The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in a stunning setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, much of whose work survives. After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1539, the castle declined into a ruin.

There is a riverside picnic area and beautiful woodland walks nearby. It’s also a great place for bird lovers with regular visiting species and in spring and early summer you can enjoy a variety of seasonal wildflowers, which adorn the meadow, woodland and motte.