What to do and see in Devon, England: The Best Gardens

January 24, 2022 Layne Dawes

Devon Cottages - The Ultimate in Relaxing Breaks

From the wilds of Dartmoor to the wooded hillsides of the Lyn Valley, Devon is undoubtedly one of England's most beautiful counties. Its overwhelmingly rural landscape means that catered accommodation is restricted to over-subscribed Bed and Breakfasts and hotels which are mostly concentrated in towns like Exeter and Barnstaple.

Devon is a great location for a family holiday in the great outdoors, with everything from beach resorts at Ilfracombe to rambling in the hills of Exmoor and tors of Dartmoor. It is a large county, but whether you want to follow the Tarka Trail, or walk down the Doone Valley, you can be sure there will be cottages open for holiday rentals nearby.

Devon's Cottages, All Mod Cons

Most of Devon's holiday rental cottages started as farm buildings of some sort, and planning restrictions mean that many of them retain their rural charm on the outside. However, the cottages are generally renovated to 21st Century standards inside, with double glazing, TV, washing machines and fully-equipped kitchens. Families are well catered for in the higher end properties with games rooms, sometimes including full-size pool tables and large gardens for children to explore.

Despite the unpredictability of Devon's weather even during the summer months, the comfort of these properties gives great peace of mind. Moreover, a week's holiday rental of a cottage in Devon can cost as little as £300 - £400. During the peak season you can spend as much as £900 a month for one of the larger or more luxurious cottages, which still works out to be cheaper than a lot of hotels, especially if you have to book several rooms to accommodate a family of four or five.

Town Mouse or Country Mouse

To get the best of Devon's startling countryside and its friendly communities, renting a holiday cottage near Lynton and Lynmouth can be a good start. It is a useful base from which to explore North Devon, and is within walking distance of several beauty spots, such as Watersmeet (complete with a small but impressive waterfall) and the Valley of the Rocks. Separated by a steep cliff, you can travel up a funicular railway from coastal Lynmouth to clifftop Lynton, with plenty of stunning walks, shopping opportunities and several beaches and boat trips to nearby coastal attractions.

The twin villages also boast a concentration of well-equipped holiday cottages, from modest fisherman's cottages on the path to Watersmeet to grander hillside houses on the way to the Valley of the Rocks. Whatever your budget, Lynton and Lynmouth can provide some tempting accommodation options for your first Devon holiday.


Restaurants in Devon

1. Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre Brownstone Road Kingswear, Dartmouth TQ6 0EQ England +44 1803 842382 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,786 reviews

Coleton Fishacre

Reviewed By JandAre

Third visit to this beautiful house. The grounds are magnificent and stretch down to the river. Unusual plants everywhere adding so much colour and interest. This is by far my favourite NT property - the warm feel of the house coupled with stunning views and beautifully designed and planted gardens surpass all the others.

2. Lukesland Gardens

Harford Road, Ivybridge, Dartmoor National Park PL21 0JA England +44 1752 691749 http://www.lukesland.co.uk
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 51 reviews

Lukesland Gardens

Reviewed By FalmouthLucy - Devon, United Kingdom

Great experience.We have a 2 for 1 gardeners world card and used it here but would have paid £6 entry each anyway.We really liked the lay out of garden and want to come back at a different time of year.There were some lovely Autumn colours when we went.Cafe is gerat.Loved the soup cake and coffee all very resonably priced.Very covid aware and plenty of hand sanitiser about and feltit all felt very safe

3. Wildside

Green Lane Less than a mile from The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum PL20 7NP England +44 1822 855755 [email protected] http://www.wileyatwildside.com/index.html
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Wildside

4. Dawlish Lawn and Dawlish Water

The Strand, Dawlish England +44 1626 215751 http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/sports-and-leisure/parks-and-open-areas/parks/the-lawn-dawlish/
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Dawlish Lawn and Dawlish Water

Reviewed By castle1_10 - Leeds, United Kingdom

Well maintained looked after lawn and water very popular place to chill out. Clean public toilets at the start of the town end shops and eateries both sides of the centre waterway. Famed for the black swans and mallard ducks here. Nice to wander up one side down the other on a warm sunny afternoon

5. Saltram Gardens (National Trust)

Plympton, Plymouth PL7 1UH England +44 1752 336546 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram/
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 297 reviews

Saltram Gardens (National Trust)

Reviewed By 652k_r_aty - Plymouth, United Kingdom

Love Saltram and visit here regularly with family. The little tea room is lovely too to have tea and cake

6. RHS Garden Rosemoor

RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington EX38 8PH England +44 845 265 8072 [email protected] http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Rosemoor
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,357 reviews

RHS Garden Rosemoor

If you are looking for inspiration and a relaxing day out, come to RHS Garden Rosemoor and stroll around our enchanting 65-acre garden. Rosemoor is a garden of intoxicating beauty, meticulously crafted and planted, retaining the essence of rural North Devon within a dramatic backdrop of steep wooded valley sides.Whatever the season, the exciting colours, scents and textures mean that all your senses will be stimulated, and with both formal and informal gardens - as well as woodland walks, water features and open spaces - there is something for children and adults alike to enjoy time and again.

Reviewed By 22007 - Auckland, New Zealand

We visited Rosemoor on 23rd August when the late summer perennial borders were at their astonishing best. We loved the borders, the rose garden, the interesting collection of trees and the incredible fruit & vegetable garden with it endless rows of lettuce and espaliered apples. Just excellent!

7. Overbecks Museum and Garden

Overbecks Sharpitor, Salcombe TQ8 8LW England +44 1548 842893 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/overbecks
Excellent
48%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 660 reviews

Overbecks Museum and Garden

Reviewed By sookeico1 - Etchingham, United Kingdom

Long winding road to get there, but well worth the trip. Immaculately kept gardens with some wonderful views from high up over the water. Lots of interesting plants and some great nooks and corners to explore. No cafe/drinks available at present, but still a good experience.

8. The Garden House

Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, Dartmoor National Park PL20 7LQ England +44 1822 854769 [email protected] http://www.thegardenhouse.org.uk
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 330 reviews

The Garden House

The Garden House is a 10 acre series of garden rooms, each planted differently, for seasonal interest. Visitors love the planting styles, 16th century ruins, bright colours and far reaching views over wild flower meadows. Children can roam free and find hidden corners and explore trails and trees. It is a wonderful place for garden enthusiasts, walkers and family visits. The tea room in the main house is renowned for freshly made treats and light lunches. Plants sold onsite at our well stocked plant centre are often propagated from the garden so you will find interesting and unusual varieties that aren’t commonly available. Plus we have a delightful Old Potting Shed shop stocking crafts, books, locally made produce and gardening gifts.

Reviewed By RachelW788 - London, United Kingdom

A beautiful garden, surprisingly extensive with changing character as you move through the winding paths into walled garden, arboretum, woodland, wild meadow and more. Full of planting interest through the year. A wonderful place to go and get lost in.

9. The Gnome Reserve & Wild Flower Garden

Nr Holsworthy Nr Bradworthy, West Putford EX22 7XE England +44 1409 241435 [email protected] http://www.gnomereserve.co.uk
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 493 reviews

The Gnome Reserve & Wild Flower Garden

Temporarily closed - We are a seasonal business open 21st March - 31st October. We are open 10am - last admission 5pm

Reviewed By markwH2639SS - Barnstaple, United Kingdom

This was an unplanned visit - we saw the sign and just followed it. Brilliant couple of hours looking around the gnome exhibits and the wildflower garden. Recommended for all ages

10. Greenway

Greenway Road Galmpton, Greenway, Dartmouth TQ5 0ES England +44 1803 842382 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,002 reviews

Greenway

Take this extraordinary glimpse into the beloved holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family.The relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, and contains many of the family's collections, including archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books. Outside you can explore the large and romantic woodland garden, with a restored vinery, wild edges and rare plantings, which drifts down the hillside towards the sparkling Dart estuary.

Reviewed By JaneP855 - Northampton, United Kingdom

Took the ferry from Dartmouth to Greenway and walked up the steep wooded walkway to the house. Wether you are an Agatha Christie fan or not this ‘loveliest spot in the world’ as she saw certainly comes close. The National Trust have beautifully presented this place with a tastefully underplayed cafe and shop surrounded by sublime gardens and in an amazing setting overlooking the stunning River Dart nestles this White House stacked full of Agatha Christie and her family who clearly loved this place and and had very happy times here, it oozes through every twist and delightful turn as you experience this gem.

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