Watermouth Castle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Watermouth Castle
Watermouth Castle, two principal fronts
Location	Watermouth, Devon, England
Built	1825
Architect	George Wightwick
Listed Building – Grade II*
Designated	9 March 1953
Reference no.	1168686
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Watermouth Castle is a unique building located near Ilfracombe in North Devon, England. It was designed by George Wightwick in 1825. Even though it's called a "castle," it's actually a large country house built to look like a castle. It was originally a home for the Bassett family.

Today, Watermouth Castle is a special place. It holds a collection of old items from the Victorian era, like tools and fun amusement machines. It's also a family theme park and offers holiday apartments. This historic building is recognized as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a very important historical site.

Who Owned Watermouth Castle?

Watermouth Castle has had several owners over the years. Let's explore how it changed hands.

The Bassett Family Era

An older house at Watermouth in 1796, before Watermouth Castle was built.

The castle was built by Joseph Davie Bassett (1764–1846). His family, the Bassetts, were important in the area. Joseph decided to build Watermouth Castle as his main home. He sold his previous home, Orleigh, in 1807 to focus on his new castle.

Before the current castle was built, there was an older house on the land. A traveler named John Swete visited Watermouth in 1796 and even painted the house that was there before the castle.

Joseph's grandson, Reverend Arthur Crawfurth Davie Bassett (1830–1880), later inherited the castle. After he passed away, his sister Harriet Mary Bassett became the owner. She was married to Charles Henry Williams, who was a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent their area in the country's government.

Later, their daughter Edith Bassett Bassett (1862–1943) took over the castle. During World War I (1914-1918), Watermouth Castle was used as a military hospital, helping soldiers who were hurt. After the war, Edith began selling some of the family's old lands and even many of the items inside the castle. The Bassett family left the castle in 1945.

New Owners: From Wickenden to Haines

After the Bassetts, the castle was owned by a few different people for short times. Then, in 1977, Keith Wickenden (1932–1983) bought it. He was also a Member of Parliament and a businessman. Sadly, he passed away in a plane accident in 1983.

Later in 1977, Richard L. Haines and his wife bought Watermouth Castle from Wickenden. They paid £50,000 for the castle and about 60 acres of land. The Haines family decided to turn the castle into a fun amusement center. Richard's sons, Antonie and Jonathan, helped run the park for many years. In 2023, a group called "The Escapade Group" took over running the park.

What Can You Do at Watermouth Castle Today?

Today, Watermouth Castle is a popular place for visitors. You can buy a ticket to enter and explore.

Inside the castle, you can find exciting areas like:

• Castle Treasure: A place to discover hidden gems.
• Dungeon Labyrinths: Fun mazes to explore.
• The Watershow Extravaganza: A cool show with water.

Outside, in the castle grounds, there are nine different rides! These rides are spread across fun themed areas, including:

• Adventure Land: For exciting adventures.
• Merry go Land: With classic carousel rides.
• Gnome Land: A magical area with gnomes.