It doesn’t seem to be the Easter holidays unless we visit a NT property and take part in an Easter Egg Hunt. This year we found ourselves near to Compton Castle in Devon. As the property is still lived in the opening hours are limited. Luckily we managed to visit on a day it was open and were delighted to find they were running a Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunt for the children.
NT Compton Castle
Compton Castle calls itself a fortified manor house but it is so much more than that! Nestled amongst the hills of south Devon you suddenly find yourself on a narrow little road and pull over at the NT sign. A lovely volunteer pointed to a space in the car park and we all got out. We walked along a high stone wall and were greeted with the most amazing view of Compton Castle. Looking like something out of Game of Thrones, it is a lovely castle with courtyards and walled gardens.
Compton Castle has been home to the Gilbert family for nearly 600 years, including Sir Humphrey Gilbert – half-brother to Sir Walter Raleigh. Seemingly abandoned at some point for another of their properties, the castle was re-acquired by the family in the 1930s and re-built in the 1950s.
There are not a huge number of rooms to see – the re-built Great Hall, kitchen, Solar, Sub-Solar and Chapel. You can also explore the court yard and walled gardens.
A Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunt at Compton Castle
It’s been a few years since we took part in the Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunt at Lytes Cary Manor but we couldn’t wait to sign up to another. There was a charge of £2.50 per child and they both received a treasure trail and pencil.
It meant they could run around and explore whilst we enjoyed the pretty gardens. They were both rewarded with a large chocolate egg which we shared whilst sitting in the sunshine.
The children also enjoyed the Squirrel trail. The crest of the family features a squirrel and there is a model of the Squirrel, the ship in which Sir Humphrey Gilbert sailed to Newfoundland and colonised it.
The weather was lovely and we really enjoyed our visit to Compton Castle. It’s not a huge property but perfect for a picnic and a wander round.
Ah this seems like such a lovely day out Jenny. I used to love doing Easter egg hunts as a child, this seems ideal as it allows the kids to explore. I went and treated myself to some Easter chocolate from Thorntons the other day as they have a huge sale on.
What a lovely Easter tradition – and one that you were able to enjoy in sunshine this year!