A Charming Stop at Powderham — Deer Park Views, Bistro & Farm Shop

Sometimes the most memorable moments of a journey come from the places you stumble upon in between — and our visit to Powderham Farm Shop and Bistro, just outside Exeter, was exactly that. Located beside the historic Powderham Castle estate, this peaceful stopover offered a delicious lunch, a panoramic walk along the deer park, and a wander through one of the most beautifully curated garden centres we’ve seen.

Originally, we hadn’t planned a full visit to the castle grounds, but with time on our side, we decided to explore the area around the farm shop. What followed was a truly charming afternoon: taking in views across the Exe Estuary, spotting deer grazing in wide open fields, dining under the vaulted glass ceiling of the bistro’s orangery, and browsing shelves of home-grown produce and garden treasures.

From our delicious locally-sourced meal to the lovingly arranged plant displays and artisan home décor, Powderham captured everything we love about Devon living — rooted in nature, full of flavour, and effortlessly elegant. Though we didn’t get to step inside the castle this time, it’s certainly on our list for a future visit. In the meantime, this little pocket of the estate delivered a relaxing and inspiring experience all on its own.

In this article, we’ll share our afternoon at Powderham — from the deer park and orangery lunch to the garden shop and boutique country store — and why we think it’s one of Devon’s best kept countryside secrets.

Powderham Castle and the Estate: A Glimpse into Devon’s Nobility

Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Exe Estuary, Powderham Castle is one of Devon’s most historic and atmospheric estates. With origins dating back to the 14th century, the castle has been the ancestral seat of the Courtenay family, Earls of Devon, for over 600 years — a lineage woven deeply into the fabric of English nobility and the history of the South West.

The original fortified manor was built around 1390 by Sir Philip Courtenay, a younger son of the Earl of Devon, and has since evolved through centuries of additions and restorations. Despite its name, Powderham Castle was never a military stronghold. Instead, it functioned more as a stately home — a symbol of wealth, influence, and architectural refinement. What began as a medieval core now includes a striking blend of Gothic, Georgian and Victorian design, reflecting the changing tastes and ambitions of its generations of inhabitants.

The estate itself spans over 3,500 acres and includes extensive parkland, woodland, farmland, and the deer park that borders the castle. These natural surroundings were shaped during the 18th century in keeping with the ideals of English landscape design, creating open views, sweeping lawns, and water features that enhance the castle’s already impressive stature.

Powderham has remained remarkably well-preserved and is still a private family home, though parts of the castle and grounds are open to the public seasonally. It offers guided tours, outdoor theatre, seasonal events, music festivals, and historical reenactments — all contributing to its vibrant cultural calendar.

What makes Powderham particularly special is its lived-in feel. It’s not a frozen monument, but a working estate and family residence, where centuries-old traditions continue to coexist with modern Devon life. Even if you don’t venture inside the castle, simply being on the estate — walking its paths, watching deer graze in the meadows, or dining at the farm shop — gives you a sense of its long, layered story.

On our visit, we didn’t quite have time to explore the castle itself, but standing at the edge of the parkland, gazing across the fields, it was easy to imagine the generations who have called Powderham home. We left certain of one thing: we’d be back, next time to explore further into its grand halls and rich past.

Deer Park Walk and Panoramic Views

One of the unexpected highlights of our visit to Powderham was the tranquil walk along the edge of the deer park, where wide open views stretch across rolling meadows, framed by the soft curves of the Devon landscape. It’s a quiet, unfussy kind of beauty — the kind that slows your thoughts and invites you to simply look, breathe, and appreciate.

From the parking area near the farm shop, we followed a well-trodden path along the boundary fence of the deer park. The views opened up quickly, offering a sweeping panorama of open fields, mature trees, and — to our delight — herds of deers grazing in the distance. Some were close enough for photos, their movement graceful and unhurried, their presence adding a sense of magic to the landscape.

The walk is level and easy-going, perfect for a short post-lunch stroll. With the castle nestled quietly in the backgroundand the estuary beyond, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a pastoral painting. It’s also a photographer’s dream — we found ourselves pausing often to take pictures of the deer, the fields, and the shifting light across the hills.

