century keep, similar to nearby Restormel Castle. It was built on the site of a Roman fort in a Motte and Bailey style. While it can be visited, it's typically open on specific days (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays), and you can also get a good view from the public footpath as you pass by.

Visitors appreciate the rich historical significance and the diverse architecture of the castles, ranging from Norman origins to 17th-century military structures. The scenic beauty of the Devon countryside, especially the settings alongside rivers like the Exe, also adds to the appeal. Many enjoy the opportunity to step back in time and explore sites with storied pasts, often combined with walks in the surrounding natural landscapes.