If you’re looking for lush, outdoor spaces, look no further than the excellent choice of gardens in Devon.
Devon boasts a number of beautiful gardens. Some containing plants and trees that you would expect to find in the UK, and others, featuring wonderfully rare and exotic species.
From privately maintained spaces to National Trust owned estates, you’ll find some of the loveliest gardens to visit in Devon.
Keep reading to discover some of our favourite gardens in Devon…
Explore over 60 acres of formal gardens, landscaped lawns, historic glasshouses and woodland. These Grade I listed gardens are almost 300 years old and contain a vast collection of plants.
The stunning glass Palm House, built in the 1820’s, is older than the Palm House at Kew Gardens and contains many rare palms. In the Tropical House you will find exotic foliage and The Arid House is home to a large assortment of weird and wonderful succulents.
A great way to explore the whole of the estate is to take a ride on the Woodland Railway. Now almost 60 years old, the railway takes you on a scenic ride through woodland and alongside the Great Lake.
Other attractions here include the garden centre, the Countryside Museum, and children’s play areas. If you fancy a bite to eat, you can dine in the Orangery Restaurant with magnificent views across the gardens.
Designed by architect Edwin Lutyens, this 20th century castle was the last castle to be built in England.
Enjoying a superb location above the Teign Gorge in Dartmoor, the castle is surrounded by over 1,000 acres. The formal garden retains its original design by Lutyens and George Dillistone. It is divided into lawn sections and granite terraces are surrounded by rose and herbaceous borders.
Residing in each corner of the garden is an arbour constructed of Persian Ironwood trees. Which are at their most impressive during the autumn months.
The gardens are perfect for the whole family to explore, with lots of trails to follow, including Mr Drewe’s Path for breath-taking views.
As well as activities for the little ones to enjoy, such as the list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4′, where they can get involved in den building and bird watching. Learn more about this fascinating National Trust site and others with our guide to the best National Trust sites to visit in Devon.
Located on the edge of Exmoor, this 18th Palladian century house is surrounded by 50 acres of garden and parkland.
The gardens contain water features, temples and statues. Along with a tranquil walled garden with vegetable plots and sweet pea covered walls.
The garden is constantly changing in appearance throughout the seasons. Spring brings deep hues of red, violet, and white from camellias and magnolias. Whilst in autumn the woodland leaves turn golden yellow and red.
Be sure to walk to the top of Castle Hill, where you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Exmoor and Dartmoor.
The history of this Grade I manor house, which rests on a 1,000 acre estate, dates back to the 14th century. In 1925, Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst purchased the property, and over time restored the house and altered the gardens and landscape.
Garden designers and advisors oversaw elements of this work, including Henry Avray Tipping and Beatrix Farrand.
Today, the Grade II listed gardens feature the tiered lawn ‘Tiltyard’, terrace borders bursting with colours from achillea, agapanthus and hemerocallis, and a yew tree believed to be almost 2000 years old.
You can also enjoy woodland walks around the vast estate, where you can spot the deer who roam within the park.
Lukesland is a family run garden set within 24 acres of the valley of Addicombe Brook, which flows down from Dartmoor.
The soil in this area is ideal for acid loving plants and trees. This has contributed to Lukesland having a wonderful collection of camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas.
Babbling streams and turquoise ponds provide a calm serenity and also reflect the changing colours of the flowers and trees throughout spring, summer and autumn.
Lukesland Garden is a place for the whole family to enjoy. There is a Sound and Story Garden for the little ones to unleash their creativity. As well annual trails and treasure hunts, where the kids can explore and learn more about the garden.
Located in North Devon, this 20 acre private garden is set within a secluded valley and boasts three lakes and a magnificent collection of plants, shrubs and trees.
In spring and summer, the garden is awash with bright pinks and purples from the National Collection of Astilbes, Camellias and Rhododendrons.
The garden is a haven for wildlife: butterflies, moths and sometimes kingfishers can be seen around the lakes and nearby banks. On sunny days, there is nothing better than tucking into a sandwich at the Garden Tea Room and admiring the views.