Though the path keeps you outside the main parkland (which is private), you still get a strong sense of the estate’s scale and serenity. The enclosure itself is expansive and home to several species of deer, carefully managed and given plenty of space to roam. Watching them against the Devon backdrop — some silhouetted against the sky, others nestled in the grass — was genuinely memorable.

For families, dog walkers (on leads), and anyone looking for a peaceful countryside view, this short walk offers a moment of stillness and connection with nature. It’s just far enough from the farm shop and bistro to feel secluded, but close enough to be accessible for all ages.

If you have a camera — or even just your phone — this is where it will get plenty of use. The views, the light, and the deer make for a picture-perfect pause in the middle of your day.

Lunch at the Powderham Bistro: Orangery Dining

After a gentle walk and a satisfying round of deer-spotting, we headed back toward the heart of the estate for lunch at the Powderham Bistro — a light-filled space housed within a beautifully designed orangery.

The building itself is a standout feature: tall, vaulted ceilings, lots of windows, and soft natural light make it feel open and elegant without being overly formal. Attached to the farm shop, the orangery is flanked by both outdoor seatingfor sunny days and a covered terrace ideal for cooler weather. We chose to dine inside the orangery, drawn by its sense of calm and space — and the gentle buzz of relaxed lunchtime chatter.

Ordering is casual and straightforward: you place your order at the counter, and drinks and water are brought over by the friendly team. We requested a jug of water for the table and selected two soft drinks — a classic Coca-Cola and a bottle of Luscombe’s Hot Ginger Beer, a punchy, warming local favourite that paired perfectly with the hearty food to come.

What We Ordered

Each of our dishes was thoughtfully presented and full of flavour, showcasing Devon’s rich coastal and countryside produce:

Brixham Fish of the Day – Fish & Chips

Freshly hand-battered fish, fried until golden and crisp, served with skin-on chunky chips, mushy peas, a generous helping of house-made tartare sauce, and a charred lemon wedge for that final zing. The batter was light and airy, the fish flaky and fresh — everything you’d want in a classic seaside dish.

Crispy Mushroom Burger

A vegetarian delight featuring a crispy fried flat mushroom topped with Somerset brie, beetroot chutney, gem lettuce, all inside a sourdough roll. Served with a side of house slaw and those same chunky chips, it was earthy, indulgent, and surprisingly filling.

Brixham Crab Roll

Sweet, delicate white Brixham crab meat, lightly dressed in lemon mayonnaise, served with little gem lettuceinside a warm sourdough roll. Paired with a light leaf salad and a packet of Burt’s sea salt crisps, it was fresh, flavourful, and perfectly balanced.

The setting added to the experience — we lingered over lunch, enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the place, the occasional clink of cutlery, and the scent of food drifting in from the kitchen. It struck a perfect balance between informal dining and well-crafted, locally sourced food, making it feel both special and welcoming.

IMG_8151powderham bistro fish and chip portrait H1280

IMG_8166powderham bistro mushrom burger Portrait H1280

We left feeling nourished, relaxed, and quietly impressed by how Powderham Bistro takes simple dishes and raises them with attention to quality, flavour, and presentation — all within a space that encourages you to pause and enjoy the moment.

The Farm Shop and Garden Centre

After lunch, we wandered into the Powderham Farm Shop and Garden Centre, a treasure trove of local produce, curated homewares, and beautifully arranged plants that felt more like a lifestyle showcase than a typical rural stop.

The farm shop itself is warm and welcoming, filled with shelves stocked with locally sourced goods — artisan cheeses, preserves, chutneys, fresh bakery items, and drinks from nearby producers. Every corner feels considered, with wooden crates, handwritten signs, and thoughtful displays that invite you to browse slowly. There’s a distinct sense of place here, a celebration of Devon’s rich food and farming culture.

But it was the garden section that truly stole our hearts.

Just beyond the farm shop lies a converted barn and greenhouse, filled with an impressive collection of indoor and outdoor plants. The space opens up into a small but beautifully styled garden courtyard, with a T-shaped greenhouseat its centre. Framed by rustic wooden fencing, gravel paths, and raised beds, it feels like stepping into a secret garden — intimate, calm, and endlessly photogenic.

