Bradley Manor

Bradley is a small medieval manor house of limestone, tucked into riverside meadows and woodland half a mile from the centre of Newton Abbot. The Yarde family owned it from 1402 and its chapel was consecrated in 1428; Diana Woolner gave the house to the National Trust in 1938, and her family still live here. The interior is seen only on pre-booked guided tours on selected dates, which take small groups through the Great Hall, the Tudor decorations and the restored chapel. Around the house lie 100 acres of hay meadows, old orchards and woods, with Bradley Woods a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Dogs are welcome under close control on the meadow and woodland paths, but only assistance dogs may enter the house and garden. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and say the buildings of the 1400s are still easy to pick out among later extensions. There are no toilets, refreshments or visitor parking on site: the Trust directs drivers to the public car park at Bakers Park, a short walk away, where there are public toilets and a small kiosk.