Doyden Castle

Doyden Castle, Cornwall Photo © Philip Halling, 1 October 2009

Doyden Castle, Cornwall Photo © Andy F, 2 May 2009

On the south-west side of the inlet is Doyden Point, on which is situated Doyden Castle, a castellated folly built about 1830 by Samuel Symons. It is now a National Trust holiday cottage.

Doyden Castle, despite its crenulated tower and arched windows, is neither a true castle nor a folly. It was built as a kind of pleasure house by an infamous and wealthy bon-viveur from Wadebridge called Samuel Symons. Here he would entertain his friends to nights of feasting, drinking and gambling (the ample wine-bins in the cellar survive to this day).

Once used in the BBC drama Poldark it overlooks Lundy bay and the sleepy Cornish hollow of Port Quin. Access is by a narrow cliff-edge track.