From a sculpture garden to swathes of erythroniums in spring, we recommend the best gardens to visit in Devon.
For more inspiration for days out, don’t miss our guide to Britain’s historic gardens and the best mazes to visit.
Gardens to visit in Devon
RHS Garden Rosemoor
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Have a leisurely wander in the fresh country air at RHS Rosemoor, in north Devon. Admire the Foliage Garden and the Cool Garden which offers interest all year round thanks to its structural plants. Or admire the scenic Woodland which provides wonderful views of the wider garden and surrounding landscape.
The Winter Garden is now an established highlight with a wonderful balance of mature specimens and ground-cover associations – using conifers, evergreens and perennials.
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH, rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
Fast Rabbit Farm Gardens
The sound of flowing streams is ever present in this woodland garden, tumbling down to ponds overhung with magnolia trees. The garden is home to an impressive collection of acid plants, including rhododendrons and camellias.
Fast Rabbit Farm Gardens, Strawberry Valley, Dartmouth TQ6 0NB, fastrabbitfarm.co.uk
Coleton Fishacre
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An Arts and Crafts garden created in 1925 in a sheltered seaside valley. Microclimatic sites for astonishingly beautiful and rare tender plants.
Coleton Fishacre, Coleton, Kingswear, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0EQ, Tel 01803 752466, nationaltrust.org.uk
Broomhill Sculpture Gardens
On the grounds of Broomhill’s art hotel you’ll find an ancient woodland “where art and nature coexist”. On display are more than 150 pieces by emerging and established artists on display, including shortlisted artworks for the National Sculpture Prize, showcased in the river meadow area of the garden.
Broomhill Sculpture Gardens, Muddiford, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4EX, broomhill-estate.com
Dartington
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In 1925 Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst opened the doors of Dartington Hall to artists, economists, horticulturists and social reformers who would stimulate new thinking. That ethos continues today with a programme of events, courses and festivals, much of it focused on the arts. Dartington’s cultural brief is complemented by the gardens, which include tiered earthworks, swathes of bulbs, extensive borders and a Henry Moore sculpture.
Dartingon, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6EL, dartington.org
Stone Lane Gardens
A woodland and water garden on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park. Meander through National Collections of birch and alder and a wildflower meadow, and browse the sculpture exhibition within the arboretum. Afterwards enjoy a Devon cream tea in the tearoom with views out over the moors.
Stone Lane Gardens, Stone Farm, Chagford, Devon TQ13 8JU, stonelanegardens.com
Knightshayes
In April you’ll find extensive naturalised groupings of erythroniums at this National Trust garden at Knightshayes, near Tiverton, which provides 50 acres of woodland gardens. Chosen by Keith Wiley
Knightshayes, Bolham, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7RG, nationaltrust.org.uk
Garden House
Another garden with extensive plantings of erythroniums. This 10-acre garden is made up of different themed areas, with on-site nursery and tea room. Chosen by Keith Wiley
The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, Devon PL20 7LQ, thegardenhouse.org.uk
Don’t miss our gardens to visit guide.