Top Things to do in South Devon
10 Gardens in South Devon That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in South Devon, United Kingdom including Coleton Fishacre, Thorn House & Garden, Lukesland Gardens, Dawlish Lawn and Dawlish Water, Overbecks Museum and Garden, Greenway, Royal Avenue Gardens, Fast Rabbit Farm Gardens, Hill House Nursery, Plant World Gardens & Nursery.
Restaurants in South Devon
1. Coleton Fishacre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,786 reviews
Reviewed By JandAre
Third visit to this beautiful house. The grounds are magnificent and stretch down to the river. Unusual plants everywhere adding so much colour and interest. This is by far my favourite NT property - the warm feel of the house coupled with stunning views and beautifully designed and planted gardens surpass all the others.
2. Thorn House & Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Thorn Garden sits on the south-east facing banks of the River Yealm. This historical 9 acre garden boasts wonderful views and holds a stunning selection of unusual trees and plants from around the world. Private tours of the garden are available by appointment; including optional Devon cream tea! Thorn also offers a wonderful venue for corporate events including weddings, garden parties, etc.
3. Lukesland Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By FalmouthLucy - Devon, United Kingdom
Great experience.We have a 2 for 1 gardeners world card and used it here but would have paid £6 entry each anyway.We really liked the lay out of garden and want to come back at a different time of year.There were some lovely Autumn colours when we went.Cafe is gerat.Loved the soup cake and coffee all very resonably priced.Very covid aware and plenty of hand sanitiser about and feltit all felt very safe
4. Dawlish Lawn and Dawlish Water
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By castle1_10 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Well maintained looked after lawn and water very popular place to chill out. Clean public toilets at the start of the town end shops and eateries both sides of the centre waterway. Famed for the black swans and mallard ducks here. Nice to wander up one side down the other on a warm sunny afternoon
5. Overbecks Museum and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 660 reviews
Reviewed By sookeico1 - Etchingham, United Kingdom
Long winding road to get there, but well worth the trip. Immaculately kept gardens with some wonderful views from high up over the water. Lots of interesting plants and some great nooks and corners to explore. No cafe/drinks available at present, but still a good experience.
6. Greenway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,002 reviews
Take this extraordinary glimpse into the beloved holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family.The relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, and contains many of the family's collections, including archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books. Outside you can explore the large and romantic woodland garden, with a restored vinery, wild edges and rare plantings, which drifts down the hillside towards the sparkling Dart estuary.
Reviewed By JaneP855 - Northampton, United Kingdom
Took the ferry from Dartmouth to Greenway and walked up the steep wooded walkway to the house. Wether you are an Agatha Christie fan or not this ‘loveliest spot in the world’ as she saw certainly comes close. The National Trust have beautifully presented this place with a tastefully underplayed cafe and shop surrounded by sublime gardens and in an amazing setting overlooking the stunning River Dart nestles this White House stacked full of Agatha Christie and her family who clearly loved this place and and had very happy times here, it oozes through every twist and delightful turn as you experience this gem.
7. Royal Avenue Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By lovetrav_9 - Old Colwyn, United Kingdom
These gardens are really well tended and ideal for either walking through, just sitting and admiring, or enjoying a picnic. There are a number of seats to rest and relax on and the iron entrance gate is really imposing. This is a really peaceful area and well worth a visit.
8. Fast Rabbit Farm Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
The Garden covers 43 acres and includes two valleys at right angles. One includes the River Black,a lake and ponds,the other a stream and ponds. The hillsides have wide contoured grass paths at all levels. The Garden is extensively planted with rhododendrons,camellias,magnolias and endless trees and shrubs. Daffodils and bluebells flower in their thousands. The nursery has a wide range at modest prices.
Reviewed By Iananoyed - London, United Kingdom
We loved our trip to Fast Rabbit Farm.This is a beautuful place to wander, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and enjoy a picnic.We particularly enjoyed the woodland areas which I'm sure would look amazing in spring when the daffodils and bluebells are out.I should imagine the best floral displays would be in Spring/ early Summer, however, it is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year.It is £5 per adult to visit which is excellent value for money, and the nursery which has a wide variety of plants to buy is free to enter.We will definitely be returning the next time we are in the area and would recommend visiting.
9. Hill House Nursery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
This is a family run plant Nursery set in nearly 6 acres, 2.5 of which are a garden originally laid out by Edward Hyams, a famous plantsman and garden writer of the 50s and 60s. The Nursery is owned & run by Matthew Hubbard and most of our stock is propagated on the premises. Some of our stock is plants that are rare and unusual or had to find. From 1 March to 30 September, there is a Tea Room serving home made soups, cakes, scones and light lunches using local produce wherever possible.
Reviewed By NBCDT - Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
Really lovely garden nursery. The lady who works with the plants is helpful and explained to us honestly which plants would best suit our garden. Eating in their garden with some tea and cake is such a treat too. It’s also great to buy plants from somewhere that isn’t profiting from selling plastic garden ornaments and other junk that’s not good for the environment. I hope more people venture out to Hill House, it’s well worth a visit!
10. Plant World Gardens & Nursery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 147 reviews
Plant World's four acres of landscaped hilltop gardens representing each of the five continents has been called Devon's 'little outdoor Eden' and has featured on national TV. Rare exotic plants can be bought in the plant nursery. Parking, picnic area and nursery entry are all free whilst a modest garden entry charge is made for adults. The modern café serving light lunches, home-made cakes and espresso coffee has absolutely fantastic panoramic views. Open April-September inc.
Reviewed By GeorgePettit
Lovely location with fab views over the Teign Valley the garden is split in to different parts of the world based loosely around the 5 continents. Really well set out with interesting paths and loads of unusual plants, shrubs and trees etc to see. Some hilarious "homemade" garden ornaments and signs but we all thought this added to its charm and unique character.
