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Gardens in The South West
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Torre Abbey Histoic House and Garden
Explore the ancient ruins of what was once the wealthiest abbey of its kind in England. Try your hand at brass rubbing, take a stroll in the gardens, visit the galleries and round it off with lunch at the cafe in the old kitchen or out on the terrace.
www.torre-abbey.org.uk
50.465
-3.542
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50.11
-5.576
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Trebah Garden
There's subtropical lushness around every corner at these stunning gardens on the banks of the Helford River. The views from the 18th Century house across the gardens to the river are not to be missed. Wend your way through camellia groves and chusan palms, woodlands and bamboo; meander alongside pools and streams, giant-leafed gunnera and hydrangeas, to emerge onto Trebah's private beach. Perfect for a swim and a picnic in summer. Not picnic weather? Head to the Planters Cafe (winner of the 2008 Cornwall Tourism Award for Popular Restaurant/Cafe of the Year) or have a browse in the gallery and plant shops. One of Cornwall's, if not England's, finest gardens.
www.trebahgarden.co.uk
50.10354
-5.123779
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50.127
-5.302
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RHS Rosemoor
Set deep in the north Devon countryside, The Rosemoor estate was once the home of Lady Anne Palmer. Lady Anne developed a passion for plants when she met noted plantsman Colllingwood Ingram while recuperating from measles in Spain. Over the next 30 years, she travelled the world to collect specimens for her garden, which she gave to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1988. The estate now comprises 65 acres of land, which includes rose gardens, a winter garden, a fruit and vegetable garden, a formal garden, woodlands, and many stream and lakeside plantings, making Rosemoor an enchanting place to visit whatever the season.
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor
50.94267
-4.137489
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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Planted as a kitchen garden in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester, today Abbotsbury Gardens bring together rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Scintillate your senses with a visit to the world famous camellia groves and magnolias, enjoy a sedate stroll in the walled gardens or go wild for the stunning woodland valley views. The BBC's Alan Titchmarsh declared them to be 'one of the finest gardens I have ever visited'. See for yourself. If it leaves your green fingers itching for some action, you can choose from a superb range of quality plants at the Specialist Plant Nursery.
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/gardens
50.662
-2.629
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Glendurgan Garden
A sheltered valley garden bordering the Helford River next door to Trebah. 'A little 'peace' of heaven on earth' is how the Fox family, who donated Glendurgan to the National Trust, described the garden. With fine trees, rare and exotic plants from all over the world, carpets of wild flowers, and stunning spring displays of camellias and magnolias, it is a little slice of peace served up on the banks of the Helford. The Maze and the 'Giant's Stride' rope swing are firm favourites with the kids; the impressive Laurel Maze will baffle and delight all ages.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
50.106
-5.117
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The Garden House
Well, if it’s on Alan Titchmarsh’s ‘must see’ list, it’s good enough for us. This eight-acre garden is actually several gardens in one, combining old and new. The beautiful walled garden surrounds the ruins of a medieval vicarage, while the newly developed Long Walk takes you through a variety of landscapes, from the South African garden, to the cottage garden to the flower meadow, with beautiful views along the way over the Cornish hills, and hidden benches to stop and soak up the sights and sounds of the countryside. Cakes, cream teas and lunches are served in the tea rooms in the 18th Century vicarage. Open February to November.
www.thegardenhouse.org.uk
50.489
-4.145
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Killerton House and Gardens
A fine example of 18th Century architecture, Killerton House is home to a vast collection of period costumes - 9,000 items in all - spanning the fashions of the past 200 years. The gardens are the star of the show at Killerton. Beautiful all year round, they put on a wonderful display of rhododendrons and magnolias, set against the backdrop of Devon's rolling countryside.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-killerton
50.79129
-3.453693
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Potager Garden and Glasshouse Cafe
Gardens don't get much more chilled out than this; laze in a hammock, take a snooze among the trees or take tea in the glasshouse. Potager was selected for Alistair Sawdays' 'Slow England' guide for its uniquely calm atmosphere - soak it up and enjoy the beautiful, relaxed surroundings.
www.potagergardennursery.co.uk
50.11802
-5.154106
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The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Magical gardens, restored by Tim Smit, who later went on to create the Eden Project. There's also a well-stocked farm shop here where you can stock up on local produce.
www.heligan.com
50.283
-4.81
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50.217
-5.034
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Athelhampton House and Gardens
The beautifully preserved 15th Century manor house has stunning interiors resplendent with antique furnishings. The famous formal gardens incorporate a series of tranquil, sophisticated spaces, including the great court with its giant pyramids, simple plantings of roses, clematis and tulips, fountains and pools laden with water lillies, a canal and the River Piddle. The 15th Century dovecote still houses white doves. Stop off for some home-cooked refreshment at the Topiary Restaurant. Open March to October.
