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Ash Tree Farm (6 min) Ash Cross, Dartmouth, TQ6 0LR 01803 712437
Ash Tree Farm is 70 acres of beautiful rolling Devon countryside located 2 miles from the popular holiday town of Dartmouth and the coast. Our small specialist nursery, is well known for plants which do in this coastal location; especially those from the Southern Hemispere and British Native varieties. Ash Tree Farm also offers, Farm walks, Nursery Open Days, Cream Teas, Demonstration Vegetable Garden, Equine Events. Opening Times; Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Wednesday 9.30am – 5.30pm.
Fast Rabbit Farm (6 min) Ash Cross, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0NR
Fast Rabbit Garden is filled with a mixture of exotic semi-hardy plants from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. There are extensive plantings of azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias which start flowering early in the year. Extensive swaths of spring-flowering bulbs carpet the hillsides in March and April. Our native flowers are also encouraged and these are allowed to flower and reseed so that the gardens have a relaxed and natural look about them which encourages the abundance of wildlife. The gardens get their name from the many hares found on the land. When the owners first moved to the farm they brought with them an aging Collie, an enthusiastic rabbiter, it was confused by the cry, ‘look there’s a hare!’ Once this was revised to ‘Fast Rabbit’ the dog was no longer puzzled and no longer in the vicinity either! Thus the farm and gardens were renamed; although reportedly the Collie never did manage to catch any fast rabbits. Located in a sheltered valley, the tranquil gardens are completely isolated from the modern world; a garden waiting to be discovered, this is a place to soothe the soul. Opening times for the gardens. 2008 Opening Times: Each Sunday from March through to October Also Bank Holiday Mondays Open 11am - 5pm Admission: Child 50p, Adults £3.50
Dartmouth Royal Avenue Gardens (7 min)
Royal Avenue Gardens are situated in the heart of picturesque Dartmouth adjacent to the boat float, and are frequently referred to as the Council’s `Jewel in the Crown’. The ornamental gardens are laid out informally incorporating a mixture of permanent structural planting and season displays. The current layout of the gardens was designed by Sarah Eberle in 1990 following the loss of several specimen elms to Dutch Elm Disease. An extensive patio area provides space for community events and the recently restored bandstand and ornamental fountain provide focal points within the gardens. A small children's play area is available adjacent to the Gardens on the embankment road.
Blackpool Gardens (12 min ) 01803 770606
Visit Blackpool Gardens, overlooking Blackpool Sands. A newly restored 19th century sub-tropical garden with spectacular views of Start Bay. Winding walks, colossal cork trees, fascinating ferns, pendulous palms and botanical blossoms. Parking by the Beachside Café £2.50 garden entry tickets available at Blackpool Sands ticket office, Children free. APRIL till the end of OCTOBER 10am - 4pm.
Slapton Ley Field Centre and Nature Reserve (20 min) 01548 580466
Close to the southern tip of Devon, this Centre is surrounded by the 200 hectare Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. Owned by the Whitley Wildlife Trust and managed by the Centre, the Ley is the largest freshwater lake in the south west and is extensively used in the courses at Slapton. Habitats range from rocky and sheltered shorelines and maritime shingle ridges to wetland including the open water of the Ley itself and deciduous woodland.
Coleton Fishacre (23 min) 01803 752466
Arts and Crafts style house with elegant Art-Deco influenced interior, set amid gardens in a spectacular coastal setting. Oswald Peregrine Milne, a pupil of Sir Edwin Lutyens, designed the house and the architectural features of the garden for Rupert and Lady Dorothy D’Oyly Carte and it was completed in 1926. The elegant Art Deco influenced interior is furnished as a family house in the ‘spirit of the D’Oyly Cartes’ with original light fittings and the delightful Spencer Hoffman pictorial over-mantle picture in the library.
The garden lies in a Devon combe sloping to the cliff tops and the sea on the beautiful South Devon coast and is bordered by belts of Monterey pines and broad-leaved native trees. In the spring and early summer wild flowers abound amid the colourful display of rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas planted amongst the collection of tender and exotic plants which thrive in the subtropical climate and sheltered location. The formal terraces and walled garden framing the house provide summer-long interest with the unusual range of sun-loving tender plants cloaking the walls and borders.
Greenway Secret Gardens (37 min) 01803 842382
Occupying a hillside perch, overlooking the River Dart in South Devon, lies the garden at Greenway...the family home of Agatha Christie. Thanks to the generosity of the crime writer's family, the gardens are now managed by the National Trust and are open to the public. A glorious woodland garden on the banks of the Dart estuary. Important collection of trees and shrubs featured on BBC's 'Hidden Gardens'. Visit by 'green ways' river transport and enjoy the fabulous, tasty, award winning café.