Set high on the cliffs above Salcombe, this sub-tropical garden and house was once the home of British chemist and inventor, Otto Overbeck.
Overbeck spend over 30 years cultivating and designing this slice of paradise which is now managed by the National Trust. Within the garden, you’ll find a collection of rare and exotic plants and trees from all around the world. Amongst these you will find palm trees, magnolias, and a banana plantation.
You can also enjoy woodland walks where you can spot the local wildlife of birds, butterflies, lizards, and insects.
Or visit Overbeck’s Museum, where you can view the former inventor’s vast collection of objects. These include, fossils, model ships, musical instruments, and taxidermy.
The delights of Overbeck’s Garden can be enjoyed with a backdrop of breath-taking views of the Salcombe Estuary.
Nestled in the Torridge Valley, RHS Rosemoor occupies 65 acres of land, consisting of a number of magnificent themed gardens, woodland, nursery and tearoom.
The Rose Garden contains over 2,000 roses and is split in to two areas: the Shrub Rose Garden, made up of traditional varieties of rose, and The Queen Mother’s Rose Garden, featuring modern roses.
The Hot Garden, largely made up of plants from North America’s grassland, bursts with vivid blocks of red, yellows and purples.
For anyone wanting to learn more about gardening, RHS Rosemoor holds a number of events throughout the year including demonstrations and talks.
Saltram is a National Trust owned mansion house and garden, set within 20 acres rolling landscape park, overlooking the River Plym. Originally a landscape garden, the 3rd Earl of Morley transformed the grounds into a plantsman’s garden in the 19th century.
Discover many unusual and rare species of plants and trees which speckled the 18th century lawns. Or wander through the quarter mile Lime Avenue, believed to be the longest of its kind in Europe.
Be sure to visit The Orange Grove, where you can absorb the delicious citrus smells of lemons, grapefruits, and mandarins. The grove also offers a ‘Silent Space’ for visitors, created by writer Liz Ware, to allow visitors to have moments of tranquillity amongst nature.
The next addition to our best gardens in Devon guide is the beautiful 1920’s Coleton Fishacre.
A country home set on the outskirts of Kingswear, this idyllic retreat is surrounded by a vibrant garden bordered by woodland. It also enjoys far-reaching views of the rugged coastline.
Visit Kent’s Border, named after the sites former foreman, where you can expect an array of colour and topiary. Or The Hot Border, taking its name from the fiery colours of its flowers which blaze red and orange.
Continue exploring the garden where you will find Rill Garden, a pastel affair with a stream running through.
As well as sun-trap terraces, The Quarry, and the woodland where you can take in the sea views. Lucky visitors have even caught glimpses of seabirds and seals in the rocks below.
If you want to explore the coast further, you can access the famous South West Coast Path at the bottom of the garden. Or if you’re feeling peckish, head to Cafe Coleton for a bite to eat.
If you’re looking for a National Trust garden in Devon which the whole family can enjoy, then look no further then Killerton House Gardens.
This grand estate was once the former home of the Acland family, and is surrounded by landscaped gardens and parkland.
Explore the gardens, where you will find a Grade I listed chapel, extensive woodlands, and a fascinating Iron Age fort. Be sure to check out The Bear’s Hut, a small, thatched building which was once home to the families pet bear.
The little ones can enjoy burning off some energy in one of two play areas featuring a slide and swings. On site you will also find the dog-friendly Stables Coffee Shop, the Killerton Kitchen Cafe, and a gift shop set in the original stables.
Perched in the sprawling Devonshire countryside, on the outskirts of Bolham, is the grand, gothic mansion of Knightshayes Court.
Managed and maintained by the National Trust, this post-war estate looks like something straight out of a fairytale. As do its sprawling gardens.
You’ll find eight glorious sections of the garden to explore, each one more beautiful than the last. Take in the beauty of the Garden in the Wood and South Garden, where you can relax amongst the exotic plant life with views of Knightshayes.
For more outstanding views, the Formal Garden and raised terraces offer an exceptional outlook over the countryside and towards Tiverton.
