Walking and Cycling
Powderham Castle is easily accessed by foot or by bicycle. It is situated on the western side of the 16 mile circular Exe Estuary trail. The route is sign posted as NCN2. More information on the Exe Estuary Trail can be found on www.cycledevon.info
From Exeter Quay it is about 6 miles to Powderham Castle, which should take approximately 45 minutes by bicycle. The route is traffic free with a section of quiet road between Powderham church and the castle.
Directions: From Exeter Quay, follow the blue NCN2 signs to Turf Locks/ Dawlish. Once you have passed the Turf Locks pub, you will continue along the newest section of the trail which leads on to a quiet road called Estuary Road. Do not turn right at the church, but carry on toward Starcross Village. You will see the Castle on the right hand side. Turn right at the permissive footpath/ cycle path at the Starcross Lodge. This will take you to Powderham Castle shop and ticket office.
From Dawlish it is about 4 miles along a mixture of quiet roads and traffic free sections.
Directions: From Dawlish, follow the blue NCN2 signs to Starcross and on toward Exeter. After Starcross village continue to follow the signs toward Exeter. You will turn right onto a quiet country lane called Estuary Lane, and you will see the Starcross Lodge on your left. Just before the lodge, turn left onto the permissive footpath/ cycle path which will take you to the Powderham Castle Shop and ticket office.
From the eastern side of the river Exe The Exe Estuary Trail also runs along the Eastern side of the river Exe, connecting Exmouth to Exeter via Lympstone, Exton and Topsham.
Directions: From Exmouth, Lympstone, Exton and Topsham, follow the blue NCN2 signs toward Exeter. Once you reach Bridge Road, and cross both the river and the canal, follow the signs to Turf Locks/ Dawlish. Once you have passed the Turf Locks pub, you will continue along the newest section of the trail which leads on to a quiet road called Estuary Road. Do not turn right at the church, but carry on toward Starcross Village. You will see the Castle on the right hand side. Turn right at the permissive footpath/ cycle path at the Starcross Lodge. This will take you to Powderham Castle shop and ticket office.
It is possible to take a short cut and hop on to one of the three pedestrian and cycle ferries at Exmouth or Topsham. (see section ‘by boat’)
Cycle Hire
There are plenty of cycle hire outlets around the Exe Estuary. For a full list of cycle hire providers, and additional information on cycling in Devon, visit www.cycledevon.info
Ferries
There are a number of ferry companies that operate on the Exe. Bicycles are accepted but are subject to a charge
Topsham to Exminster Ferry Runs all year round between Passage House Inn (Topsham) and Lock Keeper’s Cottage (Exminster). During the winter months it runs weekends only. www.exeter.gov.uk Tel: 07801 203338 One way £1.10 dogs, bicycles, pushchairs 60p.
Topsham to Turf Locks Ferry The Sea Dream II ferry, seasonal service www.topshamtoturfferry.co.uk Tel: 07778 370582 One way £3, children £2, bikes £1, dogs 50p
By Car:
From the South Leave the A38 at the ‘Wobbly Wheel Junction’ and merge onto the A379 (signposted Dawlish). At the Marsh Barton Roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A379 then at the Matford Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A379 and follow the Powderham Castle brown tourist signs. The Castle entrance is on the left-hand side as you are leaving the village of Kenton.
From the North Leave the M5 at junction 30 and proceed towards Exeter joining the A379. At the Matford Roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A379 signposted to Dawlish then follow the Powderham Castle brown tourist signs. The Castle entrance is on the left-hand side as you are leaving the village of Kenton. Please note if you have a SATNAV it may direct you around the back of Powderham. Make sure you stay on the A379.
By Bus:
Take the No 2 Stagecoach bus from Exeter/Newton Abbot/Torquay. The bus stop is right outside the entrance at the top of the drive.
By Rail:
There is a direct service from Exeter St David’s to Starcross. Powderham Castle is less than 2 miles from Starcross You have the option of catching the bus or a taxi from here. It takes about 30 minutes to walk.
Bicycles are permitted on trains as long as they are stored safely. For timetables and charges, please visit individual websites.
By Boat:
There is ferry from Exmouth to Starcross that runs 7 days a week during the season (April to October). Please contact Exe to Sea cruises for exact times and dates. www.exe2sea.co.uk or 01626 774770
Parking:
Car parking is free. There will be car parking stewards directing you to the appropriate parking area. Disabled parking is available closer to the venue, with regular tractor trains ferrying visitors to the festival entrance. Coach parties are welcome.