Burnham Nurseries (40 min) Burnham Nurseries Forches Cross Newton Abbot Devon England TQ12 6PZ 01626 352233
Burnham Nurseries an Orchid Paradise open all year is a family business run by the Rittershausens since 1950 and now in its third generation. We have the largest selection of orchid species and hybrids available in the UK and our nursery can be visited any time of the year. We are open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm and plenty of free help and advice is always on hand! For a selection of the most popular orchids available at the moment Our high point of the year is the largest show of all at The Chelsea Flower Show where we have been exhibiting for over 40 years with numerous Gold Medals along the way
Plant World Newton Abbot (47 min) 01803 872939
One of the floral delights of Devon, Plant World Gardens are laid out to represent each of the five continents of the world. Inspirational gardens from around the world contain countless rare and exotic plants seldom seen outside their native lands.
A large mature cottage garden and mediterranean garden completes the collection. Established in 1985, Plant World is the culmination of plantsman Ray Brown's lifelong ambition and has been featured on the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. The magnificent views over the Teign Valley, from Dartmoor to the sea, provide the incredible backdrop to what will surely be a memorable visit.
So if you are passionate about plants and gardens, Plant World is a definite 'must-see' during your visit to beautiful South Devon. Opening times: The gardens are open from 9:30 to 17:00 daily, seven days a week.
Note that there is a special offer to all those who purchase seed from us online - simply bring along a printout of the E-Mail confirming your order and you and up to four others can gain entry absolutely FREE!! But remember to enter a valid E-Mail address when ordering in order to be able to take advantage of this offer.
Bradley Manor (47 min) 01626 354513
Bradley Manor, set in a valley of meadow and woodlands, is a superb example of medieval domestic architecture. Richard Yarde inherited the original 13th century building from his grandmother in the early 15th century. Most of the present building dates from around 1420 when Yarde set about altering and enlarging the house.
The chapel was included in this remodelling and these remains, together with the Great Hall, Solar and porch. The L-shaped manor house was built of roughcast local limestone lime washed white. The doorways and fireplaces were constructed of granite and the roof was made of slate. In 1495 the gabled front was added. The gatehouse and some lesser buildings have been destroyed but apart from 19th century castellation the building remains mainly as it was in the 15th century.
The interior of the house is still medieval in plan. The hall is set to one side of the screens passage which runs across the house. Many of the windows date from the 15th and 16th century. There is some contemporary carving in wood and stone and painted Tudor decoration. In an upstairs room is an example of 17th century plasterwork. The projecting chapel has a splendid Perpendicular window and its wooden wagon roof has some interesting carved bosses.
Bradley Manor remained the property of the Yarde family until it was sold it in 1750. Over the years the house changed hands several times. As its style of architecture became out of fashion it was converted into a farmhouse and poultry was kept in the chapel. In 1909 the manor house was rescued by a descendant of the Yarde family. He restored the building and in 1938 it was given to the National Trust by his daughter.
The Barn Owl Trust 01364 653026
Waterleat, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7HU. info@barnowltrust.org.uk
You can support our work by becoming a Friend of the Barn Owl Trust. Friends receive a personalised pack containing Barn Owl information, a poster, a badge, and a car sticker, plus our annual report and two editions a year of our 16 page newsletter Feedback full of pictures and stories. Children can become Owlets and they receive a goody bag and their own personal ID cards. Donations from Friends go directly into supporting our conservation, education, research and information work.
Devon Bat Group 01803 782 218
Devon is of special importance as it supports all the species of British Bats. Bat Group members are working to maintain this diversity and increase the populations of our bats. Devon Bat Group was formed in 1986, by a number of like minded people concerned about the decline of British Bats. The Group is always looking for members, people who are interested in learning more about bats and have time to join in group activities
Overbeck Museum & Garden (48 min) 01548 842893
Elegant Edwardian house with diverse collections and luxuriant garden. Weird and wonderful collections of scientist and inventor, Otto Overbeck. Lovely sub-tropical garden, an exotic haven. Spectacular views over sea and estuary. Lots for children to explore, with fun quiz and trail. Search for Fred, the friendly ghost
Haldon Forest Park (55 min)
Allsorts to do here. Just off the A38 at Exeter Racecourse. Follow the brown tourist signs for "Forest Park" Fun for all the family on our extensive network of traffic-free trails. Choose from our many walking trails including the exciting new playtrail and the stimulating sensory trail. Cycle on the family and adventure cycle trails or challenge yourself in our freer ride mountain bike area. Safe, new car park with visitor facilities and a ranger on hand to help you make the most of your visit. Bring your own picnic or visit the on-site catering unit to re-fuel your engines before setting off to explore the rest of the park. Special Offer: Regular activity programme throughout the year. See website for details www.halfonforestpark.org.uk Food & Drink: Sell baby food, Children's menus, Restaurant/catering on site, Picnic Areas, Local/healthy food options, Highchairs. Health & Hygiene: Baby changing facilities, Totally non-smoking establishment indoors. Activities: Children's outdoor play area, Cycle trails/trails nearby, Family events, Other: Parking close to unit/pitch.