Be sure to check out the Knightshayes Kitchen Garden, where there is always something new growing! The produce is used by The Stables Restaurant, as well supplying Tiverton’s Pannier Market.
If you want to venture beyond the gardens, you can uncover the wonders of 300 acres of parkland and woodland. There you can spot an array of wildlife, including red deer and Exmoor horn sheep!
Settled on the edges of the Exmoor National Park is the impressive Arlington Court. This Regency-style residence was built in the 19th century by the Chichester family. Who’s generations called it home for over 500 years. It is now owned and maintained by the National Trust.
Arlington Court is surrounded by extensive parkland and gardens, each designed in a range of unique styles. These include Victorian, Edwardian, and The Walled Kitchen Garden.
As well as a variety of plant life to spot, the gardens are home to a variety of wildlife, including butterflies, bees, red deer, otters in the River Yeo, birdlife, and bats.
Once you’ve explored all the gardens have to offer, you can tour the interior of the magnificent mansion. Where inside you will find a range of rooms and collections of furniture, costumes, and paintings.
Or if you’d prefer, you can check out the Carriage Museum, where you can view over 40 vehicles of times gone by, including horse-drawn carriages.
What better way to end your day at Arlington Court than with a cup of tea and a slice of cake at the Old Kitchen Tea-room?
Tucked away in the stunning Tavy Valley is the magnificent, Grade I listed Buckland Abbey. Surrounded by pretty Elizabethan Gardens and an ancient woodland, it is not hard to see why this is one of our favourite National Trust gardens in Devon.
Once home to Cistercian monks, both the abbey itself and the gardens offer a rich history for you to discover.
Enjoy leisurely strolls through the ancient woodland, where you can spot the resident wildlife including deer, carp and kingfishers. Or follow the historic Cot Lane, formerly the main path used by the monks from the abbey, down to the river.
Wander through The Abbey Garden and the Elizabethan Garden where you can enjoy a variety of buds and bulbs, including tulips and wildflowers.
Continue on into the Kitchen Garden, where a variety of fruits and vegetables are grown. Or enjoy the delights of the Cider House Garden which has a meadow full of pretty spring flowers.
If you can tear yourself away from the garden, check out the Medieval Tithe Barn, where the monks used to store corn and grain. You can also dine at the Ox Yard Cafe, browse the gift shop, or watch your little ones play in natural play area.
The final addition to our list of the best gardens in Devon is the gardener’s paradise of The Garden House. Set within the idyllic village of Buckland Monachorum, this diverse 10 acre garden is home to over 6,000 species of plant life.
Brought to life by Lionel and Katharine Fortescue in the 1940’s, The Garden House has become renowned as one of the finest gardens in Britain. Before this, it was home to the former vicar’s of the village.
The garden is comprised of the Summer Garden, which marks the beginning of the Long Walk, a route which ensures you don’t miss out on any of the garden’s sections.
You’ll also find The Cottage Garden, which leads towards the Wild Flower Meadow, and The Walled Garden, surrounded by the remains of a 16th century vicarage.
Other areas include The Old Tennis Court, which boasts a colourful display of flora, The Jubilee Arboretum, home to hundreds of tree species, and Acer Glade.
The estate frequently hosts events throughout the year, as well as talks and workshops where you can get involved.
Weather in Devon
Check out the seven-day forecast for Devon ahead of your visit to one of these gorgeous gardens.
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Fancy taking a trip to visit some of these stunning gardens? These holiday cottages in Devon provide an ideal base to explore the counties beautiful gardens and countryside.
Why not explore Devon’s gorgeous coast? Visit our 24 things to do in Torquay to be inspired to visit the English Riviera. Or browse our guide to South West Coast Path walks in Devon.
Image credit: Christine Matthews – (CC BY-SA 2.0); James Stringer – (CC BY-NC 2.0); Chris – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Tom Jolliffe – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Adrian Platt – (CC BY-SA 2.0); David – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Derek Voller – (CC BY-SA 2.0); David Gearing – (CC BY-SA 2.0)
