Berry Pomeroy Castle

Berry Pomeroy Castle is a romantic ruin tucked in a wooded valley near Totnes in Devon. It began as a late-medieval fortified enclosure built by the Pomeroy family, whose name it still carries. In the later 16th century the estate passed to the powerful Seymour family, who set about creating an ambitious Elizabethan mansion within the older walls; that grand house was never fully completed and was eventually abandoned, leaving the dramatic, ivy-clad shell seen today.

Berry Pomeroy is often called one of the most haunted castles in England. Local tradition tells of a "White Lady" said to haunt the dungeons and a "Blue Lady" associated with the ramparts, along with reports from visitors of cold spots, uneasy feelings and fleeting figures among the ruins. These stories are firmly part of folklore and are not supported by documentary evidence.

Approached thoughtfully, the castle is a striking study in ambition and decline, set in an atmospheric landscape. Its documented Pomeroy and Seymour history is compelling in itself, and the ghost legends are best enjoyed as tradition rather than fact.

Berry Pomeroy Castle is managed by English Heritage and is open to visitors seasonally, usually with an admission charge; members enter free. It sits at the end of a narrow approach lane, and facilities on site are limited, so checking opening times and access in advance is wise.

As an unroofed ruin with uneven surfaces and steep drops, care is needed, especially with children and in wet weather. Visitors are asked to keep to safe areas, follow signage and respect the fragile fabric of the ruins and their woodland setting.