May

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VISITING THE GARDENS

Experience a sense of tranquillity at our impressive Grade II* listed gardens, which have been shaped and inspired by the remarkable custodians of this special place for over 1,000 years. On your visit to the 26 acres of tended grounds, you’ll find a range of stunning features with beautiful vistas and creative sculptures, including ancient trees and impressive plant species.

Our gardens team have been working hard to bring some of the hidden secrets of the gardens to life. On arrival, you’ll pick up a beautifully design gardens guide (included in the ticket price), and there’s also an activity trail for children to engage in with hidden paths to explore. Stay awhile and enjoy delicious food from The White Hart Restaurant or The Green Table café.

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pring spectacular

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Come and explore one of the finest gardens in Britain

“The Garden House is a plantsman’s paradise…. I love it!” Toby Buckland (BBC Presenter)

As Toby Buckland says, our garden is a true plantsman’s paradise. Originally a family home and private garden purchased by the Fortescue family back in 1945, The Garden House is now run by the Fortescue Garden Trust, a small charity committed to developing and maintaining this special place, for everyone to enjoy. The Trust is continuing to build on the legacy of the Fortescues and all the previous Head Gardeners to ensure that The Garden House continues to delight and inspire visitors for many years to come.

The Garden House holds delights for both the seasoned gardener and for those who simply enjoy exploring and immersing themselves in the beauty and tranquillity of 10 acres of stunning gardens.

Stroll around the colourful, romantic gardens, including the Cottage Garden area, the Acer Glade, the Walled Garden and the Jubilee Arboretum (opened by HRH The Countess of Wessex GVCO in 2013) and you’ll enjoy finding new views at every turn. The Garden House holds special seasonal delights all year long, from the snowdrop festival early in the year, the magnificent Wisterias, Azaleas and Rhododendron displaying all their glory in early summer, the herbaceous summer borders of the Walled Garden to the incredible autumn colour through the Acer Glade.

Stay a while and when you’ve finished enjoying the delights of the garden, treat yourself to a delicious homemade lunch or Devon cream tea in the café or pick up a plant for your own garden at our plant sales…

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Legendary Carvery- We have spent years perfecting our carvery, particularly the cuts of meat we use. Our long relationship[s with local suppliers mean we are offered the best fresh Devon meat and vegetables available, some from farms within a few miles of the Hare & hound.

Parks and Gardens galore 

There are few things better than spending warm days wandering among beautifully landscaped gardens. Why not visit Sidmouth and take a breath at the Sensory Garden in the Old Boat Park or explore in Springtime the Valley of a Million Bulbs

Sidmouth has an abundance of floral displays to enjoy, much of which is thanks to the work of Sidmouth in Bloom, a multi award winning volunteer group who regularly walk away with top prizes in the RHS Britain in Bloom competitions for the South West and the UK wide Nationals. For one week each summer town residents open their own gardens to the public, giving you even more of floral Sidmouth to explore!

There are a number of spectacular parks, gardens and meadows around the town to explore: some of them can’t be missed, while others are hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. All are a haven for floral fans and those looking for a tranquil place to hide away.

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Abergavenny is the perfect base for exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Blaenavon World Heritage Site. It’s surrounded by seven mountains – a bit like Rome. Its main attractions include Abergavenny Castle & Museum, St Mary’s Priory church, market hall and castle meadows. Followed by a trip to the Brecon View Tea rooms

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Located at the centre of a picturesque valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Buckfast Abbey is home to a community of Roman Catholic Benedictine Monks, who live their lives of prayer, work and study according to the ancient rule of St Benedict.

The heart of our site is the Abbey Church and Monastery – the place in which the Monastic Community lives and prays at various times throughout the day. Our site is historic – the original Abbey being founded in 1018 AD, by King Cnut.

Today, our site is a flourishing complex of buildings which the monks have continually developed to aid them in realising their vision for Buckfast – to be a national centre of witness to God, and the Roman Catholic faith. To that end, the community places a great value upon hospitality, and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Our site includes beautiful, spacious gardens, a restaurant, multiple shops, a conference centre, a hotel plus a range of guest accommodation.

The village that everyone knows through the popular song (Tom Pearce and his Grey Mare). Widecombe is a big draw for visitors the world over with the church tower being visible from many vantage points around the eastern moorlands of Dartmoor.

There is a church, pubs, and shops within the village making it a must visit location as part of a visit to Dartmoor.  Perhaps enjoying a cream tea whilst you are there.

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