Gardens to Visit in Devon

Historic show gardens for the Bicton College of Agriculture. Elegant formal gardens with water courses, lakes, terraced lawns, Pinetum, temples and follies. The sub-tropical glasshouses contain a wide variety of tender plants. The arboretum looks especially good in the autumn, with beautiful trees in a parkland setting. Miniature woodland railway, children's playground, picnic areas and other family attractions.

Located in a pleasant valley setting near to the coast. These luxuriant gardens provide all year-round interest, with many rare and exotic plants. A pleasant stream flows in front of the house, planted up with moisture-loving and marginal plants, along with summer flowering bulbs and colourful perennials. Regular events held throughout the season.

Probably the last true castle to be built in England. A series of large ornamental garden rooms lead down to the castle, which sits on a low hill overlooking the Dartmoor National Park. There are well stocked rose gardens and informal herbaceous borders, with corner Pavilions of Hornbeam. Also a lovely woodland area, with pleasant walks. House also open to public.

Exquisite 20th century Grade 2 listed gardens, designed around a 14th-c tilt yard. With wide terraces, sweeping steps, yew hedges and Henry Moore Sculpture. The underplanted woodland is a real treat in spring.

Wide range of facilities and activities also available. Festivals and events take place throughout the year.

Graceful woodland garden on the banks of the River Dart. Many rare trees and shrubs, under planted with native wild flowers.

Enjoy wildlife trails and woodland walks with scenic views of the Dart Estuary. Sensible footwear recommended.

Over 18 acres of restored gardens, woodland and parkland, originally laid out by Veitch. A riot of colour from early spring to later summer.

Outstanding gardens designed as a series of formal garden rooms, planted for aroma, colour and seasonal interest. Well maintained and imaginatively planted, with many rare trees and shrubs. Includes a walled garden, formal terraces and clipped topiary. Don't miss the lightly wooded area to the east of the house where a wide range of tender and exotic shrubs thrive.

Extensive landscaped gardens with sweeping lawns and lakes. Highlights include a pleasant walled garden, alpine garden, bog garden. Good range of climbers, plus many rare trees and shrubs.

A dramatically beautiful sub-tropical coastal garden, with tall palm trees and far reaching views over the estuary at Salcombe.

RHS show gardens, covering a beautifully landscaped 65 acre site, with a wide variety of themed gardens and inspirational planting schemes. Includes formal gardens, a French style potager, cottage, alpine, herb and bog gardens, two rose gardens and extensive herbaceous borders. Events and demonstrations held throughout the season.

Beautiful riverside gardens containing mature shrubs and many imposing specimen trees. Lovely 18th-c summer house, orangery and several interesting follies.

Peaceful woodland garden adorned with shade-loving plants, leading on to tranquil water gardens. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of mature trees, including the National Collections of Birch (betula) and Alder (alnus), which are ablaze with rich golden tones in autumn - one of the best times to enjoy this garden.

Grand stately home, set in magnificent landscaped grounds in a secluded Devon valley. Ancient seat of the Clifford family. Enjoy the Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland with lakes, majestic trees and scenic views over Dartmoor. Also formal gardens with a clipped box maze, a courtyard garden, Spanish Garden, Fernery, Orangery and a beautiful magnolia walk.

Faithfully restored historic Victorian walled garden. Packed with mature flower borders that overflow with colourful herbaceous plants. Also a fine collection of mature bamboo and two Victorian teak-built greenhouses.

Browse the country's largest selection of orchid species and hybrids, with many rare and unusual specimens - all grown under glass. An ever changing rainbow of colours, from big, blousy blooms to tiny exquisite miniatures.