The garden at Castle Drogo during spring.
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Castle Drogo

4.6
·491k reviews·Drewsteignton, United Kingdom

England's last castle, a 20th-century marvel by Lutyens, boasting dramatic granite architecture and stunning terraced gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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The garden at Castle Drogo during spring.

Castle Drogo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

England's last castle, a 20th-century marvel by Lutyens, boasting dramatic granite architecture and stunning terraced gardens.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A truly unique castle experience, blending medieval grandeur with modern design and breathtaking gardens."

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TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry by booking tickets in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Avoid queues!

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

Lots of walking and stairs! Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the castle and gardens.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Hall

The Grand Hall

Interior

Marvel at the imposing scale and intricate details of this medieval-inspired heart of the castle.

The Gardens

The Gardens

Exterior

Wander through beautifully landscaped terraces, offering stunning views and tranquil spots.

The Chapel

The Chapel

Interior

Discover a serene and beautifully preserved space, offering a glimpse into the castle's spiritual side.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

Castle Drogo can get busy, especially during school holidays and weekends. Booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Consider visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Exploring Castle Drogo involves a lot of walking, including uneven paths and stairs within the castle. Comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the gardens and the interior tours without discomfort. Be prepared for a good amount of exploration!

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Autumn
Why
Beautiful gardens, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry by booking tickets in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Avoid queues!

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

Lots of walking and stairs! Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the castle and gardens.

📸 Capture the Views

Don't forget your camera! The gardens offer stunning photo opportunities with the castle backdrop.

☕ Cafe Break

Enjoy a refreshment at the cafe after your tour. Perfect for a mid-visit rest.

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry by booking tickets in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Avoid queues!

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

Lots of walking and stairs! Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the castle and gardens.

📸 Capture the Views

Don't forget your camera! The gardens offer stunning photo opportunities with the castle backdrop.

☕ Cafe Break

Enjoy a refreshment at the cafe after your tour. Perfect for a mid-visit rest.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Castle Drogo for its unique status as the last castle built in England and its impressive Lutyens-designed architecture. The beautiful terraced gardens are a major highlight, offering stunning views and a peaceful escape. While the castle's interior is fascinating, some find it less grand than older castles, and accessibility can be a challenge due to its historic nature.

What People Like

Unique 'last castle' status
Stunning Lutyens architecture
Beautiful terraced gardens

What People Dislike

Limited interior grandeur
Accessibility challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Castle Drogo is located near Drewsteignton, Devon. Use the postcode EX6 6PB for GPS. There is ample parking available on-site, though it can fill up during peak times. Consider arriving early if driving.

Public transport options are limited. The nearest train station is Exeter St Davids, from where you would need to take a bus or taxi. It's often easier to drive or arrange a taxi from nearby towns.

Castle Drogo offers a dedicated car park for visitors. It's usually free for National Trust members. Be aware that it can get busy, so arriving early is advised, especially during peak seasons.

Cycling routes are available in the surrounding Dartmoor National Park. There are usually bike racks available at the castle for visitors arriving by bicycle.

While the grounds have some accessible paths, the castle itself has many stairs and is not fully accessible. Check the National Trust website for detailed accessibility information before your visit.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and during school holidays, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. This is a common piece of advice from visitors.

Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Trust website for Castle Drogo for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit, as they can change.

Ticket prices vary for adults, children, and families. National Trust members get free entry. Check the National Trust website for current admission fees and any special offers.

Yes, guided tours are often available and provide fascinating insights into the castle's history and architecture. Check the schedule upon arrival or on the National Trust website.

Typically, garden-only tickets are not offered separately. Your admission ticket grants access to both the castle and the gardens. It's worth confirming this on their website.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the castle and its gardens. If you plan to enjoy a leisurely lunch or a longer walk around the estate, allow for more time.

Dogs are generally welcome in the gardens and grounds on leads, but are usually not permitted inside the castle itself. Always check the latest dog policy on the National Trust website.

