Fodor's Expert Review Powderham Castle

The seat of the earls of Devon, this notable stately home 8 miles south of Exeter is famed for its staircase hall, a soaring fantasia of white stuccowork on a turquoise background, constructed in 1739–69. Other sumptuous rooms, adorned with family portraits by Sir Godfrey Kneller and Sir Joshua Reynolds, were used in the Merchant-Ivory film Remains of the Day. The Belvedere Tower built in the 1770s offers inspiring views over the Exe Estuary, and a second tower, built in 1400 by Sir Philip Courtenay (ancestor of the current owners), stands in the deer park. You can take a "safari" ride (a tractor pulling a trailer) to see the 600-odd fallow deer that live on the grounds, and October sees daily "Deer Rut Safaris"—check the website or call for details on both of these. The restaurant serves light lunches, and there's a children's play area, a pets' corner, a farm shop, and a plant center. Check the website for online discounts. Tickets are valid for seven days.