Things to do - Gardens & Houses
Whether you want to relax or get out and enjoy the countryside there is a wealth of attractions in Devon and Dorset for all. From country lanes to grand National Trust estates and historic country houses.
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Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens... A magnificent 20 acre garden established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country, discovered by the plant hunting descendants of the Countess. |
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A La Ronde (National Trust)... A unique 16 sided 18th century house, with a distinctive interior including a "feather frieze" and shell room, houses an impressive collection of Grand Tour mementos. There are some stunning views over the Exe Estuary also. |
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Bicton Park Botanical Gardens... Miniature village, climbing camp, Bigfoot maze, crazy golf, large indoor play complex, nature trail and acres of informal gardens. Special area for the under 5's. Lots to do indoors if bad weather. |
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Burrow Farm Gardens... A beautifully landscaped, ten acre garden, Burrow Farm Gardens will appeal to both the plants men and those seeking a relaxing walk round a tranquil garden with extensive views. It includes a fascinating woodland garden created in an ancient Roman clay pit, and the most recent addition is the millennium rill garden. |
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Cadhay... is a beautiful Elizabethan Manor House built around a central courtyard with luxurious accommodation for up to 22 people and magnificent gardens. |
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Escot... is a place for people who love Nature - here are paths, trails, vistas, places to picnic, things to enchant and delight, and everywhere beautiful flowers, shrubs and specimen trees. Enjoy the natural historical gardens and fantasy woodland which surround the ancestral home of the Kennaway family. |
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Forde Abbey... The Roper family welcome you to Forde Abbey, their unique house surrounded by over 30 acres of world famous gardens. Founded by Cistercian monks over 800 years ago it became one of the richest and most learned monasteries in the country. The Abbey now stands at the heart of a family run estate. Much of the food served in the restaurant is grown in the garden or on the estate. |
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Killerton... This fine 18th century house is home to the Paulise de Bush costume collection with over 9,000 outfits. With stunning parkland walks all year round and a delightful hillside garden featuring rhododendrons, magnolias and rare trees it is a spectacular year round treat on the senses. |
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Knightshayes Court... Delight in the outstanding gardens featuring a water lily pool and unusual topiary, fine specimen trees, rare shrubs and delightful seasonal colours. Meander through the grounds on an attractive woodland walk. Stand in one of the lavishly decorated rooms of Knightshayes and soak up the atmosphere of grand Victorian country house life. From the smoking and billiard rooms to the elegant boudoir, the rich interiors are enjoyed by visitors of all ages. |
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Sand House... The main family house is Elizabethan, with an adjacent Medieval Hall House, 6 acres of gardens with lawns, borders and woodland. |
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Seaton Tramway... The three-mile route runs through East Devon's glorious Axe Valley, between the coastal resort of Seaton, the small village of Colyford and the ancient town of Colyton. The journey takes 25 minutes from end to end. You must alight from the tram on arrival, but may return on any tram thereafter. Open toppers or enclosed saloons operate according to weather conditions. |
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Donkey Sanctuary... There are no commercial attractions - just gently rolling countryside with walks around the fields where you can meet the dear donkeys, who adore the fuss and attention received from visitors. Donkeys of all ages are resident at Slade House Farm but a large percentage are elderly and remain here in order to be close to the Veterinary Department. |
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Canonteign Falls... offers a spectacular day out for all the family. The highest waterfall in England, Canonteign Falls is found in the beautiful Teign Valley. The Falls descend almost vertically for 220ft (67m) and run on through rock formations and ancient woodlands before cascading into the tranquil lakes below. |
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Becky Falls... is set within a stunning Dartmoor valley, the walks and scenery offer a fun-filled day out for both young and older visitors alike. There's a full programme of children's entertainment during school holidays, including Animal Encounter Shows, Animal Feeding sessions, puppet shows, storytelling and, new for this year, a genuine Victorian Flea Circus, believed to be the last of its kind in Europe. |









