www.athelhampton.co.uk
50.74593
-2.326741
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Clovelly Court Garden
This Victorian walled kitchen garden has magnificent greenhouses where melons, apricots, figs, peaches and nectarines grow. Take a stroll on the terraced lawns for fantastic views out to Lundy Island, or take a longer walk through the rhododendrons and woodlands to Clovelly village. The herbaceous borders are ablaze with colour in midsummer. Open March to October.
www.clovelly.co.uk/clovelly-court-gardens.php
51.0003
-4.410982
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Compton Acres
Ten acres of beautifully managed gardens including Italian, Roman, water and Japanese areas. Built in the 1920s by a margarine entrepeneur to reflect his worldwide travels and interest in horticulture, Compton Acres is a fine example of an historic garden in the late Victorian Mixed Style design.
www.comptonacres.co.uk
50.704
-1.926
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Docton Mill Gardens
These unique gardens include wild flowers, a riverside walk and an unusual bog garden. Catch the spectacular display of narcissi in spring when bluebells carpet the woods, or come in summer to see the rosebanks in full bloom. Treat yourself to an award-winning cream tea at the Docton Mill Tea Room, voted Best Cream Tea in Devon at the 2007 North Devon Food & Drink Awards, or try some of the local homegrown produce - the Brixham crab sandwiches and homemade chutneys are firm favourites. Open March to October.
www.doctonmill.co.uk
50.976
-4.518
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Greenway
Agatha Christie's holiday home nestles on a crook of the River Dart in a beautiful woodland garden that is home to such horticultural treasures as Monterey pines, eucalyptus, China roses, myrtle and Turkey oaks. For a magical experience that's also kind to the environment, travel there by boat. 'Green ways' ferries leave from Dartmouth, Brixham and Torquay. Following a major restoration project, The National Trust has re-opened the house to the public, where quirky collections of memorabillia offer a glimpse into the private life of the well-loved crime writer. For house opening times, please visit the website.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway
50.384
-3.586
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Kingston Maurward Gardens
Formal gardens in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ style of the Edwardian era in the grounds of Kingston Maurward House. Thomas Hardy was a frequent visitor to the house as a boy, and it features as 'Knapwater House' in his novel Desperate Remedies. Children can meet Button and Pebbles the donkeys in the animal park, as well as miniature Shetland ponies, goats, pigs, rabbits, ducks, emus and peacocks. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the large picnic area. There is also a refreshment kiosk, visitor centre and shop.
www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens
50.718
-2.404
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Mapperton Gardens
A terraced valley garden complete with grottos, a great lawn, topiary, croquet lawn, an orangery and 17th Century fish ponds, surrounding a Tudor/Jacobean sandstone manor house, home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. Used as a location in Jane Austen's Emma, Restoration and Tom Jones. Open March to October.
www.mapperton.com
50.794
-2.706
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Minterne House and Gardens
Minterne House and Gardens nestle in a valley in the beautiful Dorest countryside, described by Simon Jenkins in 'England's 1000 Best Houses' as a "corner of paradise". The 18th Century gardens feature lakes, waterfalls, all kinds of rare trees and an incredible rhododendron collection. A profusion of spring bulbs and magnolias provide the colour in spring, followed by flowering Japanese cherries and streams lined with primulas and other water plants in summer. The garden is particularly noted for its autumn colouring. Open March to November.
www.minterne.co.uk
50.835
-2.484
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Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
There's plenty to keep you busy here, with 63 acres of stunning gardens, historic glass houses and a woodland railway. Not to mention an Italian garden, Mediterranean and rose gardens, fernery, hermitage garden, pinetum and arboretum. Bicton also boasts 25 champion trees - the tallest/largest of their kind in Britain. At a dizzying 41m, the Grecian fir is the tallest ever recorded. Outdoor and indoor play areas, mini golf, a restaurant, shop and garden centre make it a great day out for all the family. Accepts Tesco Clubcard Days Out Vouchers.
www.bictongardens.co.uk
50.671
-3.318
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Escot
Originally set out by English landscape architect Capability Brown, Escot has more recently come under the green fingers of land artist and television gardener Ivan Hicks. Nature lovers can enjoy the natural historical gardens or the walks and trails in the fantasy woodlands that surround the stately home on this rural Devon estate. Pit your wits in the beech tree maze, see a traditional blacksmith at work, visit the wild boar, the red squirrels or, if you prefer your animals a little fluffier, pay a visit to pets corner. Homemade refreshments are served in the Coach House restaurant. During summer 2010 Escot are running Camp Wild, summer camps for kids. From day camps to five-night stays in the yurt village, children explore the great outdoors in a safe environment with loads of fun adventure activites. Find out more at www.escotcampwild.co.uk.
