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Castle Drogo

Castle Drogo is a Grade I listed country house and castle in Drewsteignton, Devon, England, constructed between 1911 and 1930 in the style of a late medieval fortress overlooking the Teign Gorge on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.^[1]^[2]^[3] Commissioned by the wealthy businessman Julius Drewe as a family residence to reflect his belief in his family's ancient lineage, it was designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who blended granite masonry with modern comforts to create what is widely regarded as the last castle built in England.^[4]^[3]^[5] The ambitious project, which quarried local granite and incorporated innovative features like hydroelectric power, faced challenges including a leaky roof from the outset, leading to ongoing conservation efforts.^[3] In 1974, Drewe's grandson Anthony and great-grandson Christopher gifted the castle and its 600-acre estate to the National Trust, marking the organization's first acquisition of a 20th-century building.^[6]^[4] Today, after major repairs completed in 2021 to replace the roof and restore structural integrity, Castle Drogo serves as a visitor attraction, showcasing Lutyens's architectural masterpiece alongside formal gardens designed in the 1920s style and scenic walks through the surrounding woodland and moorland.^[3]^[2]

History

Commission and Early Planning

Julius Drewe, born in 1856 as the son of a clergyman, rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent British entrepreneur. He co-founded the Home and Colonial Stores in 1883, a pioneering chain of grocery shops that emphasized quality tea and provisions, expanding rapidly to over 500 outlets by the early 1900s. By 1903, at the age of 47, Drewe had amassed a fortune, retiring as a self-made millionaire and seeking to establish a lasting family legacy.^[7]^[6] Drewe's ambitions were deeply influenced by his fascination with genealogy. Genealogical research, encouraged by his brother and conducted through Culleton's Heraldic Office, convinced him of his descent from the 11th-century Norman baron Drogo de Teigne, a figure associated with the post-Conquest manor of Teygnesbury (modern Drewsteignton) in Devon. Although later research showed this descent was unfounded, this belief inspired Drewe to create an ancestral seat, transforming his wealth into a symbol of noble heritage rather than mere commercial success. He changed his surname from Drew to Drewe to align with this lineage, viewing the project as a way to root his family in England's medieval past.^[7]^[4] In 1910, Drewe selected a dramatic site near the village of Drewsteignton on the edge of Dartmoor, purchasing approximately 450 acres south and west of the area. The location, perched high above the Teign Gorge, offered panoramic views of the rugged landscape and symbolic ties to the "Drogo" name through its proximity to the baron's historical lands. This choice reflected Drewe's desire for a fortress-like home that would dominate and harmonize with the wild Devon terrain, evoking the strategic perches of Norman castles.^[7]^[8] That same year, Drewe commissioned the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, approaching him through an advertisement in Country Life magazine with a budget of £50,000 for the house and £10,000 for the gardens. Lutyens, celebrated for his Arts and Crafts country houses, initially viewed the request as unconventional, lamenting the client's insistence on a full-scale castle rather than a more typical manor. Nevertheless, he agreed to the project, producing initial sketches in 1910–1911 that masterfully blended the austere, battlemented aesthetics of medieval fortifications—such as granite walls and towers—with modern functionality, including large windows for light and central heating. These early drawings, often sketched using everyday objects like salt and pepper pots to convey scale, outlined a compact yet imposing structure suited to family life.^[7]^[9] The early planning phases centered on Drewe's vision of a comfortable family residence disguised as an impregnable fortress, designed to endure for centuries. Drewe emphasized indestructibility and severity in the exterior while insisting on interior comforts, a concept Lutyens embraced by refining the designs through iterative discussions. By 1912, the plans had been scaled back from an expansive complex to a more practical layout, incorporating a great hall, dining room, and drawing room, setting the stage for construction amid the disruptions of World War I.^[7]^[4]

