The Top Gardens in South Devon

Nothing says quiet and calm like a leisurely stroll through a garden. Filled with vibrant colour and home to many curious insects, the gardens in South Devon are plenty and serene.

Perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of cities and busy towns, many of these gardens are close to Leonards Cove, and easy to access via a short drive. Where should you start though? Read on and learn about our picks for the best gardens that South Devon has to offer.

Garden path surrounded by green plants and flowers, with a tree trunk dominating the right.

Coleton Fishacre

Ever fancied peeking back through time? Step into the magic of the Jazz Age at the beautiful 1920’s estate of Coleton Fishacre. Owned by the D’Oyly Carte family, the estate is across the River Dart, a 40-minute drive from Leonards Cove.

Open daily between February and November, the best time to see the estate gardens’ is undoubtedly during the summer months. Home to gorgeous azalea flowers and a variety of Callistemon, stroll around the walled gardens and experience the warmth of the sun on your face, accompanied by the subtle smell of the many exotic flowers and fauna.

You’ll need to pay a small entry and parking fee when you visit, but these funds go towards maintaining this incredible estate. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, the Coleton Café is ready to serve you some tasty treats, ideal for refuelling before going back out on your leisurely stroll.

A woman and a child enjoying a peaceful stroll through a sunlit, flower-filled garden.

Torre Abbey

Dating back to 1196 and Torbay’s most historic building, it’s no wonder that Torre Abbey is a multi-award-winning attraction. You can get to Torre Abbey via a 50-minute drive that avoids the ferry.

Taking a guided tour of The Abbey Garden’s in South Devon will help you uncover some fascinating features, such as a dedicated garden for learning about medieval plants and their uses.For the bookworm in the family, the Agatha Christie themed ‘Potent Plants’ section where you’ll uncover the deadly plants used to make some of the poisons in her books is a must-see.

Facilities at Torre Abbey include a gift shop, accessible toilets, and a café for some scrumptious tidbits and drinks. There is a disabled assistance available as well, with manual wheelchairs offered to those who pre-book their visit.

Greenway

The holiday home of world-renowned author Agatha Christie, the Greenway house and gardens, were described by Agatha as ‘the loveliest place in the world’, and yours to see within a 45 minutes drive from Leonards Cove.

The garden of Greenway house is a stunning collection of secrets for you to discover. The Fernery is located behind the southerly walled gardens. Featuring a water fountain, it was used as a place to lay family pets to rest. The garden was often used as a source of inspiration for Agatha’s written works, where the boat house inspired scenes in her acclaimed book ‘Dead Man’s Folly’.

Part of the garden is also an allotment that grows a variety of beans, potatoes and carrots. This is maintained by the pupils of the nearby Galmpton Primary School, and it serves as a touching reminder that people of all ages can experience the therapeutic atmosphere of the gardens in South Devon.

Park bench under a tree on a bright autumn day, with sunlight and yellowing leaves.

Fast Rabbit Farm

One of the best kept secrets of South Devon is Fast Rabbit Farms. Clocking in at only a 10-minute drive, the Fast Rabbit Farm Gardens are amongst the most beloved gardens in South Devon, and it’s easy to see why. The gardens are open daily from 11am to 5pm.

Spanning 43 acres, the gardens boast open spaces and a stunning palette of colour. Disabled visitors can enjoy a tailored visit, with a separate drop-off point for easier access to the strawberry valley. You’ll see plenty of well-kept rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, to name a few. As well as a lovely array of cascading water throughout the gardens.

Although Fast Rabbit Farms does not offer refreshments, it is the perfect place to bring a picnic for the family. It’s easy to while away the hours sat next to the still ponds, reminiscing on old memories whilst enjoying your lunch in the blissful atmosphere. There are toilets onsite, and dogs are welcome in the gardens but must be kept on a lead.

Dartington Hall building, feraturing arched windows, framed by a tree and lush green lawn.

Dartington Hall Gardens

Open daily between 9am and 5pm, the lush, grade II* gardens of Dartington Hall are the product of many talented custodians, from the Elmhirsts and garden designer Beatrix Farrand, to the team of gardeners and volunteers who maintain the gardens in South Devon today.

Hop into a guided tour and walk through the gardens that provide peaceful sanctuary to a 1500-year-old yew tree, as well as specially commissioned statues of beloved English artist Henry Moore. These tours last 90 minutes and are an excellent way to learn about the Dartington Hall gardens.

A 40 minute drive is needed to get to the gardens, but we promise the journey is worth it. There is a restaurant and bar inside, so you can enjoy a refreshing beverage or delicious meal under the sun. Or perhaps try a Montreal style bagel before you get started. Please note that dogs are not welcome in these gardens, except for guide dogs.

Anchor down at Leonards Cove

The gardens in South Devon are numerous, more than you’ll be able to explore in a single day. For the families who need a reliable, and friendly campsite, Leonards Cove is the spot for you. With breathtaking coastal views, we are positioned perfectly for you to enjoy the many gardens around Dartmouth and South Devon. Book today and kickstart your South Devon adventure with Leonards Cove.