Everywhere we looked, there were carefully arranged potted plants, decorative watering cans, terracotta pots, lanterns, and hanging planters. Tables were dressed with seasonal flowers, succulents, and garden accessories, all styled with an effortless charm. Inside the greenhouse, we found houseplants in ceramic pots, gardening tools, natural woven baskets, and botanical-themed homeware. It felt more like a boutique garden store than a countryside add-on.

We took our time exploring each corner, taking photos of the plants, garden ornaments, and home décor, especially the cleverly curated indoor arrangements and lifestyle accessories — from kitchen textiles to reed diffusers and ceramic tableware. Every shelf and surface seemed to tell a story of countryside living with an elegant, modern touch.

What impressed us most was how thoughtfully presented everything was — not just for gardeners, but for anyone looking to bring a little outdoor serenity or rustic warmth into their home. Whether you’re there to pick up herbs for the windowsill or to refresh your living room aesthetic, the garden centre has something to inspire.

Country Store and Chandni Chowk Boutique

Tucked alongside the farm shop and garden courtyard is a stylish and unexpected gem — the Powderham Country Store, home to a thoughtfully curated selection of clothing, gifts, and homeware, as well as the elegant Chandni Chowk boutique.

The Country Store complements the rustic charm of the estate with a modern country-living aesthetic. Inside, you’ll find natural fibre clothing, accessories, and cosy textiles in a warm palette of earthy tones, soft blues, and fresh whites. There’s a sense of slow, mindful living here — a lifestyle built on comfort, simplicity, and timeless style.

A highlight of the store is Chandni Chowk, a boutique that specialises in ethically sourced clothing and home décorinspired by Indian craftsmanship and natural materials. Lightweight scarves, handwoven throws, relaxed tunics, and embroidered cushions sit alongside artisan jewellery and decorative pieces. The collection feels worldly but grounded — a perfect blend of Devon calm and global craft.

The pieces in Chandni Chowk are not just stylish but also meaningful — many are made using traditional techniques, fair trade principles, and sustainable fibres. It’s the kind of place where you’re just as likely to fall in love with a linen dress as you are with a carved wooden candleholder or a vintage-inspired basket.

What stood out throughout the shop was the attention to quality and storytelling — every piece seemed to have a purpose and a place. It’s not about buying more, but about finding pieces that last and speak to a certain way of life: unhurried, grounded, beautiful in its simplicity.

For visitors like us, the Country Store and Chandni Chowk offered a final, reflective stop — somewhere to wander with a coffee in hand, pick up a thoughtful gift, or simply admire the way Powderham brings together food, nature, craft, and style under one roof.

Why Powderham Is Worth a Return Visit

Though our visit to Powderham was brief, it left a lasting impression — not just for the food and views, but for the sense of calm and quiet confidence the place exudes. It’s the kind of destination where everything feels curated but unforced, offering a true taste of Devon’s charm in a single afternoon.

We only scratched the surface. The castle itself — with its centuries of history, guided tours, and seasonal events — is something we’re already planning to return for. From classical concerts to open-air theatre, Christmas markets to family-friendly festivals, Powderham hosts an ever-evolving calendar of cultural events throughout the year.

But even without stepping into the castle grounds, Powderham offers enough for a day’s worth of delight: a serene deer park walk, lunch in a light-filled orangery, a treasure hunt of plants and décor in the garden centre, and thoughtful browsing in the country store and boutique. It’s a rare place that welcomes locals and visitors alike — with good food, open skies, and a slower pace that gently encourages you to stay a little longer.

Conclusion

From the moment we arrived to the final photo snapped in the garden courtyard, our stop at Powderham felt like a breath of fresh air. Nestled between historic grandeur and rustic simplicity, it’s a place that invites you to taste, wander, and unwind — whether you’re visiting for lunch, a country walk, or to stock up on seasonal plants and handmade goods.

There’s something quietly enchanting about it all — the grazing deer, the lemony crab roll, the potted ferns in weathered terracotta, the elegant rail of hand-dyed scarves. Powderham doesn’t demand attention; it earns it, quietly and thoroughly.

We came away with full bellies, full camera rolls, and the full intention of returning — next time, to explore the castle, attend a summer event, or simply sit a little longer with a cup of coffee and the Devon countryside all around.