Construction

Construction of Castle Drogo began in 1911, utilizing locally quarried Dartmoor granite as the primary material, which was hand-cut on site by skilled masons to achieve the castle's rugged, medieval-inspired appearance.^[1]^[4] The granite was sourced from nearby quarries including Blackinstone, Merrivale, Pew Tor, and Whiddon Down, with solid walls featuring rubble infill for structural integrity.^[10] Hundreds of workers, including masons, carpenters, and laborers, were employed at the peak of the project, with masons earning approximately 8½d per hour under the supervision of clerk of works John Coates Walker.^[10]^[11] Sir Edwin Lutyens personally oversaw the work, insisting on finely dressed granite blocks for upper levels to avoid a "barbaric" appearance, despite client Julius Drewe's preference for rougher stone.^[10] The initial phase from 1911 to 1914 focused on foundations and lower levels, but progress halted during World War I from 1914 to 1918, with work pausing entirely around 1917 due to labor shortages and material constraints.^[12]^[13] Construction resumed in 1919, allowing the Drewe family to occupy parts of the building by 1925, though full completion did not occur until 1930, spanning a total of 19 years.^[3]^[14] Among the key innovations was the integration of modern amenities concealed within the historicist facade, including advanced plumbing and central heating systems.^[15] In 1929, a hydroelectric power scheme was installed, harnessing water from the River Teign via a leat to drive two turbines—one larger Pelton wheel and a smaller one—providing electricity for the site until the early 1970s.^[16]^[17] The project faced significant challenges, particularly from Dartmoor's severe weather, where driving rain and high winds frequently delayed masonry work and exacerbated structural issues.^[10] Lutyens' experimental flat roofs, intended to evoke castle battlements and constructed with asphalt over reinforced concrete, proved prone to leaking almost immediately; reports of water ingress date to 1915, well before completion, due to poor jointing and the material's untested application in such conditions.^[3]^[14] Transporting heavy granite blocks over rough terrain also caused logistical difficulties, damaging local roads and leading to accidents among workers.^[10] Originally estimated at £60,000, the construction costs reached approximately £60,000.^[18]^[19] Lutyens' hands-on involvement ensured fidelity to his vision but contributed to overruns, as he adjusted details like stone finishing and vaulting throughout the process.^[10]

Later Use by the Drewe Family

The Drewe family commenced occupancy of Castle Drogo in 1925, with Julius and Frances Drewe moving into the partially completed structure while construction continued; full occupancy was realized by 1930 upon the building's completion.^[10] Despite persistent leaks from the original construction that affected livability, the family adapted the castle into a comfortable residence.^[10] Julius Drewe died on November 10, 1931, at the age of 75, and the estate passed to his eldest surviving son, Basil Drewe, who resided there alongside his mother Frances.^[12]^[20] Castle Drogo functioned as a welcoming family home for the Drewes, supporting their six children across its 14 bedrooms and serving as a venue for entertaining guests during social gatherings and family celebrations.^[21] Minor modifications enhanced daily comfort, including the installation of furnishings transferred from the family's prior residence at Wadhurst Park in 1927 and the addition of a chapel in the undercroft, completed in 1930 with reused pews and stained glass.^[10] During World War II, Frances Drewe and her daughter Mary managed the castle as a nursery housing around 40 displaced children and their caregivers, providing temporary refuge amid the Blitz.^[22] Frances Drewe passed away in 1954, after which Basil was joined at Drogo by his son Anthony Drewe and Anthony's wife.^[23] In the ensuing decades, escalating maintenance costs—exacerbated by ongoing structural issues—led the family to spend progressively less time at the castle, with descendants gradually relocating elsewhere; by the 1970s, the property stood largely unoccupied.^[10]

