Tapeley Park & Gardens

About

Located near the picturesque village of Instow, Tapeley Park sits at the heart of the wider Christie Estate. Tapeley is a private (but welcoming) estate, open to the public and also an impressive setting for events and weddings. From its position high on a hill, Tapeley commands amazing views of the North Devon coast, best seen from the ‘labyrinth’ viewpoint .

Visitors to Tapeley get a sense of being transported back to the Victorian era with a stroll through the beautiful Italian Terraces, created in the nineteenth century. From the same era, the walled vegetable garden supplies the fruits and vegetables which contribute to the organic food menu served in the tea rooms.

Tapeley carries an established air that can only come with the passage of time, as illustrated by the ‘old’ woodland, surrounding the hidden lake, which is home to trees that are almost 200 years old. In recent years, Tapeley has become a focus for sustainability, and examples can be found throughout, from the straw bale house to one of the country’s oldest permaculture gardens, a real treat for gardening enthusiasts.

Stocked with perennials, edibles and beneficial companion plants, in the summer months the permaculture garden is abuzz with bee and insect life. In harmony with nature, this secret garden yields many unique surprises, from Szechuan peppers and Aztec Broccoli to Siberian kiwis and electric daisies.  

Tapeley is an idyllic location, the perfect place to leave the humdrum behind and explore nature at its best. Its wildness is loved by families who can explore natural nooks and choose a spot to have a picnic and the family dog is welcome too.

 Throughout the year, Tapeley hosts events – from open air theatre and weekend festival events to dog shows and choral performances – and details of upcoming events can be found on the Tapeley Park Information Facebook page. It is also a venue which is available for wedding hire – the only one in North Devon to offer the beautiful backdrop of gardens in one direction and coastal views in the other.

The Christie family has long had an association with the nearby village of Instow, which is popular for its postcard views and pleasant village-side beach. From here you can look over the estuary towards Braunton Burrows, also part of the Christie Estate.