11 Best Sights in The West Country, England

A 13th-century fortress remodeled in 1868, Dunster Castle dominates the village from its site on a hill. Parkland and unusual gardens with subtropical plants surround the building, which has fine plaster ceilings, stacks of family portraits (including one by Joshua Reynolds), 17th-century Dutch leather hangings, and a magnificent 17th-century oak staircase. The climb to the castle from the parking lot is steep. In winter, visits are by guided tour only, on a first-come-first-served basis and at a reduced price.

At the end of its own peninsula stands this formidable castle, built by Henry VIII in the 1540s and improved by his daughter Elizabeth I. You can explore the defenses developed over the centuries. In the Royal Artillery Barracks, the Pendennis Unlocked exhibit explores the castle's history and its connection to Cornwall and England. The castle has sweeping views over the English Channel and across to St. Mawes Castle, designed as a companion fortress to guard the roads. There are free tours of the Half Moon Battery and regular performances, historical reenactments, and shows for kids.

Although all that remains of the ruined cliff-top Tintagel Castle, legendary birthplace of King Arthur, is the outline of its walls, moats, and towers, it requires only a bit of imagination to conjure up a picture of Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad riding out in search of the Holy Grail over the narrow causeway above the seething breakers. Archaeological evidence, however, suggests that the castle dates from much later—about 1150, when it was the stronghold of the earls of Cornwall. Long before that, Romans may have occupied the site. The earliest identified remains here are of Celtic (5th century AD) origin, and these may have some connection with the legendary Arthur. Legends aside, nothing can detract from the castle ruins, dramatically set off by the wild, windswept Cornish coast, on an island joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Paths lead down to the pebble beach and a cavern known as Merlin's Cave. Exploring Tintagel Castle involves some arduous climbing on steep steps, but even on a summer's day, when people swarm over the battlements and a westerly Atlantic wind sweeps through Tintagel, you can feel the proximity of the distant past. Book ahead to guarantee a time slot.

In the sleepy village of Berkeley (pronounced bark-ley), this castle is perfectly preserved, down to its medieval turrets, and full of family treasures. It witnessed the murder of King Edward II in 1327—the cell in which it occurred can still be seen. Edward was betrayed by his French consort, Queen Isabella, and her paramour, the Earl of Mortimer. Roger De Berkeley, a Norman knight, began work on the castle in 1153, and it has remained in the family ever since. Magnificent furniture, tapestries, and pictures fill the state apartments, but even the ancient buttery and kitchen are interesting. Guided tours are available, and summer sees a program of events for all ages, including jousting, archery sessions, and theater. The castle is 20 miles north of Bristol, accessed from M5.

The Bishop's Eye gate leading from Market Place takes you to the magnificent, moat-ringed Bishop's Palace, which retains parts of the original 13th-century residence. The peaceful grounds command the most attention, including the gatehouse, the ramparts, and the impressive remains of a late-13th-century great hall that fell into ruin after the lead in its roof was sold in the 16th century. Note the bell hanging over the moat on the right of the gatehouse, which swans have learned to ring at feeding time (usually around 1 pm). Most rooms of the palace are closed to the public, but you can see the impressively vaulted undercroft, the private chapel, and, at the top of the Jacobean staircase, the Long Gallery, hung with portraits of bishops past and present. Check the website (or call) for details on free tours of the palace (usually daily at 2 pm) and the program of events and outdoor productions held throughout the year.

Northeast of Chagford, this castle looks like a stout medieval fortress, complete with battlements, but construction actually took place between 1911 and 1931. Designed by noted architect Sir Edwin Lutyens for Julius Drewe, a wealthy grocer, and built entirely with local granite, the castle combines medieval grandeur with early-20th-century comforts and includes a collection of Flemish and French tapestries—most notably one made for Louis XIV. There are fantastic views over Dartmoor's Teign Valley, and the grounds are well worth a prolonged wander, with paths leading down to the river at Fingle Bridge. Turn off the A30 Exeter–Okehampton road at Whiddon Down to reach the castle.

For a superb view of the surrounding countryside, climb to the hilltop ruins of this 13th-century castle. George Fox, founder of the Quakers, was imprisoned here in 1656.

On the riverbank a mile southwest of the town center, the jagged ruins of this Norman castle occupy a verdant site with a picnic area and woodland walks.

The seat of the earls of Devon, this notable stately home 8 miles south of Exeter is famed for its staircase hall, a soaring fantasia of white stuccowork on a turquoise background, constructed in 1739–69. Other sumptuous rooms, adorned with family portraits by Sir Godfrey Kneller and Sir Joshua Reynolds, were used in the Merchant-Ivory film Remains of the Day. The Belvedere Tower built in the 1770s offers inspiring views over the Exe Estuary, and a second tower, built in 1400 by Sir Philip Courtenay (ancestor of the current owners), stands in the deer park. You can take a "safari" ride (a tractor pulling a trailer) to see the 600-odd fallow deer that live on the grounds, and October sees daily "Deer Rut Safaris"—check the website or call for details on both of these. The restaurant serves light lunches, and there's a children's play area, a pets' corner, a farm shop, and a plant center. Check the website for online discounts. Tickets are valid for seven days.

Outside the village, the well-preserved Tudor-era St. Mawes Castle has a cloverleaf shape that makes it seemingly impregnable, yet during the Civil War its Royalist commander surrendered without firing a shot. (In contrast, Pendennis Castle in Falmouth held out at this time for 23 weeks before submitting to a siege.) Outdoor theater productions occasionally take place here in summer.

You can climb up the hill in town to the ruins of this castle—a fine Norman motte and bailey design—for a wonderful view of Totnes and the River Dart.