Discover Kenton

If you choose Kenton as your destination, the Church of All Saints is a highlight for architectural history. The grounds of Powderham Castle, by contrast, focus on gardens, paths and wildlife watching. These themes offer different starting points for planning your trip: the church’s architecture and restoration, and the garden styles, specific walking routes and wildlife watching at Powderham.

Church of All Saints: Architecture and History

The Church of All Saints in Kenton is listed as a Grade I building and has an unusually grand Perpendicular character. Its listing and Perpendicular character offer two different points of reference: its heritage status and its architectural style. The name Perpendicular refers to the pronounced vertical emphasis of this architectural style. Cresswell and Pevsner date the church to around 1360 to 1370. This dating is uncertain, however: it may refer only to a renovation, while the building itself may have been constructed later. David Mackintosh restored and reroofed the church in 1854; further renovation and repair work followed in the 1890s. Thus, a tentative construction date is set against precisely dated work from the 19th century.

Powderham Castle: Gardens and Paths

The grounds of Powderham Castle include formal and informal gardens, pleasure gardens, kitchen gardens, parkland and woodland. A Georgian garden on the grounds covers 7 acres; circular walks and paths pass specimens of trees. The rose garden offers a good vantage point for watching deer and wildlife. You can enjoy different outdoor activities here, such as taking a walk through the Georgian garden or watching deer and wildlife by the rose garden. The walk from the Welcome Centre to the Belvedere takes about 40 minutes, with a steep climb at the end. The garden’s circular walks are therefore different from the specific route to a destination on the grounds.

Getting There and Walking Routes

The walking times refer to different sections: about 40 minutes from the Welcome Centre to the Belvedere, with a steep climb at the end, and about 30 minutes on foot from Starcross to Powderham, which is less than 2 miles away. A direct train runs from Exeter St Davids to Starcross. Stagecoach bus route number 2 stops outside the entrance to Powderham Castle. The difference in getting there comes down to the final section: from Starcross station you continue on foot, while the bus stops outside the entrance. Check timetables and connections before travelling.

Farm Shop and Bistro

The Powderham Farm Shop and Bistro stocks a wide selection of cheese, charcuterie and baked pastries from independent West Country producers. The range also includes locally sourced and speciality food and drink. Culinary interests can therefore range from specific products by independent West Country producers to a broader selection of food and drink. Stock and services may change; if you are looking for a particular product, it is best to ask about the current range in advance.

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For the wider travel overview: Devon.