Gardens to Visit

There are a number of beautiful gardens to visit within a half-hour drive of Appledore, whatever the season. We would recommend: Rosemoor, Marwood Hill, Hartland Abbey Gardens, Tapeley Park and Gardens and Castle Hill Gardens.

RHS Rosemoor

Great Torrington, Devon, EX38 8PH, rhs.org.uk/rosemoor, ample parking, dogs not allowed

Rosemoor is a large garden (65 acres), which is divided into a large number of smaller gardens. It is the most impressive of the nearby gardens. The Cool Garden, and Hot Garden are amongst our favourites, but the Rose Gardens are also enchanting. In addition there are wilder gardens to explore, like the lake and Rock Gully garden, as well as extensive woodland. There is also a children’s play area near the lake.

Marwood Hill Gardens

Marwood, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 4EB, ample car parking, dogs allowed on leads

This is perhaps our favourite North Devon garden to visit. It is set in a valley around three interconnecting lakes. The spring-time interest is particularly impressive, with rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias.

Hartland abbey gardens

Hartland, Bideford, Devon, EX39 6DT, ample parking, dogs on lead allowed.

The Eighteenth Century walled gardens are the highlight of Hartland Abbey Gardens. There are four walled gardens planted with fruit and vegetables as well as perennials and tender plants. The bog garden and Victorian fernery are also worth exploring. If you want a longer walk, then follow the path down to the beach. On the beach is a cottage which featured on the popular 2016, BBC drama series, The Night Manager, starring Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie and Olivia Colman.

Tapeley Park and Gardens

Instow, Nr Bideford, Devon, EX39 4NT, ample parking, dogs on leads allowed.

Tapeley Park is just across the Torridge estuary from Appledore. The Italianate terraces which house colourful borders are particularly attractive. There are also woodland walks, an organic vegetable garden and permaculture garden, as well as a lake. Do note that Tapeley is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

castle hill gardens

Filleigh, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 0RQ, ample parking, dogs on leads allowed.

Castle Hill is predominantly a woodland garden, with some interesting spots to pause and admire, like the bridge and grotto. Walking up to the hilltop mock-castle is quite steep, but well worth the walk because of the panoramic views across to Exmoor and Dartmoor. Near the house is the Millennium garden, with its subtle-hued herbaceous borders.