Facilities typically include a cafe, gift shop, and toilets. There are also picnic areas available in the grounds for visitors who wish to bring their own food.

Wi-Fi availability can be spotty within the castle and grounds. It's advisable not to rely on it for essential tasks and to download any necessary information beforehand.

Children can enjoy exploring the castle's nooks and crannies, and there are often family-friendly trails or activities available in the gardens. The open spaces are great for running around.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is usually permitted inside the castle for personal use, but flash photography is often prohibited to protect the interiors. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure.

The gardens offer fantastic vantage points for capturing the castle's exterior against the landscape. The Grand Hall and Chapel interiors also provide striking photographic opportunities.

Drone usage is typically restricted at National Trust properties to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Commercial photography or filming usually requires prior permission from the National Trust. Contact their press or media team well in advance if you plan a professional shoot.

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for exterior shots. Midday can be harsh, but the gardens provide shade and interesting light patterns.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Castle Drogo offers a fantastic adventure for families. Kids can let their imaginations run wild in the 'last castle built in England,' exploring its towers and ramparts. The extensive gardens provide ample space for running around and discovering hidden corners. Look out for any family-friendly trails or activity packs that the National Trust might offer during your visit.

Pack snacks and drinks, as while there's a cafe, having your own supplies can be helpful for younger children. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone, as there's a lot of ground to cover. The open spaces in the gardens are perfect for a picnic, making it a full day out for the family.

🚶‍♀️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by history and architecture, Castle Drogo is a must-visit. As the last castle built in England, its story is unique. The collaboration between architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and owner Julius Drewe resulted in a remarkable blend of medieval style and modern living. Take your time to appreciate the granite construction, the interior design, and the innovative features that were ahead of their time.

Consider joining a guided tour if available, as these often delve deeper into the castle's construction and the lives of its inhabitants. The gardens, designed by Gertrude Jekyll, also offer a fascinating study in early 20th-century garden design, complementing the castle's architectural narrative.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Marvel of Castle Drogo

Castle Drogo stands as a unique testament to early 20th-century castle building, being the last castle constructed in England. Designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens for the wealthy textile merchant Julius Drewe, it was built between 1911 and 1930. Lutyens masterfully blended medieval architectural styles with modern living, creating a formidable yet comfortable home. The castle's imposing granite exterior, complete with battlements and towers, evokes a sense of historical grandeur, while the interior reveals Lutyens' signature style with spacious rooms and thoughtful design.

Visitors often remark on the sheer scale and ambition of the project, especially considering its relatively recent construction. The integration of modern amenities within such a traditional aesthetic is a key talking point. Exploring the various rooms, from the grand hall to the more intimate spaces, offers a fascinating insight into the vision of both the owner and the architect. It’s a place where history feels both ancient and surprisingly contemporary.

Key features to look out for include the dramatic use of granite, the impressive scale of the main hall, and the clever architectural details that Lutyens incorporated. The castle’s construction was a significant undertaking, and understanding its context as the 'last castle' adds to its allure for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Exploring the Enchanting Drogo Gardens

The gardens at Castle Drogo are as much a draw as the castle itself, offering a series of beautifully designed terraces that cascade down the hillside. Created by Lutyens and his garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, these formal gardens provide a stunning contrast to the rugged granite of the castle. Visitors can wander through manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Teign Valley.

The gardens are divided into distinct areas, each with its own character. The upper terraces offer formal planting and seating areas, perfect for enjoying the castle's presence. As you descend, you'll find more informal planting, including a rose garden and a kitchen garden, showcasing a variety of plants and seasonal blooms. The wilder areas at the bottom of the valley provide a more naturalistic setting, with woodland walks and the sound of the river.

Many visitors highlight the seasonal beauty of the gardens, with different areas coming into their own throughout the year. The combination of Lutyens' architectural vision for the castle and Jekyll's horticultural expertise in the gardens creates a harmonious and breathtaking landscape. It’s a place to relax, reflect, and appreciate the artistry of landscape design.

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