There is an abundance of stunning gardens to visit in Devon thanks to our mild winters, warm summers and year-round rainfall. If you’d like to experience horticultural heaven while enjoying a stay in Sidmouth, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Here’s a selection of some of the best gardens to visit in Devon starting with those within easy reach of Sidmouth.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, East Budleigh
Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these magnificent grade 1 listed gardens are home to many rare plants originating from across the world. There are 63 acres of gardens to explore as well as the beautiful Palm House built in the 1820’s and quirky shell house.
Distance from Sidmouth: 7 miles
The Burrows Farm Garden, Axminster
The Burrows Farm Garden is a hidden gem in the East Devon countryside. Here you’ll find 13 acres of lovingly designed gardens with colour throughout the year. This peaceful oasis has a variety of different planting styles which complement the stunning rural views.
Distance from Sidmouth: 14 miles
Killerton House and Gardens, Exeter
Beautiful parkland surrounds Killerton House and Gardens in a stunning countryside setting. Killerton is famous for trees and shrubs, and the gardens here include an 18-acre hillside garden within 4000 acres of woodland with rare trees and shrubs from all around the world.
Distance from Sidmouth: 17 miles
If you don’t mind travelling further afield, these gardens are worth the journey.
Castle Drogo Garden, Drewsteignton
The garden at Castle Drogo is within the grounds of a 20th-century castle (also worth a visit) with magnificent views of the Teign valley. The 12-acre formal garden features formal terraces and borders, rose beds, arbours of yew, beautiful herbaceous borders and a beautiful croquet lawn.
Distance from Sidmouth: 30 miles
Dartington Hall Gardens, Totnes
At the heart of the 1,200-acre Dartington Estate sit the Grade 2 listed gardens. Open all year the magnificent landscaped gardens feature a tiltyard, significant sculptures, and an ancient yew tree reputed to be nearly 2000 years old.
Distance from Sidmouth: 38 miles
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington
Run by the Royal Horticultural Society, Rosemoor is a beautiful garden nestled in a valley surrounded by 100 acres of woodland. Rosemoor blends formal and informal plantings to magical effect and is known for its two outstanding rose gardens – The Queen Mother’s Rose Garden, featuring modern roses, and the Shrub Rose Garden, planted with old traditional roses.
Distance from Sidmouth: 57 miles
Please check gardening opening times before visiting as not all gardens are open year-round.
If you’d like to combine a tour of Devon’s best gardens with a relaxing stay in Sidmouth, click here to check availability.
