Kenton- The community village

Kenton, Devon, England South West

Recommendation added: 20/10/2006 10:32
By: running1 (YSUK rating +87)

running1 has been thanked 4 times for this contribution

"Kenton is famous for it's village church which is in the centre and is much a talking point by the locals, built in the era of Edward the third, this attractive but small village is situated on the road between Dawlish and Exeter, approximately 3 miles outside of Dawlish Warren. Although Kenton is very much a typical Devon community, the village green displays an ancient Cornish cross whose origin is still unclear. It is said that that the Devon/Cornwall boundry had been changed over the years although no evidence can be found of this, maybe Kenton used to be a boundry village but I guess we may never know for sure. Just pass the village sits Powderham Castle, the home of the Earl and Countess of Devon. It has housed many earls since the tweleth century, probably the most famous Earls throughout the country, it is open to the public and has been since the late 1950's, the castle is set in magnificent grounds overlooking the Exe Estuary. The beautiful interiors are decorated and superbly furnished mainly with the original fixtures. The Castle was used for the filming of "The Remains of the Day" starring Anthony Hopkins and the guided tour includes rooms that would now be recognised by film fans all over the world. While listening to your tour guide you will be told why parts of the castle's grounds had to be sold off and how it was that a private train station was situated at the end of the castle's gardens. Also take notice of the supposedly haunting staircase which your guide will tell you even the guide dogs will not go near and several of the visitors have heard screms of a woman and young child coming from the bottom of the staircase. The castle underwent major restoration a few years ago after suffering damage during the two world wars, but upon looking at it you wouldnt tell. Powderham also has a garden centre and farm shop which sells quality local produce. The castle holds special joisting events, demostrating horseback and foot combat, although this is not on every day it would be a shame to miss this extrodidary show and dressage display."