Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Around Exeter
North of Exeter, Devon's rural heartland takes over. In this hilly, pastoral landscape, vivid
green and yellow fields are interspersed with flashes of bright red soil. It's one of the least
touristy parts of the county and delivers an insight into everyday farming life. The superb
stately homes at Powderham Castle and Knightshayes Court are also within easy reach, as
are a microbrewery, a vineyard, and horse-drawn canal trips.
Sights & Activities
Powderham Castle
HISTORIC BUILDING
( 01626-890243;
www.powderham.co.uk
; adult/child/family £11/8.50/33; 11am-4.30pm Sun-Fri Apr-Oct, plus
Sat in Aug; )
Somehow this crenellated manor house manages to be both stately and
homely. The historic seat of the Earl of Devon, it was built in 1391, damaged in the Civil
War and remodelled in the Victorian era. Today it has some of the best-preserved Stuart
and Regency furniture around. Highlights include the fine wood-panelled great hall,
glimpses of life 'below stairs' in the Victorian kitchen, and parkland with 650 deer. The
Earl and Countess of Devon are still resident and, despite all that grandeur, for delightful
fleeting moments it feels like you're actually wandering through someone's sitting room.
Powderham is on the River Exe near Kenton, 8 miles south of Exeter. Bus 2 runs from
Exeter (30 minutes, every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday), or you can walk or cycle
along the canal and river paths.
Yearlstone Vineyard
( 01884-855700;
www.yearlstone.co.uk
; Bickleigh; admission £3; 11am-4pm Wed-Sun Easter-Nov;)
The
owners proudly point out this vineyard is on the same latitude as the Moselle Valley. It's
certainly as picturesque, set amid an amphitheatre of deeply wooded, sharply sloping hills
above a rushing River Exe. Its range of award-winning white, red, rosé and sparkling
wines includes the pale gold Vintage Brut, the light and fruity red Yearlstone No 4 and the
tangy, dry white Yearlstone No 1. Tours range from guide-yourself affairs (£3.50) to de-
tailed explorations of the wine-making process, complete with lunch and a complement-
ary bottle of wine (£50). All involve a tutored tasting. The deli-style food in the cafe
WINERY
