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5th January 2021
Please note, the UK is currently under a nationwide lockdown, please do not travel. These suggestions are for future reference, if you are looking for places to exercise during lockdown, please stay local to your area.
While we all know North Devon for its beautiful coastline, the region has a number of incredible gardens and areas of parkland that are well worth a visit too. In fact, the area is full of beautiful gardens, all with their own styles and charms, full of unique scents and eye catching colours all year around. So, if you’re looking for somewhere tranquil to while away a few hours, while still enjoying the fresh air, here are a few of the best gardens in North Devon to add to your bucket list.
Image: Marwood Hill Gardens photo by @rachelelizabethpreston on Instagram
Located just outside Barnstaple, you’ll no doubt recognise Marwood Hill Gardens when you see them, they’re frequently used on TV and it’s no wonder – they are truly magnificent. The gardens are based around two lakes which are connected by a smaller stream and give you plenty of chances to explore and recharge. The gardens have an impressive collection of plants and trees, which even the least green fingered of you will appreciate, plus the tea room is famous around these parts, so it is an ideal place to visit if you’re in the Barnstaple area.
Image: The Victorian Greenhouses, photo from @clovellyvillage on Instagram
These gardens can be found on the outskirts of the historical village and are covered by the entry price, so you can visit both in the same trip. The garden is secluded and each section offers something different, no matter what time of year you visit. It’s a particular haven for those that love their home grown produce, the garden has trees full of apples, pears and mulberries and you can buy bedding plants, herbs, vegetables, fruit and flowers straight from the gardens to take home with you.
We can’t talk about gardens in North Devon and not mention RHS Rosemoor. It is one of the UK’s most popular gardens, particularly for its display of roses – it is said that there are over 200 varieties planted there! The site features several themed gardens, all of which have their own charm and no matter what the season, there is always something to see.
Image: Castle Hill estate, photo by @becca_grows on Instagram
Surrounding a magnificent Palladian house, which isn’t open to the public, these gardens can be found in Barnstaple and offer incredible walks and picnic opportunities. The gardens are overlooked by the house, which has been part of the Fortescue family since the 1400s, and stretch over 50 acres. It’s the perfect place for letting the kids burn off some energy while exploring Barnstaple and nearby South Molton.
Hartland Abbey is a truly fascinating place, having originally been founded in 1157, the abbey was gifted to William Abbott by King Henry VIII and has since become a much loved family home. While the abbey itself is open for tours and well worth a visit, the gardens are truly spectacular. They feature landscapes and designs that originate back to the 1100s and include a Ladies’ Walk as well as a number of Walled Gardens which house some of the UK’s rarest plants.
Interested in visiting one or more of these gardens? We’d love to welcome you back once lockdown restrictions are lifted. You can find out more about the latest updates regarding the current UK lockdown and any local restrictions in your area by visiting gov.uk/coronavirus.
© Visit Devon Community Interest Company
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