Piddledown Common

Downs, Moorland in Devon West Devon

England

Piddledown Common

National Trust Visitor Centre, Castle Drogo
National Trust Visitor Centre, Castle Drogo Credit: John H Darch

Piddledown Common is a picturesque area located in Devon, England. It is characterized by rolling hills, vast expanses of moorland, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The common is dotted with patches of heather and gorse, adding bursts of color to the landscape.

Visitors to Piddledown Common can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. The common is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, and other native species.

The area is rich in history, with traces of ancient settlements and burial mounds scattered throughout the landscape. The common is also crisscrossed with walking paths and bridleways, making it easy for visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, Piddledown Common offers a peaceful and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, this scenic area has something to offer for everyone.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Piddledown Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.695413/-3.8008818 or Grid Reference SX7289. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

National Trust Visitor Centre, Castle Drogo
National Trust Visitor Centre, Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo A view of Castle Drogo from the north.
Castle Drogo
A view of Castle Drogo from the north.
View through trees at Castle Drogo Looking down the valley through the trees from Castle Drogo.
View through trees at Castle Drogo
Looking down the valley through the trees from Castle Drogo.
Trees on hill at Castle Drogo Looking at the woods from Castle Drogo from the hill. A lovely variety of species.
Trees on hill at Castle Drogo
Looking at the woods from Castle Drogo from the hill. A lovely variety of species.
Track into a field near Castle Drogo
Track into a field near Castle Drogo
Car parking near Fingle Bridge
Car parking near Fingle Bridge
Castle Drogo from drive Grade I Listed Castle Drogo reputably the last castle built in England between 1911 - 1930 for Julius Drewe by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Almost still as built and containing some Lutyens furniture it is regarded as one of the finest 20th century houses in the country. The completed building was much reduced from Lutyens's 1911 design and was only completed one year before Julius died although he had occupied the castle for about 6 years prior to his death. The house continued to be owned by the family and was used during the war for babies made homeless due to the London bombings. The castle and 600 acres was given to the National Trust in 1974 and was their first 20th century property.
Castle Drogo from drive
Grade I Listed Castle Drogo reputably the last castle built in England between 1911 - 1930 for Julius Drewe by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Almost still as built and containing some Lutyens furniture it is regarded as one of the finest 20th century houses in the country. The completed building was much reduced from Lutyens's 1911 design and was only completed one year before Julius died although he had occupied the castle for about 6 years prior to his death. The house continued to be owned by the family and was used during the war for babies made homeless due to the London bombings. The castle and 600 acres was given to the National Trust in 1974 and was their first 20th century property.
Lounge, Castle Drogo After extensive restoration the National Trust opened the interior of the castle again to visitors in 2022.
Lounge, Castle Drogo
After extensive restoration the National Trust opened the interior of the castle again to visitors in 2022.
Table set for formal dinner, Castle Drogo After the castle was emptied while the leaky roof was rebuilt, and after being closed during Covid restrictions, in 2022 the interior was opened to visitors again by the National Trust. In this elaborate table setting with five wine glasses at each place there are artificial flowers and food to show how the table would have looked in the 1930s.
Table set for formal dinner, Castle Drogo
After the castle was emptied while the leaky roof was rebuilt, and after being closed during Covid restrictions, in 2022 the interior was opened to visitors again by the National Trust. In this elaborate table setting with five wine glasses at each place there are artificial flowers and food to show how the table would have looked in the 1930s.
Castle Drogo, South-east facade The windows on this face include those of the main rooms.
Castle Drogo, South-east facade
The windows on this face include those of the main rooms.
Wisteria at Castle Drogo The wisteria is on the top of a wall at the end of a formal garden area.
Wisteria at Castle Drogo
The wisteria is on the top of a wall at the end of a formal garden area.
Dog walking route waymark, Castle Drogo At Castle Drogo the National Trust have waymarked a dog walking route along the drive and around the outside of the formal garden, with water and dog waste points. There is an extensive area for dog walking down into the Teign gorge. 
The National Trust have a "pawprint rating" for properties showing facilities for dog walking. Their website <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/castle-drogo/visiting-castle-drogo-with-your-dog" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/castle-drogo/visiting-castle-drogo-with-your-dog">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> "Visiting Castle Drogo with your dog" tells us "Castle Drogo is a two pawprint rated place. These places have water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks. You’ll be able to take your dog into some areas, but not everywhere. If there’s a food and beverage outlet, you can have a cup of tea with them, probably outside. "
Dog walking route waymark, Castle Drogo
At Castle Drogo the National Trust have waymarked a dog walking route along the drive and around the outside of the formal garden, with water and dog waste points. There is an extensive area for dog walking down into the Teign gorge. The National Trust have a "pawprint rating" for properties showing facilities for dog walking. Their website LinkExternal link "Visiting Castle Drogo with your dog" tells us "Castle Drogo is a two pawprint rated place. These places have water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks. You’ll be able to take your dog into some areas, but not everywhere. If there’s a food and beverage outlet, you can have a cup of tea with them, probably outside. "
Piddledown Common from Castle Drogo
Piddledown Common from Castle Drogo
Hill from Fingle Bridge into Drewsteignton
Hill from Fingle Bridge into Drewsteignton
Minor road passing Drewston House The road was formerly a sunken lane, lined with trees on the top of the banks.
Minor road passing Drewston House
The road was formerly a sunken lane, lined with trees on the top of the banks.
The main crossroads, Drewsteignton The road ahead leads to Castle Drogo; shops and inn are to the right.
The main crossroads, Drewsteignton
The road ahead leads to Castle Drogo; shops and inn are to the right.
Road to the east from the centre of Drewsteignton This minor road leads to Fingle Bridge
Road to the east from the centre of Drewsteignton
This minor road leads to Fingle Bridge
Show me another place!

Piddledown Common is located at Grid Ref: SX7289 (Lat: 50.695413, Lng: -3.8008818)

Administrative County: Devon

District: West Devon

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///another.shampoos.flinches. Near Chagford, Devon

Related Wikis

List of settlements in Devon by population

This list is of towns and cities in Devon in order of their population, according to the 2011 census data from the Office for National Statistics. It comprises...

Castle Drogo

Castle Drogo is a country house and mixed-revivalist castle near Drewsteignton, Devon, England. Constructed between 1911 and 1930, it was the last castle...

Drewe Arms, Drewsteignton

The Drewe Arms is a Grade II* listed public house on the north side of The Square in Drewsteignton, Devon. Built in the 17th century, the building was...

Drewsteignton

Drewsteignton is a village, civil parish and former manor within the administrative area of West Devon, England, also lying within the Dartmoor National...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.695413,-3.8008818
Sharp Tor
Natural: peak
Wpt Symbol: Dot
Lat/Long: 50.6946868/-3.8013057
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 50.6959237/-3.797215
Bench
Backrest: no
Lat/Long: 50.6966346/-3.8039361
Crossing
Crossing: marked
Lat/Long: 50.6910068/-3.8002501
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Piddledown Common?

Leave your review of Piddledown Common below (or comments, questions and feedback).