Watermouth Castle
Watermouth Castle in North Devon is a 19th-century country house built to resemble a castle. Today it is a family attraction with Victorian displays, rides, and holiday accommodation.
Description
Watermouth Castle is a 19th-century country house near Ilfracombe in North Devon, designed by the architect George Wightwick for the Bassett family. Although styled to resemble a medieval fortress, it is not a true castle but a Victorian Gothic Revival residence. Its prominent position overlooking the Watermouth inlet gives it a dramatic coastal setting, and the building is today protected as a Grade II* listed structure.
The castle was built by Joseph Davie Bassett, who adopted the Bassett surname and arms after inheriting family estates. He replaced an earlier Palladian house on the site and made Watermouth Castle his principal residence. The property remained in Bassett ownership for several generations, passing through descendants by inheritance and marriage. During the First World War, the castle served as a military hospital, and in the early 20th century large parts of the Bassett estates were sold off. The family finally left the castle in 1945, and many of its historic contents were dispersed.
After passing through several owners, Watermouth Castle was purchased in the late 20th century and converted into a visitor attraction. Today it houses a collection of Victorian antiques, mechanical amusements and themed exhibits, and its grounds operate as a family theme park with rides and entertainment areas. The castle continues to function as a popular tourist destination, combining its historical character with modern leisure use.