Berry Pomeroy Castle
Devon, England
Photo: PayniePaynie, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: J Morley (Smalljim), CC BY 2.5 · hugh llewelyn, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
- Nearest station
- Totnes, 2.5 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Tudor mansion shell within medieval castle
Pinpoint
Berry Pomeroy, Totnes TQ9 6LJ
Telephone 01803 866618
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
Open daily, 10am - 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
A Tudor mansion built inside the shell of an older medieval castle, left to decay after the family who built it ran out of money - the result is two ruins layered on top of each other, deep in Devon woodland. Reviewers rate the audio guide highly for bringing the place to life, and dogs are welcome throughout.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The Tudor mansion's glazed windows, still largely intact - reviewers say the scale and completeness of the window openings is unusual for a ruin this old.
Before you go
The circuit through the woods to see the full site is rocky and uneven in places, not recommended for prams; the on-site cafe gets solid reviews if you want to make a full visit of it.
What visitors say
Berry Pomeroy Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 1,444 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently praise Berry Pomeroy Castle's atmospheric ruins, dog-friendly grounds, and the on-site cafe, which every reviewer mentions positively.
One visitor notes the castle's well-known mural has been mostly damaged by bats over time, but this is a minor point within an otherwise uniformly positive set of reviews.
“I love this castle, such huge and complete, glazed windows. A pity that the famous mural is almost obliterated now - apparently the bats' fault. Some decent views. A sweet, good value/quality independent cafe on site,…”- Julie Barrett, visitor review
Getting in - what English Heritage says
Only grounds, shops and ground floor accessible; shallow steps at entrance; spiral staircases lead to gun emplacements; sheer drop of 20 feet; gravel paths, uneven grass, cobbles become slippery when wet
Taken from English Heritage’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
History
Pomeroy family · late 15th century
The Pomeroy family erected a castle here in the late 15th century, then added a Tudor mansion within its walls from 1560 onward. Financial troubles left the project unfinished and abandoned by 1700, creating two superimposed ruins. The decaying site attracted artists and visitors, becoming celebrated for its romantic atmosphere.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “There's a toilet, babg change and disabled toilet, as well as a fair amount of spaces to oatk, including disabled parking.” - Jade Lloyd
- Facilities
- “The little cafe next to the castle is lovely and offers some delicious treats.” - Jade Lloyd
Common questions about Berry Pomeroy Castle
Where is Berry Pomeroy Castle?
Berry Pomeroy Castle is in Devon, England, at Berry Pomeroy, Totnes TQ9 6LJ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Berry Pomeroy Castle?
Yes - Berry Pomeroy Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Is Berry Pomeroy Castle dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Berry Pomeroy Castle - one reviewer noted: “…ly walks for our dogs. We we're able to take the dogs into everywhere. Lovely cafe, friendly staff. We had a free…”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Berry Pomeroy Castle?
The Tudor mansion's glazed windows, still largely intact - reviewers say the scale and completeness of the window openings is unusual for a ruin this old.
Is Berry Pomeroy Castle a ruin or still intact?
Berry Pomeroy Castle is a partial ruin - Tudor mansion shell within medieval castle.
