13 Best Gardens and Parks in South Devon

South Devon Gardens to Visit

South Devon has some of the best gardens in the country, each with its own unique charm and character.

And as the warmer weather finally starts to shine, now’s the time to start enjoying the outdoors and all the fabulous flowers, herbs, trees, and shrubs the local area has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for an oasis in a bustling town or a day out in the countryside, there’s a park on this list for you. South Devon is full of wonderful gardens to walk around and explore or have a picnic or relax.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the must-visit gardens in Devon.

13 Top Gardens in South Devon

1. Dartington Hall Gardens, Totnes

Part of the Dartington Hall estate near Totnes, these gardens feature a variety of styles, including a medieval garden, a formal garden, and a stunning collection of magnolias and camellias.

Explore the beautifully maintained tiltyard, borders bursting with seasonal flowers, a historic yew tree, and a modern sculpture by Henry Moore.

2. Overbecks Garden, Salcombe

Managed by the National Trust, Overbeck’s is a charming coastal garden near Salcombe, featuring subtropical gardens, a shaded glade, and a beautiful coastal path with stunning views of the Salcombe Estuary.

Perched on a clifftop with breathtaking sea views, Overbecks Garden is a wonderful retreat to visit and relax. Discover an eclectic mix of quirky art installations, historical features, and vibrant flower displays.

There is also a house but this is not open to the public.

3. Greenway House and Garden, near Brixham

Formerly the holiday home of Agatha Christie, Greenway House and Garden is a National Trust property situated on the banks of the River Dart near Brixham. The garden boasts a beautiful walled garden, a restored peach house, and a charming woodland garden.

Wander through the delightful terraces, herb gardens, and woodland walks, and soak up the inspiration that fueled the famed author’s creativity.

4. Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear

Another National Trust property, Coleton Fishacre is a stunning Arts and Crafts-style country house with a magnificent garden overlooking the South Devon coast.

The garden features a valley garden, a walled garden, and a Mediterranean-style garden, all designed to take advantage of the mild climate.

Explore the 24-acre gardens, a haven of colourful blooms, woodlands, streams, and a Japanese garden.

5. The Dell, Eastcliff Park, Teignmouth

Towering over Teignmouth on red cliffs, Eastcliff Park offers a diverse green escape.

Divided into three sections, explore The Rowdens’ lawns and rhododendrons, Mules Park’s open grasslands perfect for wildlife spotting, or The Dell.

Hidden within the open space of Eastcliff Park, The Dell is a subtropical oasis. Explore the three ponds surrounded by lush vegetation, transporting you to a world far from the English coastline.

6. RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington

Located near Great Torrington, RHS Garden Rosemoor is an award-winning garden managed by the Royal Horticultural Society.

It features a stunning array of gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Hot Garden, and the Woodland Garden, spread across 65 acres of land.

7. The Garden House, Near Plymouth

Located in Buckland Monachorum near Plymouth, The Garden House is a 10-acre garden known for its diverse plant collections and innovative garden designs.

It features a modern water garden, a Mediterranean garden, and a prairie garden, among others.

8. Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Budleigh Salterton

Situated near Budleigh Salterton, Bicton Park Botanical Gardens is a historic estate with over 60 acres of beautiful gardens. The park features the famous Palm House, one of the world’s most beautiful garden structures, predating Kew’s Palm House.

There’s also a Pinetum and Arboretum with over 1200 trees, including 25 champion specimens, a Rose Garden and a Wildflower Meadow.

It’s a haven for rare and endangered plants from around the world and boasts one of Britain’s finest tree collections, meticulously maintained by dedicated gardeners. The park’s diverse landscapes change with the seasons.

9. Saltram House and Gardens, Near Plymouth

Located near Plymouth, Saltram House and Gardens is a National Trust property with beautiful landscaped gardens, including a parkland, an orangery, and a formal Edwardian garden.

10. Arlington Court and Garden, Arlington

Arlington Court, a hidden gem on Exmoor’s edge, has been the Chichester family estate for over 500 years. This 1823 house, part of the National Trust, boasts a diverse collection from model ships to shells. Despite its austere exterior, the interior exudes warmth.

The Carriage Museum showcases vehicles for all life events. The estate features 20 miles of footpaths, a Victorian garden with a conservatory, and rich wildlife, including bats and herons. Visitors can explore the man-made lake, and walled garden, and use a bird hide to observe nature.

11. Buckland Abbey and Gardens, Buckfastleigh

Buckland Abbey, a 700-year-old estate, offers a journey through history from Cistercian monks to seafarers Grenville and Drake. The estate is now part of the National Trust.

This part-museum, part-house is filled with treasures, including the magnificent medieval Great Barn. Visitors can explore meadows, orchards, and woodlands with stunning views of the Tavy Valley.

Seasonal trails showcase nature’s beauty, particularly the spring bluebells. The Cider House garden features herbaceous borders and a secret ‘wild’ garden, perfect for contemplation or playful adventures.

12. Royal Avenue Gardens, Dartmouth

Overlooking the Dartmouth Quay in the town centre, Royal Avenue Gardens offers a delightful escape.

Originally showcasing Victorian-style flower arrangements, the gardens now feature a sustainable mix of seasonal and permanent plants, managed by the Dartmouth Green Partnerships.

13. Botanical Gardens at Paignton Zoo, Paignton

Stop at the Botanical Gardens located on the grounds of Paignton Zoo. These gardens are the perfect family-friendly option, combining seeing monkeys and elephants with these beautiful plants and flowers.

The gardens boast waterside plants, herbaceous borders, wildflower meadows and the famous Titan Olympia with conservation being a priority for the plants grown here.

13 Best Gardens in South Devon