Tiverton Castle

About the museum

Tiverton Castle was built in 1106 on the orders of Henry I and was later rebuilt and enlarged in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was the home of the powerful medieval Earls of Devon and of a Plantagenet princess. The manor of Tiverton is already mentioned in King Alfred's will of 885, and by 1066 it had belonged to Princess Gytha, King Harold's mother, before William the Conqueror took it.

The castle saw battle only once, during the English Civil War, when it was besieged by General Sir Thomas Fairfax and fell after a lucky shot hit the chain of the drawbridge. Over the centuries many alterations were made, so that buildings from the medieval period to modern times can be seen together, among them the ruins of the old fortress and a house in the courtyard that was built from the 1680s onwards.

Today the castle is partly a Scheduled Ancient Monument and partly Grade I listed. It is the private home of its owners, who open it to visitors from Easter to the end of October and run holiday cottages in the grounds. Visitors can see a fine collection of Civil War arms and armour, some of which may be tried on, as well as furniture, pictures, medieval garderobes and the walled gardens of about three acres that lead down to the River Exe.

Highlights

• Collection of English Civil War arms and armour, some pieces to try on
• Medieval castle dating from 1106, home of the Earls of Devon
• Medieval garderobes, secret-passage stories and ghost tales
• Walled gardens of about three acres down to the River Exe
• Furniture and pictures in the castle rooms

Permanent exhibition

• Civil War arms and armour – A fine collection of English Civil War arms and armour is shown inside the medieval castle, and some pieces can be tried on.

Founded

1100

Operated by

Private owners (Gordon family)

Admission & discounts

Cash is preferred. Tea, coffee and biscuits can be served to pre-booked groups for £2.50 a head.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Disabled visitors are welcome, but wheelchair access is limited to the garden and the ground floor of the castle. A wide, shallow Jacobean staircase leads to the first floor for visitors who can climb stairs, however slowly. Half-price admission is offered to disabled visitors who cannot climb stairs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The castle describes itself as great fun and very hands-on for children: pieces of armour can be brought down to try on. The People's Park, with swings, roundabouts and a zip wire, is a few minutes' walk away down the hill.

Getting there & parking

Leave the M5 at junction 27 and take the A361 for 7 miles towards Tiverton to a roundabout, where the castle is signposted.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

There is no tearoom for day visitors; there are tearooms in the town on weekdays. Toilets are on site. Dogs are not allowed.

Events & venue rental

As far as we know, the museum does not rent out spaces for external events.

The castle is no longer available for weddings, events or functions.

Plan your visit