One Old and One New Castle in Devon

Please join us as I continue to write about our time in Britain as we celebrated our Golden Anniversary.

We enjoyed a restful evening in our new accommodations in Devon.  Yesterday was long and tiring traveling into a new area.  We are excited to enjoy our day as we gaze out the window.

The sunny view from our window of our thatched roof room promises a warm day!  Our hotel is a lovely old thatched roof beauty that has all the things we need for our next two weeks in Devon and Cornwall.

  

The two right windows are the windows to our efficiency suite.  We were both very comfortable with having a small refrigerator to store a few things in for quick snacks.  

Before leaving home in the USA, we planned out our days on this four week adventure to celebrate our Golden Anniversary.  Today we planned to visit three castles.  I hope you will come along with us.  First we are going to the Medieval Castle of Okehampton.

First I must mention we are in a very remote area of Devon.  If we listen to our GPS we will be going down single tract lanes.  We learned this lesson on our first day here in Devon.  

For instance the GPS will take you over the hill to the left on very small lanes intended to move sheep!  The single tract lanes are closer to your destination, but not easier.  Sometimes these are the only roads available.  I'll continue to write about them in future posts.  

Okehampton Castle is a motte and bailey castle.  What is that?  It is a fortification with a wood or stone keep on a raised earthwork called a motte with an enclosed courtyard, or bailey surrounded by a ditch.  

Okehampton Castle was built between 1068 and 1086 by Baldwin FitzGilbert following a revolt in Devon against Norman rule.

The ruins of the castle are all that remain.  In the 1300's the de Courtenays, who became the Earls of Devon used the castle as a hunting lodge and it enjoyed its heyday of luxury.  During the 15th century the de Courtenays were involved in the Wars of the Roses.  Henry Courtenay was executed by Henry VIII and Okehampton fell into ruin. 

The English Heritage now takes care of the ruins.  There is a self guided tour with headphones to learn more about the castle.  We climbed all over these old ruins listening to the audio.

If these old stone walls could talk, I'm sure we would hear some tales.  Some good  and some not so good.

The little British robin that makes his home here was so darling, I had to take his photograph.

Let's say goodbye to Okehampton and off we will travel to another castle that is much newer.

The scenery in Devon is spectacular!  The rolling verdant patchwork makes my heart happy as we drive along.

Next up is the last castle that has been built in England.  Built between 1910 and 1930 by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens for Julius Drewe.  There is a big problem at this castle--it leaks!  The National Trust is entering the final phase of a conservation project to save Castle Drogo.

This enormous castle is open during this restoration.  If you don't have a fear of heights, you can go on the scaffolding and get a view of the roof that is being repaired.  We passed on that one!

Castle Drogo sits high above the Teign Gorge on the edge of Dartmoor.  One can clearly see why this was a prime spot for such a castle.  Come along as we enter this lovely castle.

The treasures inside are being kept safe because of the renovations.  It would certainly be a shame if the National Trust were not taking care of this place.

There are beautiful furnishings all throughout the castle.

There are many collections to view.

New innovations were in use at the castle.

A butler's pantry that would be the envy of anyone.

One area of the estate that I'm looking forward to seeing are the gardens.  Come with us as we exit the castle and roam about the grounds.

Behind the yew hedges is Lutyens designed terraced formal garden.

There is a Bunty House with its own miniature garden.  This house was originally built for Julius Drewe's daughter Frances.  Now visiting children can enjoy playing here. 

There are miles and miles of walks one can take here at the estate of Castle Drogo.  We decided for us that it would be good to take a break at their cafe'.  Grayden really enjoyed the mocha that is available at the National Trust sites.  They even put the National Trust symbol of the oak leaves on their coffees. 

As always I ordered my cup of tea.  Earl Grey always satisfies me in the afternoon or really anytime.  I do hope you will come back with us as we continue our adventure in Devon. ♥