Compton Castle
Devon, England
Photo: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0 ยท Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Limited tour days
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Torre, 2.4 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Fortified manor, Gilbert family home; limited opening days
Pinpoint
Gropers Ln, Compton, Paignton TQ3 1TA
Telephone 01803 843235
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 7 September - 1 November | Mon: Closed Tue - Thu: 10:30 - 16:30 Fri - Sun: Closed |
| 2 November - 27 December | Compton Castle closed |
Individual dates outside these ranges are on the official page.
Checked against the official page on 25 August 2026.
A fortified manor house rather than a true castle, built for defence against coastal raids and still partly lived in by the Gilbert family who've owned it for generations. It's only open on limited days, when volunteer guides - some in Tudor costume - bring out a history that reviewers say exceeds what the modest size of the building suggests.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The volunteer guides in Tudor costume - reviewers say they add real character to what's otherwise a smaller, quieter site than the word 'castle' implies.
Before you go
There's no parking on site - use the cafe car park at the bottom of the driveway and expect narrow approach roads; check opening days carefully, since the family's continued residency limits when it's open.
What visitors say
Compton Castle reviews · 4.2 / 5 across 718 Google reviews
Reviewers find Compton Castle interesting but modest in scale, noting it's smaller than expected and only partially open to visitors since a family still lives there.
Guides in period costume and a dressing-up room for children are well liked, and while there's no on-site parking or coffee shop, most reviewers point to a nearby cafe as a good alternative.
“It's worth a visit if you're in the area. Lovely house and garden. No coffee shop but plenty of tables outside for a picnic.”- Melchora Matthews, visitor review
Getting in - what National Trust says
Drop-off point in front of the main castle gates and designated parking; the ground floor is accessible and there is ramped access, but pathways are uneven with steps. The grounds are only partly accessible, with steep slopes, steps and narrow paths. A manual wheelchair is available, along with an accessible toilet and seating. A full access statement is published on AccessAble.
Taken from National Trust’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
mid-14th century
Originally an undefended manor house built in the mid-14th century, Compton Castle was transformed when John Gilbert added its fortress-like front around 1520. The Gilbert family has occupied it for most of its history and continue to reside there today, maintaining it as a National Trust property.
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 is no parking on site but a carpark just across the road where you can also find food.” - The Jammo
- Terrain & accessibility
- “A good little cafe opposite, up some steps where we parked.” - Tracy15
- Facilities
- “No coffee shop but plenty of tables outside for a picnic.” - Melchora Matthews
Common questions about Compton Castle
Where is Compton Castle?
Compton Castle is in Devon, England, at Gropers Ln, Compton, Paignton TQ3 1TA.
How do you visit Compton Castle?
Compton Castle opens on limited tour days rather than every day, and is looked after by National Trust. Because the dates are restricted, check the official site and book ahead before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Compton Castle?
The volunteer guides in Tudor costume - reviewers say they add real character to what's otherwise a smaller, quieter site than the word 'castle' implies.
Is Compton Castle a ruin or still intact?
Compton Castle is largely intact - Fortified manor, Gilbert family home; limited opening days.
