Here at Travellowdown, we're lucky enough to be based on the edge of Exmoor so North Devon is within easy reach. This delicious chunk of England's fourth largest county has so much to offer visitors, including an array of gardens in which to while away an hour or two – or even more. Below, we've chosen four of our favourites…
Castle Hill Gardens
Located three miles northwest of South Molton, this privately-owned 5,000-acre estate boasts, among other attractions, a photogenic garden, glorious woodland, plenty of pathways to explore and a seasonal tearoom.
The serene setting is just one of Castle Hill's many plus points, as is the elegant Palladian-designed house. Although entry to the property isn't allowed, it certainly provides a beautiful focal point for photos. Home to the Fortescue family since 1684, it's surrounded by a Grade I-listed paradise containing mature gardens, parkland, statues and even historic follies; and if you're feeling energetic, climb up to the Castle for fab, expansive views towards not only Exmoor but Dartmoor.
As Castle Hill's promotional material suggests, these are gardens for all seasons and highlights include Magnolia Wood, Millenium Garden and Devon's longest camelia hedge. If you visit during spring, you'll be treated to a carpet of colour, thanks to myriad primroses under ancient specimen trees. Choose summer or autumn and the Millennium Garden provides a colourful display of herbaceous planting edged by lavender.
Rosemoor
Hidden away in a quiet valley on the outskirts of Great Torrington, this beautiful 65-acre garden was gifted to the RHS in 1988 when its owner emigrated to New Zealand. Back then, the site comprised an 18th century house, eight-acre garden and 32 acres of pastureland. It has since evolved into a horticultural marvel offering something for everyone, whether you're an avid gardener, nature lover or just seeking a green space to relax.
Whatever the season, there is always something to see at Rosemoor, where the grounds are divided into neatly maintained "Garden Rooms", each spotlighting seasonal highlights and diverse planting styles. Among the "Rooms" are two rose gardens boasting over 250 rose varieties, a Hot Garden with a fiery display of red, orange and yellow flowers and the Cool Garden, a calming sanctuary of softer shades. There is so much more to enjoy at Rosemoor, including a café, restaurant and miles of woodland walks.
Hartland Abbey & Gardens
When you stroll around the grounds of Hartland Abbey, it's easy to see why this has been the location for many TV and film productions, including Sense and Sensibility, Antiques Roadshow and six seasons of Enid Blyton's Malory Towers.
The setting is simply sublime: a winding valley leading down to the Atlantic Ocean, situated five miles from Clovelly, 15 west of Bideford and only a mile from lovely Hartland Quay. Lovely gardens, woodland walks and a 12th century abbey, which survived longer than any other in England and is now a family home, are on offer here.
The abbey is definitely worth visiting before or after exploring the grounds. Woodland gardens boast camellias, azaleas and hydrangeas. But that's not all: there is also a bog garden, fernery and 18th century walled gardens to admire.
As the promotional brochure explains: "After years of restoration, visitors can experience these romantic gardens as they were a century ago."
After all of that, you'll be ready for refreshments so head for the Old Kitchen Tearoom which offers inside/outside seating.
Marwood Hill Gardens
This charming private garden, just a few miles from Barnstaple, was created by the late Dr Jimmy Smart who purchased the land in 1949. By 1980, he was a full-time gardener and quickly recognised for his contribution, with the Royal Horticultural Society bestowing on him the prestigious Victoria Medal of Honour.
Dr Smart's extensive travels to Australia and New Zealand were important influences when creating this wonderful garden. Stretching over 20 acres, Marwood Hill offers interest throughout the year. During our visit, the candelabra primulas – whose rainbow colours were popping up everywhere – took centre-stage. Meanwhile, visit other times in the year and highlights can include astibles carpeting the shores of the lakes and the spectacular wisteria walkway greeting you upon entering the garden.
Other attractions include high valley sides with camellias, hydrangeas and huge champion eucalyptus trees.
Marwood is certainly a peaceful location and plenty of seating enables visitors to sit and ponder a while. Another pleasant place to rest is the Garden Tea Room. With outside seating and large panoramic windows inside, it's ideal for taking in the view.
Where to Stay
Saunton Sands Hotel
Perched high above a seemingly never-ending stretch of golden sand on the rocky North Devon coast sits a gem of a hotel. It's perfectly situated for everything North Devon has to offer, including the four gardens included in this article. It's certainly an impressive place and as the Saunton Sands' glossy brochure states, this is "the hotel with everything" and no truer words were written.
More Information
For more info regarding North Devon's attractions, visit the website:
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[Reviewed: August 2025]
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