Architecture

Design Philosophy and Influences

Edwin Lutyens approached the design of Castle Drogo as a modern interpretation of a medieval fortress, envisioning it as England's last castle to serve as a romantic folly for the 20th century.^[24] Influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement's emphasis on craftsmanship and Julius Drewe's personal fascination with medieval nobility, Lutyens crafted a structure that symbolized Edwardian nostalgia for a bygone era of chivalric grandeur.^[7] This philosophy rejected the ornate excesses of Victorian architecture in favor of a stark, timeless simplicity that integrated seamlessly with the rugged Dartmoor landscape.^[2] Lutyens drew from a rich tapestry of historical influences, incorporating elements from Gothic, Tudor, and Norman architecture to evoke eight centuries of English building traditions.^[24] Battlements and a working portcullis recalled the defensive austerity of Norman keeps, while proportions inspired by 17th-century manor houses added a layer of refined domesticity.^[7] The overall aesthetic blended these archaic forms with subtle Arts and Crafts detailing, such as the use of local granite, to create a fortress-like exterior that prioritized monumental presence over decorative flourish.^[24] In collaboration with Drewe, Lutyens transformed the client's ambitious vision of an indestructible granite bastion into a practical family residence, adapting the scale by reducing the original plans by two-thirds to balance cost and functionality.^[7] This partnership emphasized strategic elements like controlled symmetry in massing, the play of natural light through enfilades, and expansive views over the Teign Gorge to enhance the home's livability and dramatic effect.^[2] Lutyens' iterative designs ensured the castle functioned as a comfortable Edwardian house despite its medieval silhouette.^[7] Completed in 1930, Castle Drogo stands as a unique symbol of Edwardian-era romanticism, marking the final major castle built in England and encapsulating Lutyens' skill in fusing historical revivalism with contemporary innovation.^[24] Modern technologies, including electricity and a portcullis operated by a geared winch, were seamlessly integrated into the archaic framework, allowing the castle to serve as a forward-looking residence while honoring medieval ideals.^[7] This blend underscored Lutyens' broader architectural ethos of harmonizing tradition and progress.^[2]

Exterior Features

Castle Drogo's exterior is constructed primarily from local granite ashlar blocks, quarried within 30 miles of the site and hand-tooled by skilled masons to create a rugged, pitted texture that evokes medieval fortresses while harmonizing with the surrounding Dartmoor landscape.^[24]^[10] The blocks were laid in coursed patterns, with smoother finishes around windows and doors, contributing to the castle's austere, sheer elevations built directly on a prominent granite outcrop overlooking the Teign Gorge.^[25] This material choice not only ensured durability against the harsh Dartmoor weather but also integrated the structure visually with the natural tors, enhancing its dramatic presence.^[26] Prominent among the exterior features is the massive entrance tower, crowned with twin octagonal turrets and crenellated battlements that suggest defensive capabilities reminiscent of Norman castles.^[10] Arrow-slit windows punctuate the walls, adding to the fortress-like appearance, while the south facade incorporates a loggia that provides sheltered access and frames panoramic views of the gorge below.^[10] These elements, combined with high parapets and flat roofs paved in granite, create a silhouette of stark verticality and horizontal emphasis, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens to dominate yet blend with the rugged terrain.^[24] The castle follows an L-shaped plan, with a central keep-like hall block flanked by a four-storey family and service wing, forming a compact yet imposing layout that maximizes the site's commanding position.^[10] This arrangement, rising to three or four storeys, emphasizes the structure's scale against the moorland backdrop, offering unobstructed vistas across Dartmoor from its elevated perch.^[26] The overall design prioritizes bold geometric forms and minimal ornamentation, underscoring Lutyens' vision of a modern interpretation of medieval architecture.^[24] Recognized for its architectural innovation and historical significance as the last castle built in England, Castle Drogo was designated a Grade I listed building on 20 February 1952.^[1] This status highlights the exceptional quality of its exterior, preserving features like the granite masonry and defensive motifs as exemplary 20th-century revivalist work.^[24]