www.escot-devon.co.uk
50.77693
-3.298626
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Lukesland Gardens
Set in a perfect little valley complete with a babbling brook and waterfalls. Find a quiet corner to enjoy the peace and tranquility in the Tudor garden or use your nose to find the Circedephyllum grove - apparently their leaves are so full of sugars that they smell like caramel. Take a strolll through the azaleas, rhododenrons and copper beeches in the Victorian garden, meander by the ponds, or breathe in the fresh scented air of the pinetum. Tea and homemade cakes are available in the Old Billiard Room of the Gothic revival house.
www.lukesland.co.uk
50.403
-3.913
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Marwood Hill Gardens
There's lots to see here, with three lakes and some excellent national collections, including the Japanese iris and a large collection of camellia (over 800 cultivars). Magnolias take centre stage in March and April. The Garden Tea Room serves home baked pies and cakes and, naturally, Devon cream teas. Open March to October.
www.marwoodhillgarden.co.uk
51.118
-4.081
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South Heathercombe
Set in a peaceful wooded valley on Dartmoor, The Heathercombe estate comprises 30 acres of woodland with an arboretum, streams and ponds, plus a cottage garden, orchard and wild flower meadow. There are over 1000 well-labelled specimen shrubs and trees here. The 100 varieties of rhodendron lend a splash of colour, and with one and a half miles of woodland walks and paths there's ample room to stretch your legs.
www.heathercombe.com
50.611
-3.803
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Stone Lane Gardens
Famous for its collections of birch and alder trees, Stone Lane Gardens is a five-acre arboretum in Dartmoor National Park. A mixture of shady woodland with streams and bogs where giant-leafed gunnera towers at 7ft, and grassy open slopes. The birch are a blaze of orange and yellow leaves in autumn. In winter, they reveal their smooth peeling bark in a range of soft pinks to earthy chocolate browns.
www.mythicgarden.eclipse.co.uk
50.7
-3.829
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Winsford Walled Garden
A beautifully restored walled Victorian garden. Wander among the bourgainvillea and tropical hibiscus in the ornate Victorian greenhouses. The garden had been left to ruin until its rediscovery in 1999, since when Aileen, Michael and Tanya have worked hard and enthusiastically to restore it to its former glory - and beyond. It now extends well past its original walls, with colouful borders, bamboo groves and giant-leafed gunnera. The garden's restoration was documented on ITV's Gardener's Tales.
www.winsfordwalledgarden.com
50.789
-4.201
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50.046
-5.218
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50.966
-2.811
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50.416
-4.611
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50.091
-5.123
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50.21
-5.166
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Burnham Nurseries, Orchid Paradise
Here you will find the largest selection of orchids available in the UK. This collection of rare and exotic plants is a regular gold winner at Chelsea Flower Show. If you are interested in growing your own, help and practical advice is freely given.
www.orchids.uk.com
50.547
-3.637
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Carwinion Bamboo Garden
Unmanicured and tranquil, just as nature intended; relax in the gardens amid the bamboo and rare and beautiful plants. Take cream tea on the terrace or pick up some ethical bamboo apparel while you're here.
www.carwinion.co.uk
50.113
-5.105
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50.984
-3.304
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Cricket St Thomas Gardens and Lakes
Formerly home to the Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park, the Grade II listed gardens and lakes on this Somerset estate re-opened to the public in spring 2010 after major refurbishments. Take a stroll around the grounds and enjoy the peaceful lakes and woodland walks, followed by afternoon tea in Hamilton's tea rooms.
www.cstwp.co.uk
50.87247
-2.893334
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Eggesford Garden and County Centre
Set in the beautiful Taw Valley, Eggesford is a good starting point for walks in nearby Eggesford Forsest or the Tarka Trail. Refuel with lunch at the Garden Restaurant or bring your own picnic. Pick up locally made arts and crafts in the County Crafts Gallery or come along to one of the many events held here throughout the year, including the Apple and Cider Fair in October and the Christmas Crafts and Food Fairs in November.
www.eggesfordgardens.com
50.88
-3.86
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50.58
-4.268
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Fyne Court
Take a walk in the pleasure grounds of pioneering 19th Century electrician Andrew Crosse, which are now a nature reserve. Or plan your outings in the lovely Quantocks countryside at the visitor centre here.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
51.083
-3.112
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51.209
-3.609
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 | A few hints for your trip beyond Penzance and St Ives to Cornwall's Far West. |
 | Browse our selection of hand-picked activities for days out and short breaks in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. |
 | View your personal itinerary of things to do, places to visit and where to eat on your holiday. |
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