This place is a Clyst Valley Gem
Poltimore House is a Grade II* listed 16th century country house with a fascinating history. During the English Civil War, an agreement was negotiated in the house between the Roundheads and Cavaliers. The house was originally built for Richard Bampfylde (from where we get Bampfield Street in Exeter) and last century it served as a school and hospital. The parkland was laid out at the same time as the original house and was grazed by a herd of fallow deer. You can take a walk in the parkland.
The gardens to the rear of the house were designed by James Veitch in 1840 and still retain some significant trees; five huge Wellingtonia (one is 137 foot tall), established from seed, and the first handkerchief tree Davidia involucrata, brought back as seed from China in 1902 for the Veitch nurseries. Contact us for your free plant hunters’ guide to the Devon Veitch legacy.
Poltimore House was acquired by the Poltimore House Trust with funding from English Heritage and EDDC in 1997. A roof cover erected in 2006 has made the building weather tight. There is a new café and varied cultural events to attend at the house. Visit Poltimore House online for more information.
Public transport: Stagecoach Bus 1, 1A, 1B, 1C
No
On-site
During opening hours
Café opening hours