Interior Spaces

The interior of Castle Drogo is organized around a central entrance hall designed to evoke the keep of a Norman castle, featuring stone-vaulted ceilings and broad staircases that create a sense of grandeur and solidity.^[27] An enfilade of barrel-vaulted corridors links the principal rooms, providing a dramatic progression through spaces inspired by various historical periods while concealing service areas for efficiency.^[28] Monumental windows and a skylit stairwell in the central core flood these areas with natural light, enhancing the airy feel despite the fortress-like granite construction.^[28] Key reception rooms reflect period styles curated by architect Edwin Lutyens. The Dining Room adopts a 17th-century aesthetic with rich oak paneling, an exposed granite frieze, and electric candlesticks that blend historical ambiance with modern convenience; the table is often set with Venetian glassware acquired by the original owners during their 1891 honeymoon.^[15]^[28] Adjacent, the Georgian-style Drawing Room features delicate plasterwork, a prominent fireplace surmounted by a portrait of Frances Drewe, and two Venetian chandeliers from the same honeymoon trip, contributing to an elegant space for entertaining.^[15]^[27] The Library incorporates medieval motifs through oak-beamed ceilings, custom-designed bookcases, and Hispano-Moresque ceramic dishes depicting wildlife, paired with tapestries that add layers of historical depth.^[27]^[28] Hidden behind the main layout are the servants' quarters, including the butler's pantry with custom oak cupboards and a teak sink for fine china, a scullery equipped with a dumbwaiter serving three floors, and a larder arranged around an octagonal lightwell with slate shelves.^[28] Modern amenities integrate seamlessly, such as central heating supported by the site's hydro-electric system, 332 electrical sockets throughout, and Lutyens-designed furniture that mixes antique pieces with bespoke items like the oak kitchen table.^[28]^[5] This arrangement fosters an atmosphere of contrasting fortress-like solidity in the structural elements with comfortable, light-filled family spaces, allowing the interiors to function as a practical 20th-century home while evoking centuries of architectural tradition.^[27]^[28]

Gardens and Landscape

Formal Gardens

The formal gardens at Castle Drogo were designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in collaboration with landscape designer George Dillistone, with work commencing in 1911 to integrate seamlessly with the castle's construction amid Dartmoor's rugged terrain. Lutyens crafted the geometric framework, including terraced lawns, formal borders, and structured pathways inspired by classical patterns, while Dillistone developed exuberant planting schemes sourced from Veitch Nurseries, emphasizing color, scent, and textural contrast to soften the architecture.^[29] Central to the layout is the sunken rose garden, completed in 1927, featuring Art Deco-style chequerboard beds filled with various scented, repeat-flowering rose varieties arranged in color blocks, protected by a milder microclimate and flanked by four crab apple trees (Malus 'Evereste') pruned into teardrop shapes. The terraced lawns extend outward as expansive green spaces, including a 2,500 square meter circular lawn planted with 180,000 crocus bulbs for seasonal drama, bordered by herbaceous perennials such as lupins, campanulas, and kniphofias. The Chapel Garden, one of the last areas developed, provides a compact reflective enclave with tightly clipped yew domes, lawns, climbing hydrangeas, Japanese quince, and a mature fig tree interspersed with roses and catmint.^[29] Further highlights include the rhododendron walks, planted in the 1940s–1950s with exotic species like rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, dogwoods, and hydrangeas on steep banks, alongside acers and birches for woodland character, incorporating specimens from China, Japan, and Chile. As of 2025, the rhododendron garden is closed to visitors due to plant health issues but can be viewed from the terrace above. Four arbours function as gazebos, framed by Persian ironwood trees (Parrotia persica) with their exfoliating bark and drought tolerance, originally intended for weeping elms but replaced in the 1980s and adorned with Hart's tongue ferns. These elements create a 1920s snapshot of formal garden design, contrasting the castle's granite severity.^[29]^[30] The gardens hold Grade II* status on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, recognizing their exceptional historic interest and intact original layout. Perched at 850 feet above sea level, they are the highest garden under National Trust care, demanding resilient plantings to withstand Dartmoor's harsh winds and exposure. Maintenance relies on hardy species such as heathers and conifers, with a team of staff and volunteers performing annual aeration, scarification, mulching, deadheading, and pest management to preserve the site's vitality.^[12]^[29]

