From tropical tangles to Italian terraces by the coast to ancient woodland walks in the countryside, North Devon is home to a whole host of beautiful gardens. Featuring some great family-friendly places to visit or spots for finding peace and tranquillity, we hope our recommendations will get a big green thumbs up from all our guests when staying at our home from home?
Marwood Hill Gardens
Best for: A moment of calm
Marwood Hill Gardens is a magical 20 acre private garden with three lakes set in a valley tucked away in North Devon and only 15 minutes’ drive from No. 9 Putsborough. Created in the late 1950s the gardens are a wonderful haven of plants, shrubs and trees. Fill your senses with soothing scents and mindful moments with the sound of gentle waterfalls and rustling trees as your soundscape.
After your peaceful stroll round the estate make a beeline for the cute award winning tearoom and bag a spot on the terrace. Tuck into scones, cream and jam washed down with tea and the loveliest of views. This unique garden is the perfect balance to busy days exploring the coast; dogs on leads are welcome too.
RHS Rosemoor
Best for: Walled gardens & cherry blossom
RHS Rosemoor is a beautiful escape in every season, featuring cherry trees blossom in the Spring, the iconic Hot Garden in the summer and their magical woodland festive light trail in the Winter. Discover award-winning roses, marvel at the blues of the Cool Garden (a tranquil oasis with a teardrop-shaped pond) and pop into the shop for a bit of retail therapy. Families can let their imaginations run wild exploring the woodland walks or trying their hand at den making! RHS Rosemoor is a botanical experience you won’t want to miss.
Tapeley Gardens
Best for: Estuary views & cake
On a hot summer’s day the Italian terraces at Tapeley Park with views over the River Torridge and North Devon coastline will have you feeling like you’ve been whisked away to the shores of the Italian Lakes (Aperol spritz at the ready!).
Explore the colourful borders, the organic vegetable garden and large permaculture garden, which is one of the oldest in the UK. The woodland walk, among mature trees, leads to a large, serene lake with waterlilies, dragonflies and kingfishers. And, of course, don’t miss the Highland cattle or the cute onsite tea rooms for the obligatory coffee and cake!
Clovelly Court Gardens
Best for: History & Victorian glasshouses
One of the outstanding Victorian kitchen gardens to visit in North Devon, Clovelly Court Gardens are a must see whilst visiting the famous Clovelly Village. Plants thrive in this sheltered sunny corner of North Devon, which has the added benefit of the warmth the Gulf Stream brings.
You’ll find neat, carefully tended gardens and beautifully restored Victorian greenhouses within its old walls. The incredible variety of fruits & vegetables grown here supply the Red Lion Hotel. You can even take some home with you!
Arlington Court
Best for: Family Fun
One of our favourite gardens to visit! Regency house, ancient woodland, mouth-watering kitchen Arlington Court has many strings to its bow and that’s before you even reach the beautifully curated formal Victorian garden with its fountain and the Carriage Museum! Dogs are welcome too, making it a great dog-friendly day out with the whole pack in tow.
Hartland Abbey
Best for: Famous film locations & formal gardens
So much more than a historic house or the setting for the BBC’s ‘Malory Towers’ Hartland Abbey has beautiful 18th century walled and woodland gardens, and a stunning valley leading down to the rugged Atlantic cove and cottage at Blackpool Mill. Wildflowers proliferate – from primroses and violets, wild garlic, bluebells and foxgloves in spring. Dogs are welcome on leads in the gardens and walks.
The Old Kitchens Tea Room provide delicious home made lunches, cream teas and scrumptious cakes!
You don’t have to be a seasoned gardener to enjoy the many beautiful gardens near No.9 Putsborough. Offering something for everyone, you can explore one of Devon’s most prolific gardens or discover something a little more secretive. Feeling inspired for your stay?
