Nine of our favourite Devon gardens

If you love nothing better than wandering through a beautiful garden while the sun shines, you are spoilt for choice in Devon.

Whether spring has sprung or you want to see the autumn colours, there are so many opportunities to explore the many vibrant and fragrant gardens located in the region.

All uniquely beautiful, they offer a varied schedule of events and activities throughout the year which are sure to delight all ages.

Here’s our pick of the best gardens in Devon, so you can plan a fun and colourful day out in the county.

Looking for a gorgeous holiday cottage to come back to after a day exploring Devon's gardens? Browse our selection here. 

RHS Gardens Rosemoor

Located in Torrington in North Devon, the award-winning  RHS Rosemoor Gardens covers around 65 acres and features a variety of different aspects including the Rose Gardens, the Fruit and Vegetable Garden, the Arboretum, and Lady Anne's Original Garden. There really is something for everyone to enjoy. Rosemoor Gardens also hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year such as talks, workshops, and live performances making it a wonderfully diverse day out at all times of the year. You'll also find a licensed restaurant, tea room, shop, and plant centre on site too.

Find somewhere to stay near RHS Rosemoor Gardens:

• Annas Cottage, sleeps 2
• Heather Lodge, sleeps 6 and 2 dogs
• Woodhouse Farm, sleeps 10

The Garden House

Situated on the edge of Dartmoor, The Garden House offers a beautiful array of flora and fauna that offers something a little unique throughout each of the seasons. This large garden offers visitors a variety of twists and turns which lead to vibrant colours and stunning scenery. You'll be afforded the chance to explore the Arboretum, the Wild Garden, and Walled Garden during your visit.

Find somewhere to stay near The Garden House:

• Poppy Suite on Dartmoor, sleeps 2

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens encompasses nearly 300 years of horticultural history and is located within a picturesque location in East Devon between Exeter and the Jurassic Coast. These grade one listed gardens are perfect for family days out as there is a wide range of things to see and do here including nature trails, the Bicton Woodland Railway train ride, and maze as well as indoor and outdoor play complexes. For those who wish to explore more about the history of the gardens, take a look around the historic glass houses and countryside museum.

Find somewhere to stay near Bicton Park Botanical Gardens:

• Highfield Topsham, sleeps 6
• Parson's Farm, sleeps 6
• Regency House, sleeps 9

Clovelly Court Gardens

Another wonderful garden located in North Devon, close to the coast in the charming village of Clovelly. While a smaller garden than some of the others on this list, these Victorian walled gardens offer great conditions for plants with the added benefit that the Gulf Stream brings. Discover the neat and carefully tended kitchen gardens as well as restored Victorian glasshouses that harbour apricots, peaches, and even Chinese gooseberries among other things. Couple a visit to this garden with a walk around the privately owned village for a truly delightful day out.

Find somewhere to stay near Clovelly Court Gardens:

• The Wren, sleeps 2
• Highford Barn, sleeps 4
• Owl Barn At The Retreat, sleeps 8

Marwood Hill Gardens

Marwood Hill Gardens is marketed as a magical and special private garden and certainly lives up to the expectations. Found near the bustling town of Barnstaple, Marwood Hill Gardens is a world away from the busy town and offers 20 acres of manicured gardens and three lakes making the whole place ooze tranquillity. Explore the fantastic collection of plants, shrubs, and trees and indulge in the peaceful atmosphere. This dog-friendly location also features a tea room with spectacular views and a plant sales area too.

Find somewhere to stay near Marwood Hill Gardens:

• Marwood Garden Apartment, sleeps 2
• The Cowshed - Greenhill, sleeps 4
• Dove Chapel, sleeps 6

Castle Hill Gardens

Castle Hill Estate and Gardens in Filleigh, near Barnstaple in North Devon offers a superb day out for the whole family. The 50-acre site is home to some stunning plants and flowers and there is Tanglewood Tree which younger visitors are welcome to climb as well as the imposing yet beautiful Palladian house which was built in 1730 as the Earl of Fortescue's family home.

Find somewhere to stay near Castle Hill Gardens:

• Blakewell Kingfisher, sleeps 2
• Old Manor Cottage, sleeps 4
• Portmore Grange, sleeps 24

Killerton

Located between Cullompton and Exeter in Mid Devon, Killerton is a stunning location found within the glorious rolling Devon countryside. Within the 18-acre grounds, you will be treated to the rhododendrons, magnolias, and rare trees and be able to explore the bear hut and chapel that can be found in the grounds. Also, take the time to look around the magnificent 18th century house.

Find somewhere to stay near Killerton:

• Forches Head Cottage, sleeps 2
• Cobb Cottage, sleeps 2
• The Annexe At Colebrook Court, sleeps 6

Broomhill Sculpture Garden - Broomhill Art Hotel

If you're looking for some of the county's best contemporary art, mixed in with stunning, picturesque gardens and an award-winning eatery, Broomhill is the place for you. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of woodland and its own stream, Broomhill is found in one of North Devon's most glorious valleys. It was opened in 1997 by Dutch couple Rinus and Aniet van de Sande, and has gone from strength to strength since. Every year they host the National Sculpture Prize, an event that attracts hundreds of visitors to the region and is well worth a visit - art fan or not.

Find somewhere to stay near Broomhill Sculpture Garden:

• The Wood Stack, sleeps 2
• Whitefield Round House, sleeps 6
• Shirwell Farmhouse, sleeps 10

Stone Lane Gardens Arboretum

Stone Lane Gardens can be found nestling on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and is famous for its National Collections of Birch and Alder trees. As you make your way around the five-acre garden, you will notice yourself become enchanted by the pools and streams that meander through the site and reflect the beautiful surroundings. During your visit, you wander through a garden that is filled with a myriad of tree varieties rarely seen in the UK.

Find somewhere to stay near Stone Lane Gardens:

• West Nymph Lakeside Cottage, sleeps 2
• The Coach House - Dartmoor Edge, sleeps 4
• Rock Barn, sleeps 10

We have a wonderful selection of accommodation for holidays in Devon located throughout the county to help you see the very best of the area during your holiday. Take a look at our range of self-catering cottages in Devon around the county to find your perfect property.