Saltram House (55 min)
A remarkable survival of a George II country house, complete with many original contents. The stunning state rooms were designed by Robert Adam and contain exceptional furniture by Chippendale and family portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds. There is plasterwork of the highest quality throughout, as well as original Chinese wallpaper in several rooms.
The Great Kitchen is possibly England’s most complete survival of a large country house kitchen, fully fitted out with its original copper utensils, early kitchen gadgets and great spit. The delightful gardens, set in undulating parkland and particularly fine in spring, contain a wealth of follies, an early 18th-century ‘Melancholy Walk’ and fine specimen trees and shrubs. Saltram was one of the locations for the film of Jane Austen’s novel Sense and Sensibility.
The Garden House (74 min) Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 7LQ. 01822 854769
The Garden House is a magical place: a place designed to meld with its surrounding landscape to create an almost ethereal beauty; a place where luxuriant, brilliant colour creates unforgettable panoramas; a place where the past meets the present and stands at the gate of a bright future. Visit our enchanting terraced walled garden with its 16th century tower and the 'magic circle', quarry garden, acer glade, wild flower meadow and much more. Browse the well stocked plant centre and relax in the tea rooms.
World of Country Life (76 min) 01395 274533 Sandy Bay Exmouth Devon EX8 5BU
Family day out. Every day is a fun day at World of Country Life, Devon’s all weather attraction with 40 acres to explore outside and over 2 acres to enjoy under cover. Wander through a Victorian Street. Introduce your family to transport and agricultural machinery of yesteryear. Mingle with the animals in the pets centre. Children can play all day in the adventure playgrounds, giant slide, trampolines, crazy golf, our new indoor Pirate Ship Adventure and much more
Stone Lane Gardens, Birch & Alder Arboretum (79 min ) 01647 231311
Take a walk in the woods at Stone Lane Gardens and you may find more than you bargained for. Not only is it home to a national collection of wild origin birch and alder, it also houses a stunning outdoor sculpture exhibition. Wander through the trees and you may stumble across a striking carved sleeping beauty or an amazingly-realistic painter, complete with easel.
Situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, the five-acre gardens are the pride and joy of Kenneth and June Ashburner. Eleven years ago, June had the idea of creating an outdoor exhibition of sculpture and other works of art by invited artists, all presented among the trees in a water and woodland setting.
The 11th Mythic Garden Sculpture Exhibition has more than 100 exhibits from 50 artists and designers, sited throughout the water and woodland setting. Take the time to stroll among fairies, mermaids, animals and classic figures constructed from every possible material, including steel, concrete, stone, stained glass, willow and many other types of wood.
Relax and allow the wind murmuring through the birch and alder and the myriad of mythical creatures to lull you into another world. Enjoy the unique experience on offer at Stone Lane Gardens and let the natural beauty of the woodland and the creativity of the artwork lift your spirits and refresh your soul.
Bowling Green Marsh RSPB nature reserve (75 min)
Exminster Marshes is east of Exminster village; Bowling Green Marsh is on the outskirts of Topsham. Both 5 miles/8 km south of Exeter on either side of the river. Exminster Marshes is accessible from the A379 Dawlish road. Bowling Green Marsh signposted from the Holman Way car park in Topsham. A hide and viewing platform at Bowling Green Marsh. Roadside viewing, suitable for wheelchair users, 10-15 minutes away from the car park at Topsham.
Cotehele House (94 min) 01579 351346
A Medieval house with superb collections of textiles, armour and furniture, set in extensive grounds. Riverside gardens with great seasonal variety. Ghostly goings on: hazy figures, music and a strange herbal smell. The location for the film 'Twelfth Night' (1996). Take a boat trip on the River Tamar from Cotehele Quay
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens (100 min) 01395 568465
Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these magnificent gardens are set in East Devon's picturesque Otter Valley, between the ancient city of Exeter and southwest England's Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The superbly landscaped park combines 18th century tranquillity with modern amenities to provide enjoyment for everyone, of all ages, through the four seasons. Registered in the Grade 1 conservation category by English Heritage, the privately owned historic gardens possess a timeless beauty, which has been preserved for the pleasure and interest of our visitors.
Eden Project (115 min) 01726 811911
Eden Project is about more than the creation of the biomes and visitor displays, as spectacular these are. The objective is to create an organisation that works for environmental, economic and social health at a local through to national and international level.
The Eden Foundation underlies the public face of the Eden Project, directing the broader scientific, research and education programmes that further the Eden Project mission, and helping to define the philosophy and direction of Eden.
A rare chance to experience the rainforest as night falls at the home of the biggest jungle in captivity. Imagine the jungle at night, the sounds of a thunderstorm approaching, and animals rustling in the undergrowth. Imagine flying through the forest and feasting on a massive hog roast. Imagine uncovering the secrets of the largest rainforest in captivity. The reality is that it is all part of Eden’s Jungle nights.
Lost Gardens of Heligan (122 min) 01752 893390
The award winning Lost Gardens of Heligan extend to some eighty acres of superb pleasure grounds together with a magnificent complex of walled gardens and a huge, productive vegetable garden, all fast returning to their former glory.
Lying at the heart of one of the most mysterious estates in England, Heligan, the former seat of the Tremayne family, is now the site of the largest garden restoration in Europe. Its extraordinary plant collection together with a range of exotic glasshouses, working buildings, romantic structures and designed landscapes reflect the past passions and interests of the family.
The combination of these and the mild Cornish climate has resulted in a garden (or in truth a series of gardens within a garden) which is unique. In its heyday, Heligan Manor was one of the glories of Cornwall. Almost completely self-sufficient, it had a number of farms, quarries, woods, a brickworks, a flour mill, a sawmill, a brewery, and productive orchards and kitchen gardens.
Its land extending over a thousand acres, it was the centre of the community and supported 20 'inside' staff and up to 22 'outside' staff. The outbreak of war in 1914 ended this idyll. Many of the staff would perish in the mud of Flanders and although the Tremayne family returned after the war for a few years they finally tenanted the estate out to friends and moved away.
Although basic maintenance was undertaken to the grounds around the house, the gardens gradually and gently went to sleep. One of the reasons Heligan is so valuable is that no major alterations had been carried out over this last century and all the vernacular and garden buildings remained untouched. There are very few examples of gardens which haven't been 'modernised' and Heligan provides a unique time capsule.
Heligan restored provides a testament to the Victorian vision and ingenuity which first created this subtropical paradise. We hope that you will now enjoy finding out about the project and that you will feel inspired to come and see the real thing for yourself!
Rosemoor Great Torrington (134 min) 01805 624067
Set deep in the lovely North Devon countryside, RHS Garden Rosemoor has now come of age as a garden of national importance. Lady Anne Berry gifted Rosemoor to the RHS 11 years ago, since when the original eight acres have been greatly developed.
To the huge range of plants collected by Lady Anne, the RHS has added features such as the Formal Garden, extensive herbaceous borders, herb and cottage gardens, a potager, the Foliage and Plantsman's Garden and extensive stream and lakeside plantings.
Recent additions include the Mediterranean and semi-tropical plantings which have been thriving during the recent long hot summers and the newly planted Winter Garden. But what is perhaps the most popular feature of this delightful garden is the extensive rose garden, proving beyond doubt the lie that the West Country cannot produce beautiful roses.
Hartland Abbey (179 min) 01884 860225
Hartland Abbey lies across a narrow, sheltered valley which winds its way to the spectacular Atlantic Coast only a mile away. Within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ visitors may wander freely around the beautiful gardens and grounds which lead to the rocky cove. Peacocks and bantams roam at will whilst donkeys and Black Welsh Mountain sheep graze the Old Deer Park.
Hartland Abbey is the lived-in family home of the Stucley family. Although it was built in the 12th century, remaining as a monastery for 400 years and passing through the female line three times, it has never been sold. Consequently, it contains collections of pictures, furniture and porcelain which have accumulated over many generations.
The story of the Abbey mirrors local and national history at every turn. It has a friendly and lived-in atmosphere, so often absent in many of our nation’s historic houses, a point continually remarked upon by those who visit us.
British Red Cross Open Gardens
The British Red Cross Open Gardens programme, established over 70 years ago, offers a rare opportunity to explore the secrets of hidden and private gardens not usually open to the public. The programme has a most impressive list of beautiful gardens of all shapes and sizes throughout the UK.
From hills and vales to inner cities, you can find some rare gems in the most unexpected places. Open Gardens is made possible thanks to hundreds of garden owners who so kindly open their gardens, and the thousands of volunteers who organise and help out at gardens.
In 2004, Open Gardens raised over £200,000 which helps the British Red Cross care for people in crisis both in the UK and overseas. Remember, your support of Open Gardens helps the Red Cross to continue its vital work as the world's biggest life support machine.
Please note: The information on this web site is intended as a guide only. We cannot accept responsibility for any inaccurate, misleading or incomplete information about any Business and its facilities or services.
