Pictures of Castle Drogo
About Castle Drogo
Fortune rarely smiles on people the way it did on Sir Julius Drewe. In 1899 at the age of 33 he was able to retire from the business empire which had made him a millionaire and concentrate on realising his ambition to build himself a castle. Whilst researching the family history, Sir Julius discovered amongst his ancestors a Norman baron named Drogo de Teigne. This particular ancestor was a source of fascination for him and he resolved to build a castle on land once owned by de Teigne. Sir Edwin Lutyens was instructed to do the design and in 1911 the foundation stone was laid.
The site chosen for the building of the castle was an inspired choice. Perched on a lofty crag almost a thousand feet above the Teign gorge, the castle looks mysterious and darkly dramatic. Medieval in design with an interior to match, the raw granite exterior belies the beauty of the rooms, and although stark in parts, the castle has all the charm of a country house. Much of the furniture is of Spanish design but in the drawing room the accent is very much on English chintz with every comfort provided for.
There are spectacular views over stunning gardens which all year long are a riot of colourful shrubs and flowers. The formal gardens were created by Lutyens with most of the planting being carried out by garden designer George Dillistone. There are lovely lawns, yew hedges and trees have been carefully selected to provide a parade of glorious shades of green, glowing gold and deep autumnal reds. From both the castle and grounds there are views over Dartmoor and the Teign Gorge.
Interestingly, Castle Drogo was the last castle to be built in Britain and although Sir Julius lived to fulfil his dream he did not have long to enjoy it. He sadly died one year after the castle was completed.
The castle is open to public view and is well worth a visit.
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Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Castle Drogo.
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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Castle Drogo
| Spinster's Rock | (1.4 miles, 2.3 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Finch Foundry | (5.7 miles, 9.1 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Fernworthy Stone Circle | (5.8 miles, 9.4 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Grimspound | (6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Jay's Grave | (6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Becky Falls | (6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Grey Wethers Stone Circle | (7.0 miles, 11.3 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| The Nine Maidens Stone Circle | (7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Hound Tor Medieval Village | (7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Okehampton Castle | (9.1 miles, 14.6 km, direction W) | Pictures |
All attractions in DevonComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Castle Drogo
Drewsteignton, in the county of Devon (0.7 miles, 1.1 km)
This attractive village is one of the most beautifully laid out of all Devon villages with pretty cottages set around a fine village square.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Chagford, in the county of Devon (2.3 miles, 3.8 km, direction SW)
With haunting scenery, quaint cottages, pretty streets and alleyways Chagford has something for everyone.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Gidleigh, in the county of Devon (3.5 miles, 5.6 km, direction W)
The small wooded village of Gidleigh stands in superb wooded countryside at the heart of the Dartmoor National Park.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
North Bovey, a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon (4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction S)
North Bovey is a picturesque village in Dartmoor. It boasts a shaded village green, 18th century thatched cottages, a thatched pub dating from the 13th century, and a wonderful...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Zeal Monachorum, in the county of Devon (8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction N)
Set amid the rolling agricultural heartland of Devon, Zeal Monachorum is the very epitome of the perfect, tranquil Devonian village.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Postbridge, in the county of Devon (8.4 miles, 13.5 km, direction SW)
Postbridge is a tiny hamlet, yet this richly wooded area, at the heart of the moor has become a natural starting point for the thousands of visitors who annually come to explore the splendour and wonders of the moor.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Okehampton, in the county of Devon (9.1 miles, 14.6 km, direction W)
There has been a settlement at Okehampton since the Bronze-Age, later it became a prosperous Saxon town with the Saxon Lords being overthrown at the time of the Conquest.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Buckland in the Moor, in the county of Devon (10.8 miles, 17.3 km, direction S)
This is one of Devon's "dream villages" with an attractive small church dating from the 13th century and a cluster of picturesque thickly thatched country cottages with the most "English" of country gardens.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Dartmeet, a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon (11.2 miles, 18.1 km, direction S)
A popular tourist and beauty spot on Dartmoor. It is the meeting point of the two major tributaries of the River Dart: the East Dart and West Dart.
Dartmeet to Chagford: Info | Pictures | Hotels
Two Bridges, in the county of Devon (11.9 miles, 19.1 km, direction SW)
Two Bridges is the junction of the two major routes across central Dartmoor, and thus attracts a lot of visitors in the summer.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in DevonComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Yeoford Station | (6.3 miles, 10.2 km, direction NE) |
| Copplestone Station | (8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction N) |
| M5 Junction 31 | (12.9 miles, 20.8 km, direction E) |
| M5 Junction 30 | (15.1 miles, 24.3 km, direction E) |
| Exeter Airport | (17.1 miles, 27.5 km, direction E) |
| Plymouth City Airport | (23.3 miles, 37.5 km, direction SW) |
| Castle Drogo to London | (169.6 miles, 272.9 km, direction E) |
Accommodation & Hotels near Castle Drogo
| Hotel Name |
| Bovey Castle | (3.5 miles, 5.6 km, direction S) |
| The Edgemoor Country House Hotel And Restaurant | (8.9 miles, 14.4 km, direction SE) |
| Coombe Cross Hotel | (9.7 miles, 15.6 km, direction SE) |
| Lord Haldon Hotel | (10.0 miles, 16.1 km, direction E) |
| Thistle Exeter | (12.1 miles, 19.5 km, direction E) |
| Exeter Court Hotel | (12.1 miles, 19.5 km, direction E) |
| Abode Exeter The Royal Clarence Hotel | (12.2 miles, 19.7 km, direction E) |
| Mercure Southgate Exeter | (12.3 miles, 19.8 km, direction E) |
| Fox & Hounds Hotel | (12.5 miles, 20.2 km, direction W) |
| The Devon Hotel | (12.8 miles, 20.5 km, direction E) |
| All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts |