Bradley

About the museum

Bradley is one of the most complete medieval manor houses in Devon, set in the valley of the River Lemon about half a mile west of the centre of Newton Abbot. Much of it was created by Richard and Joan Yarde, who owned it from 1402. The small chapel next to the house was consecrated in 1428. Later periods added Tudor decoration, and the great hall carries the royal arms of Elizabeth I.

The chapel was desecrated at the Reformation and used in later centuries as a poultry house, billiard room, dining room and barn before it was restored. Inside the house, stencilled fleurs-de-lis from the late Middle Ages survive on the walls of an upstairs room. The estate also has a historic cider press.

Bradley was given to the National Trust in 1938 by Diana Woolner, and her family has lived in the house and looked after it on the Trust's behalf. It is still a family home, so the manor can only be seen on small guided tours led by volunteer guides on selected days. The surrounding 100 acres of hay meadows, old orchards and limestone woodland, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, are open all year from dawn to dusk.

Highlights

• Unspoilt medieval manor house of the 15th century
• Restored medieval chapel consecrated in 1428
• Great hall with the royal arms of Elizabeth I
• Late medieval stencilled wall decoration
• 100 acres of meadow, orchards and ancient woodland open all year

Permanent exhibitions

• The medieval manor house – A small medieval manor house with a great hall, restored chapel and original features, seen on a guided tour.
• Meadows and woodland – About 100 acres of riverside meadow, old orchards and limestone woodland that can be explored free of charge all year.

Operated by

National Trust

Admission & discounts

Prices are for a guided tour of the manor without Gift Aid; with Gift Aid the adult price is £13.20, child £6.60 and family £33. Entry on pre-booked guided tours is free for National Trust members, who still need to book.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor is accessible but has narrow doorways and uneven surfaces, and the guided tour also climbs staircases to the first floor, with uneven flooring. Some seating is available during the tour. Limited Blue Badge parking on site must be arranged in advance by phone for visitors booked on a tour. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house and garden.

Kids & families

Dogs on leads are welcome in the meadow and woodland estate, which makes the grounds popular for walks.

Getting there & parking

Bradley is half a mile from the centre of Newton Abbot on the A381 towards Totnes. The meeting point for tours is by the stone bridge in the estate next to Bakers Park. For the Blue Badge parking at the lodge use postcode TQ12 6BN.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

There are no toilets or refreshments at Bradley. Pay-to-use public toilets and a small kiosk are near the playing field at Bakers Park, within walking distance.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit