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Paignton, Devon

The Watch Tower

The exterior of The Watch Tower, Compton Castle, Devon
The exterior of The Watch Tower, Compton Castle | © National Trust / Mike Henton
The Double bedroom at The Watch Tower, Compton Castl
The sitting room area at The Watch Tower, Compton Tower

The Watch Tower

A medieval gem in the walls of Compton Castle, in a landscape of rolling hills and orchards.

Grid of 7 images
The Double bedroom at The Watch Tower, Compton Castl
The sitting room area at The Watch Tower, Compton Tower
The exterior of The Watch Tower, Compton Castle, Devon
The double bedroom at The Watch Tower, Compton Castle
The bathroom at The Watch Tower, Compton Castle
The entrance hall at The Watch Tower, Compton Castle
Compton Castle near the Watch Tower, Devon

© National Trust / Mike Henton

A medieval gem in the walls of Compton Castle, in a landscape of rolling hills and orchards.

At a glance

Guests
2
Bedrooms
1
Number of dogs welcome
0
Reference
012004
Acorn rating

About The Watch Tower

Enter The Watch Tower through a large wooden door to discover a carefully restored, three-storey medieval building, built into the curtain wall of Compton Castle. It features a narrow winding staircase and small peeping windows. 

The castle is set in a landscape of rolling hills and orchards, close to the South Devon coastline. There are gardens of the estate to explore as well as the inside of the small castle. 

Other nearby estates, which guests will have free access to, include to Coleton Fishacre and Bradley Manor. The seaside town of Paignton and its zoo are less than a 20-minte drive from here. 
 

Features and facilities

  • Cot & high chair, not available
  • Fridge, available
  • Dishwasher, not available
  • Tumble dryer, not available
  • Television, available
  • WiFi, not available
  • Garden, not available
  • Microwave, available
  • Freezer, not available
  • Washing machine, not available
  • Telephone, not available
  • DVD, available
  • Open fire / wood burner, not available
  • BBQ, not available

Location

Accessibility

Not accessible

Read our accessibility guide 

Layout

Ground floor layout

Bathroom with shower over bath, separate lavatory, steep stairs leading to first floor.

First floor layout

1 double bedroom with 5' bed, and steep narrow stairs leading to second floor.

Second floor layout

Second floor: open-plan kitchen/dining/sitting room.

More information

Access: The accessibility guide is for guidance only. For up-to-date information, please call the team on 0344 800 2070.

Children: Due to very steep, narrow stairs we feel this cottage is not suitable for children under 12.

Heating: Night storage heating included.

Parking: Cars must be parked on the grass outside the castle gates at all times. It is possible to load and unload quite near to the Watchtower although luggage will have to be carried a short distance. 

Access: The Watch Tower is set over 3 floors with narrow stairs. 

Utilities: The kitchen has a fridge with icebox.

Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm at this cottage.

Please note: It is advisable to take a torch if arriving after dark. The key to this cottage if collected has to be picked up before 6.30pm.