A CASTLE in Devon is celebrating 50 years since first being opened to public under the care of the National Trust.

Castle Drogo first opened to the public under the care of the National Trust in 1975

Opening with a flower festival, the National Trust welcomed a line of visitors queueing from the front door, across the forecourt, and up the drive, to the newly acquired castle.

Fifty years on, Castle Drogo is marking the occasion with a jam-packed programme of 1970s themed events.

Nat Bonfield, Visitor Experience Officer at Castle Drogo, said: ‘It’s great to be celebrating Castle Drogo’s anniversary in style.

‘We've been having so much fun planning these events on a 70s theme, even curating the playlist for the Undercroft disco as a team!

‘There’s something for everyone at Castle Drogo this summer and we’re looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors for weeks of 70s themed fun’.

► Disco Room - Open daily 10:30-16:30 until 7 September

As part of the ongoing celebrations of 50 years since Castle Drogo was opened to the public, the Undercroft Exhibition space has been turned into a Disco room.

Disco balls, groovy lights and a whole host of 70’s music will greet you as you open the door. Visitors are encouraged to have a boogie and maybe even dress up! (If you’re brave enough)

► Summer of Play - Open daily 10:00-17:00 until 7 September

Summer of play at Castle Drogo this year is focusing on the fun and games of the 1970’s. From Swingball to space hoppers we’re embracing the charm and nostalgia of 1975, the year the castle was first opened to the public.

Explore seven different play zones across the castle grounds with lots of activities to enjoy, including energetic games like space hopper racing, to more relaxed fun with Dominoes and mastermind.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank and is free to enjoy with normal admission.

► Nursery Corridor Exhibition - Various dates, please check website

The Nursery Corridor Exhibition features additional collection items and areas supplementary to the core route around the castle.

The displays include objects and stories about Mary Drewe, including her dolls house, as well as a new exhibition celebrating 50 years of the Castle being opened to the public and exploring the different eras of its history.

► Behind the scenes roof tour - 22 August at 11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30

Take a guided tour up through the top corridors of the castle and onto the southern roof.

You will see the design of this area up close and (Dartmoor weather depending!) see the breathtaking views across the landscape.

Visitors must be at least 1.2 metres tall to join the tour as well as be physically fit, have a head for heights and be wearing sturdy footwear.

Tickets are £5pp and can only be purchased on the day from the visitor centre. The tours are subject to weather conditions on the day so may have to be cancelled at the last minute.

► Hydro Open Day - 17 August, 11:00-15:00

The hydro turbine building on the River Teign will be open for visitors look inside.

Come and learn about how hydro power has been used at Castle Drogo from 1929 to the present day.

Knowledgeable guides will be on hand to tell you about the history of this building along with how it was restored and how it works.