Compton Castle
Compton Castle
Marldon, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 1TAA rare survivor, this medieval fortress with high curtain walls, towers and a portcullis, set in a landscape of rolling hills and orchards, is a bewitching mixture of romance and history.
Home for nearly 600 years to the Gilbert family, including Sir Humphrey Gilbert – half-brother to Sir Walter Raleigh.
Things to see and do in the castle
In the Castle there are the charming and historical Great Hall, Sub-Solar and Solar to explore, as well as the medieval kitchen and chapel.
Things to see and do in the garden
Explore the rose garden, take a seat in the orchard, discover the medieval style knot garden and soak up some sunshine on the sunny lawns in Compton Castle’s garden.
Fun for families
Little ones love castles, and at Compton there is plenty to keep them enchanted. They can dress up in medieval costumes, play traditional games in the garden, and complete the spotter and history trails.
Lawns and orchards
As you arrive at Compton Castle the tidy lawns either side of the central path, bordered with lavender, are the first thing you see. This sunny spot is home to traditional games such as croquet and quoits if you fancy a game or you’re welcome to just relax on the lawn. Through a gateway at the bottom left of the lawn is an orchard where dogs are welcome.
Rose garden and knot garden
Steps at the top left of the lawns lead you to the rose garden. In the summer months the heady smell of roses and scented wisteria hits you before you finish climbing the steps, and then the sight of many roses climbing the pergola and lining the paths takes your breath away. Look out for the Armillary Sphere in the rose garden which was forged in 1983 to mark the 400th anniversary of Sir Humphrey Gilbert’s colonisation of Newfoundland, and take a seat on the bench by the pond for a quiet moment to take it all in. The knot garden also commemorates this as at its heart is a topiary squirrel, inspired by Sir Humphrey’s ship The Squirrel.