Local Gardens
At Gidleigh Park, we’re blessed with 107 acres of grounds featuring a unique water garden, bluebell woods, and a bespoke kitchen garden. But for green-fingered enthusiasts there’s many more beautiful gardens to explore nearby. Wherever you go, there’s beauty in all directions. Here’s our picks of four of the best.
Stone Lane Gardens, Chagford – 20 minutes
Stone Lane Gardens is a 5-acre arboretum holding significant National Collections of wild-origin Birch and Alder trees, within a charming, landscaped water and woodland setting. Sculpture exhibitions feature heavily in and around the gardens. Since 1992, the gardens hold an annual exhibition with the region’s best sculptors displaying their magnificent art pieces. There is a small fee to pay of £7 for adults and £3.50 for children, but these funds support the upkeep of the Gardens.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens – 50 minutes
Bicton Park features a lovely 64-acre garden near the sea. The gardens date from 1874 and include an Italian garden, an American and stream garden, and a delightful Mediterranean and rose garden. Bicton has long been famed for its magnificent trees, boasting over 1000 trees from 300 endangered species. The delightful beach of Budleigh Salterton is also close by. There’s also indoor and outdoor children’s activity play areas to keep the little ones entertained.
Dartington Hall, Dartington – 60 minutes
A truly wonderful landscapes garden, most of which has been created in the last 100 years. A woodland garden with rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias planted around a series of stepped terraces on the steep hill side. Amongst magnificent trees, a Japanese garden and a series of woodland glades hide Henry Moore sculptures and a fun stone circle which echoes your sound if you stand in the right place.
Killerton House, Broadclyst – 55 minutes
Located by a fine 18th century house known for its large costume collection, this delightful hillside garden and estate offers stunning parkland year-round. The original owner of Killerton House, Sir Richard Acland, passed his family home on to the National Trust in 1944 due to his beliefs as a political figure. The garden sits on a south facing slope with views towards Dartmoor and the Exe Estuary. It features displays throughout the seasons including magnificent rhododendrons and magnolias, stunning herbaceous boarders and a collection of rare trees.
RHS Rosemoor Gardens – 60 minutes
An enchanting 65-acre garden, Rosemoor is a garden of intoxicating beauty, meticulously crafted and planted whilst retaining the essence of rural North Devon with a dramatic backdrop of steep wooded valley sides. Workshops, craft fairs, live music and more are commonplace throughout the year at RHS Rosemoor Gardens - a favourite amongst favourites here at Gidleigh Park.
Looking for other activities during your stay? Our activities brochure is packed with fun ideas for all ages.