Docton Mill Gardens

Lymebridge, Hartland

Docton Mill Wild Flower Gardens are situated in North Devon (UK) in a stunning valley, 1000m from the coast. The Garden started in the 1930's but fell into disrepair in the 1970's. 1980 saw the Mill renovated and Garden cleared with extensive planting and the creation of a new Bog Garden and borders, vast numbers of trees were planted. The start of the new Millennium saw developments including a new Magnolia Garden with large Herbaceous borders, Woodland Garden and Greenhouse area enabling more extensive plant propagation. The Wild Flower Gardens theme is to make everything as natural as possible. In spring there are displays of narcissi, primulas, camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas with bluebells covering the woods. In summer the garden abounds with roses, there is a rose bank of Felicia and Pax and adjacent to this is the Herbaceous border. In this field there are 25 varieties of magnolia - truly a garden to give variety throughout the seasons.

 

Email: doctonmill@tiscali.co.uk

Tel: 01237 441369

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Great Torrington, Devon

RHS Garden Rosemoor is acclaimed by gardeners throughout the world, but you do not have to be a keen gardener to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Rosemoor. Whatever the season, the garden is a unique and enchanting place that people return to Time and time again to gain ideas and inspiration. Highlights of the garden include a spectacular display of over 2,000 roses with 200 varieties, colour theme gardens, cottage gardens, winter gardens, gazebo, lake, fruit and vegetable garden and much more.

 

Website: www.rhs.org.uk

Tel: 01805 624067

Castle Hill Gardens

A trip to North Devon would not be complete without a visit to Castle Hill to see the gardens. Truly a 'garden for all seasons' there is such a variety of things to see and activities for children to enjoy that you can spend all day here. Why not bring the family for a picnic, let the children run around, explore and learn in the safe environment of our family friendly 50 acre garden near South Molton. After your walk come and enjoy a cream tea or local ice-cream at the garden kiosk. Four legged friends on leads are welcome too!

 

Location: Filliegh, Barnstaple

Email: office@castlehill-devon.com

Website: www.castlehilldevon.co.uk

Tel: 01598 760336

Tapeley Park Gardens

With its fours distinctly different themed areas set within a 35 acre site, Tapeley Gardens are home to a rich and fascinating variety of flowers, trees, shrubs and vegetables, as well as some Highland cattle and Berkshire Pigs. The garden is a swathe of colours and perfumes. No visit is complete without a walk around the woodland paths. Light lunches and cream teas are served at the tearooms.

 

Location: Instow, Near Bideford, Devon

Email: info@christieestates.co.uk

Website: www.christieestates.co.uk/tapeley-park/

Tel: 01271 860897

Hartland Abbey and Gardens

Visit the historic family home with its beautiful gardens and grounds, with nearly a millennium of history. Hartland Abbey was founded in 1157. Henry VIII made a gift of the Abbey to the Sergeant of his wine cellar, William Abbott. The house has descended down to present day to continue as a lived in family home. Features in the Abbey include pictures, furniture, porcelain collected over many generations. There is also fascinating, recently uncovered murals depicting family involvement in mediaeval history. Follow the winding paths through woodland gardens with rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and hydrangeas to the bog garden.
 

Location: Hartland, Near Bideford, Devon

Website: www.hartlandabbey.com

Tel: 01237 441264

Clovelly Court Gardens

Clovelly Cross, Devon

The garden is a classic example of the Victorian Kitchen garden tradition. Apricots, Melons, peaches, nectarines, peppers, chillies, and tomatoes are just a few of the items grown here. A woodland walk 'The Long Walk', leads to an elegant garden. Within the unique maritime microclimate of the gardens is a planned display of tender and exotic flower borders.

 

Website: www.clovelly.co.uk

Tel: 01237 431781

Broomhill Sculpture Gardens

Muddiford, Barnstaple, Devon

60 Sculptors, 300 Sculptures, 10 acres of garden in one Devon's most glorious valleys. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of beautiful wooded grounds and bound by Its own stream Broomhill is set in a stunning location.

 

Website: broomhill-estate.com/

Tel: 01237 431781

Marwood Hill Gardens

Marwood near Barnstaple, North Devon

Come and share the enjoyment of this 18-acre garden. Marwood Hill Gardens is the end result of the owner's passion over 50 years in the collecting of an enormous number of trees and shrubs, many of which are very rare. Every season sees an exuberance of flower with large collections of Camellia and Magnolias. Other species of Rhododendrons and Flowering trees are in flower in the summer. Three lakes, linked to the biggest Bog garden in the West, are alive with Ducks and multi-coloured carp.

 

Website: marwoodhillgarden.co.uk/

Tel: 01271 342528