DESTINATION:
Devon
Tucked away in the south western corner of England, Devon is a diverse county of medieval towns, wild moors and gentle beaches. Its mild climate has given rise to some magnificent gardens, often located in substantial country estates thereby offering a variety of historical houses to explore. The collegiate city of Exeter boasts a formidable cathedral.
Recommended duration - depending on the departure point Devon can be visited for 3 nights/4 days, but 4 nights/5 days is the optimum period recommended.
KEY VISITS (Recommended)
- GREENWAY HOUSE – constructed in the late 1490s, the house had a series of prestigious owners prior to Mrs Mallowan (Agatha Christie) taking up residence in 1938. It became the holiday home of her and her husband and they both spent many hours working and developing the beautiful gardens. The house was requisitioned by the Admiralty in 1943 for the use of the United States Navy. Agatha Christie resided here until 1959.
- BRITANNIA ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE – a stunning Edwardian building on a hill overlooking the town of Dartmouth. It has been the initial officer training establishment of the Royal Navy since 1863 and houses a collection of pictures and artefacts documenting the history of the BRNC since then.
- COLETON FISHACRE – a house famed for its connection with the D’Oyly Carte family and constructed to the Arts and Crafts principles of simplicity of design and high-quality craftsmanship. The interior however follows the Art Deco trend, while the beautiful gardens feature rare and exotic plants which survive due to their proximity to the Gulf Stream.
- KNIGHTSHAYES COURT – a striking gothic house constructed to high Victorian designs for the industrialist John Heathcoat-Amory. The rich interiors combine Gothic features with Victorian decoration and collection highlights include art and fine furniture. Here too is one of the finest gardens in Devon, mainly woodland and shrubs with something of interest throughout the seasons.
- POWDERHAM CASTLE – the family home of the Courtenay family, Earls of Devon. Strictly speaking it is not a castle as it has no keep or moat, although it did have a curtain wall at one time. Several castle-like features were added during extensive alterations in the 19th century. The interior offers a mixture of medieval elements and 18th century decoration including tapestry, art works and fine furniture.
- CASTLE DROGO – the last castle to be constructed in Britain, it was built between 1910 and 1930 for self-made millionaire, Julius Drewe. Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens skilfully combined a medieval atmosphere, created by bare granite, exposed timbers and tapestry-hung walls, with comfortable and stylish rooms fitted with the latest conveniences of the day – central heating and elaborately appointed bathrooms.
ALTERNATIVE VISITS
- TORRE ABBEY (Torquay) – a museum of history and art housed in an Ancient Scheduled Monument. The Abbey is considered the finest preserved example of a medieval monastery.
- BUCKFAST ABBEY – a working monastery that dates to 1018. The current presentation includes access to the Monastic Way, an interactive experience that details the history of Buckfast Abbey and the Benedictine Community.
- EXETER CATHEDRAL – the Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Exeter. The present building was completed circa 1400 and has several notable features including an early set of misericords and the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England.