In this episode of Great Escapes, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner travel across Devon and Cornwall to explore two iconic landmarks – one perched high above the moors, the other steeped in shadowy smuggler lore. From rose-pruning and brass-polishing at Castle Drogo to ghost stories and literary inspiration at Jamaica Inn, it’s a day of drama, history and proper hands-on adventure.

Isy starts at Castle Drogo, the last castle ever built in England – perched high above the Teign Gorge with epic views over Dartmoor. She joins the gardening team to prune roses ahead of winter, before taking on a surprisingly satisfying indoor job: polishing one of the 300 brass jelly moulds in the castle’s collection. It’s proper hands-on work with plenty of elbow grease – and a brilliant insight into the care and craft that keeps this extraordinary place alive.

Meanwhile, Dan heads out onto the windswept wilds of Bodmin Moor to visit the legendary Jamaica Inn. He hears spooky tales of ghostly goings-on, uncovers the real smuggling history behind the place, and learns how Daphne du Maurier discovered the inn while out riding – an encounter that sparked the idea for her novel Jamaica Inn. He even gets to see the very room where she wrote the book.

Together, their adventures reveal the twin spirit of the South West: dramatic landscapes, deep-rooted stories and places that stay with you long after you’ve gone. Whether you love ghost lore, grand architecture or a good moorland ramble, this is a journey into the heart of what makes Devon and Cornwall magical.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

In this episode of Great Escapes, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner travel across Devon and Cornwall to explore two iconic landmarks – one perched high above the moors, the other steeped in shadowy smuggler lore. From rose-pruning and brass-polishing at Castle Drogo to ghost stories and literary inspiration at Jamaica Inn, it’s a day of drama, history and proper hands-on adventure.

Isy starts at Castle Drogo, the last castle ever built in England – perched high above the Teign Gorge with epic views over Dartmoor. She joins the gardening team to prune roses ahead of winter, before taking on a surprisingly satisfying indoor job: polishing one of the 300 brass jelly moulds in the castle’s collection. It’s proper hands-on work with plenty of elbow grease – and a brilliant insight into the care and craft that keeps this extraordinary place alive.

Meanwhile, Dan heads out onto the windswept wilds of Bodmin Moor to visit the legendary Jamaica Inn. He hears spooky tales of ghostly goings-on, uncovers the real smuggling history behind the place, and learns how Daphne du Maurier discovered the inn while out riding – an encounter that sparked the idea for her novel Jamaica Inn. He even gets to see the very room where she wrote the book.

Together, their adventures reveal the twin spirit of the South West: dramatic landscapes, deep-rooted stories and places that stay with you long after you’ve gone. Whether you love ghost lore, grand architecture or a good moorland ramble, this is a journey into the heart of what makes Devon and Cornwall magical.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Great Escapes is the podcast that sets off in search of fascinating stories, delicious food, and the quirkiest destinations the UK has to offer.

Join Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner – two endlessly curious adventurers – as they explore towns and cities, meet unforgettable locals, sample regional delights and embrace activities from wild swimming to Cornish wrestling.

It’s part travelogue, part comedy and all discovery. Tune in for great stories, big laughs and unexpected detours.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Great Escapes is the podcast that sets off in search of fascinating stories, delicious food, and the quirkiest destinations the UK has to offer.

Join Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner – two endlessly curious adventurers – as they explore towns and cities, meet unforgettable locals, sample regional delights and embrace activities from wild swimming to Cornish wrestling.

It’s part travelogue, part comedy and all discovery. Tune in for great stories, big laughs and unexpected detours.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Great Escapes with Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner

Great Escapes is the podcast that sets off in search of fascinating stories, delicious food, and the quirkiest destinations the UK has to offer.

Join Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner – two endlessly curious adventurers – as they explore towns and cities, meet unforgettable locals, sample regional delights and embrace activities from wild swimming to delving deep into caves.

It’s part travelogue, part comedy and all discovery. Tune in for great stories, big laughs and unexpected detours.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Great Escapes is the podcast that sets off in search of fascinating stories, delicious food, and the quirkiest destinations the UK has to offer.
Join&nbsp;Isy Suttie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dan Skinner &ndash; two endlessly curious adventurers &ndash; as they explore towns and cities, meet unforgettable locals, sample regional delights and embrace activities from wild swimming to delving deep into caves.
It&rsquo;s part travelogue, part comedy and all discovery. Tune in for great stories, big laughs and unexpected detours.
We&rsquo;re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.