Watermouth Castle

Watermouth Castle stands near Ilfracombe in North Devon, beside the inlet of Watermouth. It is a 19th-century country house designed to look like a castle, built for the Bassett family by George Wightwick. The building is listed Grade II* and sits on land once owned by the Bassetts, a local family with long ties to the area. Nearby Orleigh Court had been sold in 1807 so Joseph Davie Bassett could create his principal residence here. The site had earlier held a Palladian house visited by the Devon topographer Rev. John Swete in 1796. The castle is worth the journey for its Victorian collections and family theme park. Inside, rooms display domestic tools and amusement machines from the 19th century. Outside, nine rides are arranged in themed areas such as Adventure Land and Gnome Land. The Watershow Extravaganza runs in the grounds, adding to the attractions. The castle itself was used as a military hospital during the First World War. After the Bassetts left in 1945, it passed through several owners before becoming a public amusement centre. Visitors find Castle Treasure and Dungeon Labyrinths inside the house. Themed outdoor areas include Merry go Land and Adventure Land, each with its own rides. The Watershow Extravaganza takes place in the grounds, providing entertainment beyond the castle walls. The setting beside the inlet gives views of the North Devon coast. The house and its contents tell the story of the Bassett family and later owners. The park has been run by different families, each shaping what visitors see today.