Nothing is normal. Dramatic castle overlooking the Teign Gorge, undergoing a conservation project to make it watertight.
The formal garden and toilets are open. You’ll need to book tickets online or by calling 0344 249 1895 by 3pm the day before your visit. Members can book for free, while non-members will need to pay when booking. We'll be releasing tickets every Friday. Please note we’ll be turning people away who arrive and haven't booked. We're looking forward to welcoming you back.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo
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Important notice - The parkland and woodland are open for local visits. You will need to pre-book your car parking space, please visit the "what's on" section to book. (Last checked 25th Feb 2021)
Discover Knightshayes - a great post-war garden, 19th-century parkland and grand Gothic Revival architecture by Victorian visionary William Burges.
A rich and varied history
The house was built by Sir John Heathcoat Amory, the grandson of John Heathcoat, creator of the mechanised bobbin lace making machine and owner of a lace factory in Tiverton.
The foundation stone was laid in 1869, but it was not until 1873 that the elaborate interior designs were completed. William Burges, designer of Knightshayes, had a rocky relationship with the family and was fired half way through the project, leaving his imaginative vision incomplete.
Burges was replaced by another reputable designer, John Dibblee Crace, who turned out to be another ill-fated choice. Much of Crace's work was covered up by the family, but later restored by the Trust.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knightshayes
Knightshayes Bolham, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7RG
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Quirky 18th-century, 16 sided house with fascinating interior decoration and collections.
Important notice - The car park, toilets & one way route around the grounds are open. You'll need to book your visit in advance. Check What’s On for the latest information & to book. You'll be turned away if you arrive without a booking.
Enjoy walks, picnics, and stunning views across the Exe estuary to the east Devon coastline. You can picnic in the orchard or on the Ha-Ha lawn. Follow in the steps of A la Ronde’s two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, and enjoy a stroll around the meadow which is rich in flora, fauna and wildlife.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/a-la-ronde
A la Ronde Summer Lane, Exmouth EX8 5BD
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A magical forest on the Killerton estate and one of the largest woods in East Devon.
Ashclyst Forest has a host of waymarked trails for you to explore and experience nature. A haven for butterflies, bluebells, birds and much more.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashclyst-forest
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Nestling in a valley that reaches down to the sea on east Devon’s dramatic Jurassic Coast, the village of Branscombe is surrounded by picturesque countryside with miles of tranquil walking through woodland, farmland and beach. Branscombe's charming thatched houses, working forge and restored watermill add to the timeless magic of the place.
An easy graded trail winds up from the beach to the village passing Manor Mill, the Old Bakery tea-room and the working forge. For the more adventurous join the coast path and wander around Beer, once a notorious smuggling centre, or explore eastwards and discover wild dramatic cliffs and steep, green valleys.
Livestock may be grazing the farmland, please keep dogs on a lead. If animals become curious and approach:
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Avoid getting between cows and calves.
- If walking with a dog let go of its lead and meet up with your dog further along the path.
- If animals are blocking the path, whistle, talk or clap which lets them know you are there and encourages them to move. If they are still blocking the way then it may be best to avoid passing them and find an alternative route.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/branscombe
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Above the bustling seaside town of Sidmouth is Salcombe Hill which has amazing views of the town and out across the Jurassic cliffs. Peak Hill sits to the west of Sidmouth, partially eroded resulting in a cliff face on the coast.
For the more adventurous, join the South West Coast Path and explore Salcombe Mouth, and the pretty but steep valleys of Lincombe and Dunscombe.
In Sidmouth you can take a stroll along the Byes, a pleasant riverside walk or visit the popular National Trust shop on Fore Street.
Peak Hill sits to the west of Sidmouth, look out for the carved stepping stones through the Trust – owned woodland and more great views.
Livestock may be grazing the cliffland, please keep dogs on a lead. If animals become curious and approach:
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Avoid getting between cows and calves.
- If walking with a dog let go of its lead and meet up with your dog further along the path.
- If animals are blocking the path, whistle, talk or clap which lets them know you are there and encourages them to move. If they are still blocking the way then it may be best to avoid passing them and find an alternative route.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sidmouth-countryside
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Follow a clifftop walk with breathtaking views of the Jurassic coast with a night under the stars at Prattshayes caravan and campsite.
Exmouth countryside includes the impressive headland walk at Orcombe Point, the warm and friendly campsite and bunkhouse at Prattshayes run by Exmouth Watersports and the farm at Lower Halsdon on the River Exe. An easy, level path above the beach at Exmouth is a peaceful haven from the holidaying crowds.
Livestock may be grazing in areas, please keep dogs on a lead. If animals become curious and approach:
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Avoid getting between cows and calves.
- If walking with a dog let go of its lead and meet up with your dog further along the path.
- If animals are blocking the path, whistle, talk or clap which lets them know you are there and encourages them to move. If they are still blocking the way then it may be best to avoid passing them and find an alternative route.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/exmouth
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Devon Birds has two small reserves at Prawle, the most southerly part of Devon. These were bought and developed primarily as migrant stopover points.
The Prawle Point reserve comprises a fenced wooded area directly opposite the National Trust car park, and an adjacent small area of open scrubland either side of the access road to Prawle Point cottages to the South. Access to the fenced area is through a gate with a combination lock and is restricted to Devon Birds members. The combination number of the lock can be obtained by emailing
East Prawle reserve lies next to a public footpath through the Pig’s Nose Valley. The reserve is covered in woodland that has been left in its natural state and is therefore inaccessible.
https://www.devonbirds.org/birdwatching/places_to_go/prawle_reserves
Devon Birds sightings
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South Huish Reserve lies in a shallow valley cut off from the sea by the dunes behind South Milton Sands. The Reserve together with the South Milton Ley Reserve in the adjacent valley and nearby coast are visited by up to 200 bird species in a typical year.
The National Trust took ownership of the Reserve in 2011. Devon Birds has managed the Reserve since 1994 under an agreement with the previous owner. The agreement is due to expire in 2015 and discussions are in progress with the National Trust on the future of this agreement.
When Devon Birds took over management of the Reserve shallow scrapes were formed, drains reshaped and enlarged to introduce an important new habitat, and sluices installed to control water levels. The objective is to retain sufficient water in the scrapes to prevent them drying out over the summer.
No access is permitted within the Reserve.
https://www.devonbirds.org/birdwatching/places_to_go/south_huish
Devon Birds sightings
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Plym Estuary is located in the east of Plymouth with the A374 Embankment Road running along its western side. The site covers 114.9 hectares and consists of Saltram Saltmarsh, Crabtree Reclaim and the Plym Estuary area above the Laira Bridge.
Saltram saltmarsh is owned and managed by the National Trust and is accessible to the public. A variety of habitats are present including saltmarsh, grassland and woodland.
The site is designated as a County Wildlife Site because several Devon notable plant species have been found at the site.
Species include: Brookweed, Glasswort, Sea aster, Wild celery, Lesser sea-spurrey
The site is also designated because of the wintering bird interest.
https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/parksnatureandgreenspace/countywildlifesites/plymestuarycws
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