Few buildings evoke such a feeling of history as venerable Tiverton Castle.
In 2015 we commemorate the following anniversaries: Magna Carta 1215, Agincourt 1415, Waterloo 1815, Gallipoli 1915.
Originally built in 1106 by order of Henry I, and later rebuilt and much enlarged in the 13th and 14th centuries, Tiverton Castle was once home of the powerful medieval Earls of Devon and of a Plantagenet Princess. With later additions and alterations down the centuries all periods of architecture from medieval to modern can be seen, with beautiful walled gardens within the romantic ruins.
Besieged during the English Civil War by General Sir Thomas Fairfax, it fell due to a lucky shot hitting a drawbridge chain. This was the only time in its long history that it saw battle.
Part Scheduled Ancient Monument and part Grade I Listed, the Castle is the private home of Angus and Alison Gordon, who are happy to share it with others in the following ways:
Open to the public from Easter Sunday to end of October
Available for private tour parties outside normal opening hours
5 Superb holiday Properties
The Castle is no longer available for weddings, events or functions.
Tiverton Castle Visits and Tours
Tiverton Castle is a wonderful, romantic and atmospheric Castle to visit and great fun for children. Since it was originally built in wood in 1106 there have been a lot of changes to the building down the ages. After 1293 it was rebuilt in stone, and then changing fashions, Civil War and climate damage have dictated further changes. The moat was filled in and the land sold off many years ago; so now there are only four acres left as an oasis of calm. .
One visitor commented “It’s not the biggest Castle to visit, but one of the most informative“.
WHAT TO SEE:
- Try on some English Civil War Armour and imagine what it was like to wear such heavy and cumbersome kit
- Admire the different ages of architecture
- Learn the history of the Castle as you go round, and see the various displays relating to it.
- See the medieval garderobes (loos) originally cleaned out by children
- Read the various ghost stories and about secret passages
- Feel the weight of a cannon ball far heavier than you think.
- See some interesting furniture and royal pictures.
- Find out why there is a small Napoleonic collection in Tiverton – we celebrate the bicentenary of Waterloo .
- Small family display commemorating the First World War.
- Exhibition of gold and silver mining in Devon.
- Spend some time going round the beautiful walled gardens – interesting and rare plants, colourful borders, well-stocked kitchen garden, orchard, woodland garden.
- You are allowed to sit on the chairs as you go round this is a private house, not National Trust property, and it will not be overcrowded.
- Tiny shop selling inexpensive, good quality souvenirs mainly relating to the Castle.
Tiverton Castle Self Catering Properties
MAKE A CASTLE YOUR HOME. What could be more romantic than spending a few nights in a historic castle in unspoilt Mid Devon? Three large, self-catering and self-contained apartments sleeping 2/4 are found in the main Castle building, and are very comfortable and well equipped.
All are approached through a turret door and the first and second floor properties via a magnificent 17th century well staircase.
Castle Lodge for 4 and Castle Barton for 6 are beautiful houses set in the Castle grounds.
There is full gas central heating and electricity. All beds have duvets. Beautiful garden and garden furniture, barbecue, campfire, croquet. Wifi. Free tours of the Castle. Free seasonal fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden. Free Parking. Free fishing on the banks of the River Exe (fishing licence required). Sorry, no pets, no smoking. Preferred changeover booking date is Friday to Friday.
These are all self-catering properties only. Available for a minimum Short Break stay of three nights. A B&B facility is not offered.
NOTE Although there is accommodation for 20 people in total each property is equipped for 2, 4 or 6 people; so you would not all be able to eat together in one property.
