Salcombe Castle (English Heritage), Salcombe, South Devon
A ruined castle by North Sands (Beach) close to the centre of Salcombe
'This Royalist fort was the last in England to hold out against Cromwell's forces [during the English Civil War].' (Source: information board on site)
Location of Salcombe Castle (English Heritage)
Salcombe Castle (English Heritage) is on the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary at North Sands (Beach).
We've positioned Salcombe Castle (English Heritage) on Google maps. Zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.
Directions and parking for Salcombe Castle (English Heritage)
Head for North Sands (Beach). The A381 takes you to the south western end of Salcombe. A steep road zig-zags down to North Sands (Beach). Salcombe Castle (English Heritage) is situated on rocks at the west end of the beach.
If you're coming from Salcombe, we'd recommend walking the South West Coast Path from the centre of town to North Sands (Beach). Alternatively, take the South Sands Sea Tractor/Taxi Ferry from the pontoon at Whitestrand Quay in Salcombe to South Sands (Beach) and then wander across on the South West Coast Path to North Sands (Beach) and Salcombe Castle (English Heritage).
There's a big public car park behind North Sands (Beach) by Salcombe Castle (English Heritage). Charges apply.
Salcombe Castle (English Heritage)
'It is thought that a fort was constructed on the site in Henry VIII's time to protect Salcombe from French and Spanish pirates. In 1643 after rebellions against the Royalists in Plymouth, Sir Edmund Fortescue was ordered to rebuild and garrison the defence which was renamed 'Fort Charles'.
From 15th January 1646 the fort was under seige ... as the rest of Devon's Royalists were defeated by Parliamentary forces, Sir Edmund agreed to surrender provided he and his army could march out with drums beating and colours flying. They left the castle on the 7th May.
Although Fort Charles survived the civil war unscathed, it was later demolished by an order of Parliament - as it was deemed 'too dangerous' fo let this stout little fort remain intact. Since that time, Fort Charles' only enemies have been the waves and weather.' (Source: information board on site. Visit to read more.)
Things to do near Salcombe Castle (English Heritage)
Highlights include Overbeck's Garden and Museum, the South Sands Sea Tractor/Taxi, a yomp along the South West Coast Path and the view from on top of Sharp Tor (Salcombe).
Other castles in South Devon
Otherther castles we'd recommend in the wider area include Dartmouth Castle and Totnes Castle, Berry Pomeroy Castle and Compton Castle.
In Dartmoor National Park, we'd recommend visiting Castle Drogo and Gardens, Okehampton Castle and Lydford Castle.
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