Historic Houses and Gardens
Coleton Fishacre
Kingswear, Dartmouth
The gardens at Coleton Fishacre were created by Rupert and Lady Dorothy D’Oyly Carte, for whom the house was designed in 1925. The celebrated features include a gazebo, water features and a fine collection of rare and exotic plants.
Tel: 01803 752466
Killerton
Broadclyst, Nr Exeter
Killerton House and Gardens has something to interest everyone. The 18th-century house accommodates the Paulise de Bush costume exhibition. Outside you can explore a glorious landscape garden surrounded by parkland housing a 19th century chapel and stable courtyard with exhibition.
Tel: 01392 883112
Knighthayes
Court Tiverton
This beautiful Victorian gothic revival house was designed by William Burges in 1896, and combines Medieval romanticism with lavish Victorian decoration. The gardens are no less impressive, boasting a water lily pool and topiary, rare shrubs, bulbs and wildflowers, as well as woodland walks.
Tel: 01884 254665
Castle Drogo
Drewsteignton, Nr Exeter
Castle Drogo was designed by Sit Edward Lutyens for self-made millionaire Julius Drewe between 1920 and 1930. The dramatic castle commands spectacular views of Dartmoor and the Teign Valley. The garden is open all year round, and includes a formal rose garden, as well as many delightful walks.
Tel: 01347 433186
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
Budleigh Salterton
Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these magnificent grade 1 listed gardens are set in Devon picturesque Otter Valley, between the ancient city of Exeter and England’s Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Bicton has a garden for everyone, from the formal Italian Garden, first laid in 1735 to the Secret Garden just beyond the summerhouse.
Tel: 01395 568465
Rosemoor Gardens
Great Torrington, North Devon
Nestled in a Devon valley, Rosemoor blends formal and informal plantings to magical effect. The extensive rose garden is the biggest attraction at Rosemoor. This garden has been developed into one of national importance since the RHS was given the site by Lady Anne Berry over 11 years ago.
Tel: 01805 6240067
The Garden House
Buckland Monachorum
Acclaimed as a national treasure by the likes of Alan Titchmarsh. The Garden House with its naturalistic planting style is a refreshing change to the more formal gardens in the area. Feature gardens include the South African Garden.
Tel: 01822 854769
Trelissick Garden
Feock, Nr Truro
With fantastic views all year round, the arrival of Spring at Trelissick is a must see for gardeners, as the display of blossom is delightful. The gardens are set across many levels and provide the eye with a feast of colour all year round, with spectacular views across the Fal estuary.
Tel: 01872 862090
Lanhydrock
Bodmin
Although famous for its fascinating 19th century country house, the gardens at Lanhydrock are worth visiting on their own merit. Featuring blooming rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas, the gardens offer an array of fine colours all the way through to Autumn.
Tel: 01208 733320
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Pentewan, St Austell
The Lost Gardens of Heligan cover more than 80 acres. The unique site includes not only an extraordinary plant collection, but also plenty of other features to discover, such as Victorian bee boles and an Elizabethan beacon. Open daily all year round.
Tel: 01726 845100
The Eden Project
Bodelva, St Austell
The Eden Project is a top international visitor attraction and well worth a visit during your stay in the South West. More than just a garden, it is a journey of discovery through a living theatre of plants and people. A very busy attraction best visited early morning or after 2pm to avoid crowds.
Tel: 01726 811911
Buckland Abbey Garden & Estate
Yelverton
One-time home of Sir Francis Drake, the house and interactive museum galleries narrate the tale of Drake’s travels. As well as viewing the house, take time to stroll around the beautiful kitchen gardens and Abbey Garden.
Tel: 01822 853607
Fast Rabbit Gardens
Dartmouth
A pretty garden about 3 miles from Dartmouth. With 42 acres, as well as a stream, ponds and waterfalls to explore; it has something to offer all year round as different plants come into bloom with the changing seasons.
Tel: 07813 504490
Powderham Castle
Exeter
Powderham Castle enjoys a unique, picturesque setting within an ancient deer park beside the Exe estuary, just south of Exeter. Over 600 years of history can be discovered within the walls of one of Devon’s oldest family homes.
Tel: 01626 890243
Saltram House & Gardens
Plymouth
A remarkable Georgian mansion set in impressive grounds. In the house you’ll discover exquisite plasterwork ceilings, fine paintings, period furniture and china. The 18th century gardens have an orangery, shrubberies, specimen trees and several follies.
Tel: 01752 333500
Berry Pomeroy Castle
Totnes
Tucked away in a deep wooded valley, Berry Pomeroy Castle is a 15th-century romantic ruin with a colourful history. Ideal for walkers who can explore nearby woodland then enjoy a light lunch, cake or restorative cuppa in the cafe. Just a short drive from Totnes and Dartmouth Castles.
Tel: 01803 866618
Lydford Gorge
Okehampton
The deepest river gorge in the South West, with a spectacular 30m waterfall – Whitelady Waterfall. The wind and spray from the impact of water on rocks provides a rainforest-like environment that nurtures all manner of plant life and is evocative of a prehistoric scene.
Tel: 01822 820320
Greenway
Kingswear, Brixham
Visit the holiday home of author Agatha Christie and her family. A relaxed house set in the 1950’s, when Agatha and her family would spend holidays by the river, playing croquet and reading her latest mystery to guests. A woodland garden drifts down towards the Dart estuary.
Tel: 01803 842382
Stone Lane Gardens
Newton Abbot
A lovely woodland and water garden with National Collections of birch and alder trees. The garden is about 2 miles from the pretty Dartmoor stannery town of Chagford. Open 7 days a week, all year round.
Tel: 01647 231311
A La Ronde
Exmouth
A quirky sixteen-sided house constructed in the late 18th century, now owned by The National Trust. The house is stuffed with curious mementos of the owners’ travels. Kids will enjoy the dressing up room and spotter sheets. After exploring the house, relax in the tea rooms.
Tel: 01395 265514
Overbeck’s
Salcombe
Dramatic coastal gardens with glorious views of Salcombe estuary. The warm microclimate allows a mix of rare and exotic plants to flourish at. Meander through the garden’s steep terraces, stuffed with plants alive with colour.