Estate and Natural Surroundings

The estate surrounding Castle Drogo encompasses approximately 600 acres of parkland, woods, and farmland, providing a diverse landscape that integrates the castle into its rugged Devon setting.^[5] Perched on a granite outcrop, the estate overlooks the dramatic Teign Gorge, where the River Teign flows below, carving through steep wooded valleys and offering panoramic views of the river's meandering course.^[2] This topography enhances the estate's isolation and grandeur, with the castle's position emphasizing its commanding presence over the gorge. Situated on the northeastern edge of Dartmoor National Park, the estate features tors such as Hunter's Tor, expansive moorland, and ancient woodlands including parts of Fingle Woods, which support a mix of oak and other native trees.^[31] Visitors can access these areas via walking paths like the Hunter's Path, which descends into the gorge, and routes leading to Hunter's Tor, allowing exploration of the untamed terrain while highlighting the park's granite-strewn hills and open heathlands.^[32] The estate also includes historical elements such as the remnants of a hydroelectric scheme installed in 1927, which harnessed water from the River Teign to generate power for the castle via two turbines in a dedicated turbine house.^[16] Ecologically, the estate supports notable biodiversity, including fallow deer that roam the woodlands year-round, particularly visible during the autumn rut, alongside a variety of birds such as songbirds and woodpeckers that inhabit the gorge and surrounding trees.^[31]^[33] Access is managed with sustainable, low-impact paths designed to minimize disturbance to the natural environment, promoting responsible exploration of the estate's wilder areas.^[34]

Preservation and Management

Acquisition by the National Trust

In 1974, amid increasing financial pressures on historic estates during the 1970s, including potential death duties under the Labour government, descendants of Julius Drewe—Anthony Drewe and his son Dr. Christopher Drewe—donated Castle Drogo, along with 600 acres of surrounding land, Whiddon Farm, and several cottages in Drewsteignton, to the National Trust.^[18]^[12] This marked the first 20th-century property accepted by the Trust, an unusual acquisition given its modern construction and known structural vulnerabilities.^[6] The donation included a financial endowment to support ongoing maintenance, reflecting the family's recognition of the castle's escalating upkeep costs.^[9] The National Trust formally took ownership in 1974, integrating Castle Drogo into its Dartmoor portfolio alongside other regional holdings such as Killerton House and the Haytor area, enhancing public access to the area's natural and built heritage within Dartmoor National Park.^[2] Upon acquisition, the Trust conducted an initial inventory of the castle's contents, cataloging family furniture, artwork, and personal items to preserve the Drewe legacy for public display.^[5] Early assessments highlighted persistent challenges, including roof leaks and weathering exacerbated by the exposed granite structure and Dartmoor's harsh weather, issues the Trust was aware of but committed to addressing.^[10] Castle Drogo opened to the public on Easter Monday in 1975, allowing visitors to explore its interiors and grounds for the first time.^[35] The property had been designated a Grade I listed building in 1952, with its park and garden later registered as Grade II* in 1987, underscoring its architectural and historical significance even before the handover.^[1]^[12] In 2025, the National Trust marked the 50th anniversary of this opening with special events, including 1970s-themed celebrations, commemorating five decades of stewardship.^[5]

Restoration and Conservation Efforts

From the time of its acquisition by the National Trust in 1974, Castle Drogo faced persistent structural challenges, primarily severe roof leaks exacerbated by the harsh Dartmoor climate of high winds and heavy rainfall.^[3] These issues stemmed from original construction flaws, such as the cracking of asphalt flat roofs due to temperature fluctuations, leading to water ingress that damaged interiors and threatened the building's integrity.^[3] Temporary measures in the 1980s included dismantling parapets to install lead damp-proof courses and relaying asphalt across high-level flat roofs, while further patchwork repairs continued through the 1990s and 2000s to mitigate ongoing leaks without addressing root causes.^[24] A comprehensive restoration project, launched in 2012 and spanning nearly a decade, transformed the castle's conservation outlook at a total cost of £15.5 million, funded by sources including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and public donations.^[36] Key works involved removing and reinstating over 3,500 granite blocks weighing up to 1.4 tonnes each to access the flat roofs—equivalent in area to two football pitches—and installing a modern two-layer Bauder waterproof membrane system to replace the failing asphalt, alongside repointing 60,000 meters of joints with lime-based mortar and refurbishing 913 windows to prevent further water penetration.^[3] The project, which faced delays from extreme weather, culminated in June 2022, rendering the structure watertight and securing its longevity for future generations.^[37] The castle's exposed hilltop position on Dartmoor intensifies climate vulnerabilities, including accelerated granite erosion from increased rainfall and wind-driven moisture, alongside challenges to surrounding vegetation hardiness amid shifting weather patterns.^[38] Adaptive strategies have incorporated sustainable retrofits, such as the 2017 restoration of the original hydroelectric system—harnessing the nearby River Teign for renewable power—and the installation of biomass boilers using locally sourced wood to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhancing resilience without compromising the historic fabric.^[39]^[40] As of 2025, Castle Drogo operates fully as a National Trust property, drawing approximately 125,000 visitors annually (as of the 2024-25 financial year) and marking the 50th anniversary of its public opening with themed events evoking 1975, including floral displays and nostalgic exhibitions.^[41]^[42] Accessibility enhancements, such as the provision of Tramper all-terrain mobility vehicles for estate trails, ensure broader public engagement while ongoing monitoring supports proactive conservation.^[43]

