Places to Visit in Devon

Devon Houses and Gardens

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Cotehele, St Dominic
(As pictured) Cotehele belonged to the Edgcumbe family from 1353-1947. Richard Edgcumbe fought with Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth. His descendants enlarged Cotehele c.1500-65, but Mount Edgcumbe was built 1547-53, and became the main residence. In 1789 King George III and Queen Charlotte visited Cotehele, by which time the Edgcumbes had filled it with 17th century tapestries, arms and armour, and other antique furnishings. The estate – house, gardens, quay, watermill, and woodland – was transferred to the National Trust in 1947. There is an excellent riverside walk from Cotehele to Calstock. (15 mins)

The Garden House, near Yelverton
The Garden House is centred on an enchanting walled garden surrounding the romantic ruins of a medieval vicarage. Several gardens in one, it features more than 6,000 different plant varieties and is not only a must for horticultural enthusiasts, but anyone with a passion for beautiful plants! Set in the beautifully unspoilt Lovecombe Valley, the gardens command magnificent views and have been described as “Perhaps the most breath-taking of all gardens”  Rachel de Thame. (20 mins)

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The Eden Project
(As pictured) Hailed as ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ the Eden Project has become the ‘must see’ attraction in Cornwall. The gigantic global garden, the size of thirty football pitches, is designed to tell the fascinating story of man’s relationship with, and dependence upon, plants and is set in a breathtaking 35 acre crater. The geodesic structures are the world’s largest greenhouses and accommodate an array of plants from all over the world. (60 mins)

Morwellham Quay
Morwellham Quay is an award-winning World Heritage site, which features a historic port, copper mine, a working Victorian farm, railway, heavy horses and a mining museum. The Edwardian Farm was filmed here (10 mins)

Antony, Torpoint
Antony is an early 18th-century house built of silvery-grey stone from Pentewan quarry, set in extensive grounds. Alice in Wonderland was filmed here. The garden contains a collection of lilies, magnolias and summer borders. There is a 1789 Bath House and a dovecot (45 mins). 

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Mount Edgcumbe
(As pictured) Mount Edgecumbe dates from 1547. There are over 800 acres of formal gardens and parkland, with miles of footpaths and lovely views over Plymouth Sound (45 mins) 

Lydford Gorge
The Gorge is 1.5 miles long, a beautiful riverside walk leading to the 90ft high White Lady waterfall and thrilling Devil’s Cauldron. The walk is difficult in places, with some delays during busy periods. (20 min)

 The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Europe’s largest garden restoration – 80 acres of gardens and pleasure grounds, including five walled gardens, kitchen garden, Italian garden, Grotto, ravine ferry, sub-tropical ‘jungle’ garden and lost valley. Located near Mevagissey on the South Coast, south of St Austell. (70 mins)

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Lanhydrock
(As pictured) Lanhydrock was the magnificent home of the Agar-Robartes family. With 50 rooms to explore, many fascinating discoveries can be made about the inner workings of this household. Within the house, one of the main highlights is the 17th century long gallery with plaster ceilings revealing biblical scenes. Outside you are able to enjoy the superb parkland settings with miles of walks through both formal and woodland gardens with a stunning collection of rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias, ending with a peaceful walk along the river. (1 hour)

 Buckland Abbey
Tucked away in it’s own secluded valley above the River Tavy, Buckland was originally a small but influential Cistercian Monastery. Visit the remains of the 13th Century Abbey Church, a magnificent monastic barn, an unusual herb garden, delightful estate walks and several craft workshops (20 mins)

 

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