References

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Castle Drogo is a Grade I listed building, first listed on 20-Feb-1952, and is part of the National Heritage List for England.
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Feb 11, 2022 · Castle Drogo is a 20th-century castle with dramatic architecture, a bookshop, cafe, and limited car parking. It is family friendly with baby ...Conservation at Castle Drogo · Visit Castle Drogo with your... · Christmas
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Castle Drogo, built in 1911 near Exeter, is the last castle built in England, designed by Edwin Lutyens, and is owned by the National Trust.
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In 1910 Julius Drewe bought about 450 acres (1.8 km2) south and west of the village of Drewsteignton in the belief that he was descended from the Drewe family ...
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Apr 1, 2021 · In 1974, Drewe heir Anthony and his son Christopher gave Castle Drogo to the National Trust ... National Trust and is open to the public. At ...
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Jun 3, 2023 · As discussed in the article last week on the creation of Castle Drogo, Lutyens conceived a gargantuan modern castle for his client, Julius Drewe ...
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Visit this family home and castle on the edge of Dartmoor. It's the last castle to be built in England and has views across the Teign Gorge in Devon.
[16]
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Feb 11, 2022 · Hydroelectric power produced using the force of the Teign Gorge was introduced at Castle Drogo in 1927. Visitors can discover more about this greener energy ...
[17]
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The story of hydroelectric power at Castle Drogo, Devon, designed by Edwin Lutyens, began in 1916 when John Coates Walker, the Clerk of Works for the ...
[18]
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Jul 26, 2012 · Castle Drogo is the last castle to have been built in Britain, between 1911 and 1931. designed by the renowned architect Edwin Lutyens.
[19]
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Jan 14, 2025 · Julius began buying land in the neighbourhood of Drewsteignton and conceived the idea of building himself a modern Norman-style castle in the ...
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Feb 14, 2011 · Drewe was the young man who, with John Musker, had founded Home and Colonial Stores in London in the early 1880s. By the time he asked Lutyens ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[21]
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Sep 20, 2006 · This was ably run by Matron-In-Charge and Mary Drewe, daughter of the India tea baron Julius Drewe for whom the castle was created. Through ...
[24]
Family: Drewe, Julius Charles / Richardson, Frances (F221)
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After some debate, the repair of Castle Drogo was agreed by the National Trust to be amongst its highest national priorities, and the Trust appointed Tim ...
[26]
MDV32487 - Heritage Gateway - Results
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[27]
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[29]
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None
### Summary of Formal Gardens at Castle Drogo
[31]
Visiting Teign Gorge|Castle Drogo| Devon - National Trust
It is possible to see Fallow deer throughout the year in these woods, the best time of year is the Autumn when the deer are rutting. There's an ever-changing ...
[32]
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The most famous walk on Dartmoor. From the imposing bulk of Castle Drogo – the last castle to be built in England – and following the breathtaking Hunters Path.<|control11|><|separator|>
[33]
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[34]
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[35]
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Jun 6, 2005 · Celebrating 30 years of public access to Castle Drogo with a seventies fun weekend. Start Date: 18/06/2005. End Date: 19/06/2005. Genres: Kids & ...
[36]
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[38]
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[39]
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[40]
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[41]
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[42]
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