Whether you admire exceptional planting combinations, historic landscapes, rare trees or beautifully designed borders, Tavistock is perfectly situated for exploring some of Devon and Cornwall’s finest gardens. From internationally renowned plantsman’s gardens to hidden private gems, there’s plenty to inspire every gardener.
One of the added bonuses is that many also welcome well-behaved dogs, making them ideal for visitors holidaying with their four-legged companions.
The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum
Distance from Tavistock: 6 miles (15 minutes)
Often regarded as one of the finest gardens in the South West, The Garden House is a must for any serious gardener. Ten acres of beautifully managed gardens include spectacular herbaceous borders, woodland planting, the famous acer glade, Mediterranean garden, productive kitchen garden and tranquil water features. Every season brings something different, making repeat visits worthwhile. Also has a cafe and plant sales area.
Website: www.thegardenhouse.org.uk
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the gardens.
Hotel Endsleigh Gardens
Distance from Tavistock: 7 miles (15 minutes)
Created by the celebrated landscape designer Humphry Repton, these romantic gardens feature magnificent champion trees, a spectacular rose arch, shell house, arboretum, ornamental borders and picturesque walks along the River Tamar. A fascinating destination for anyone interested in historic landscape design.
Website: www.thepolizzicollection.com/hotel-endsleigh
Dogs: Dogs on short leads are welcome in the gardens.
Wildside Garden
Distance from Tavistock: 8 miles (15 minutes)
Created by internationally respected plantsman Keith Wiley, Wildside is one of Britain’s most influential naturalistic gardens. Streams, ponds, meadows and dramatic planting combinations create an ever-changing landscape full of inspiration for adventurous gardeners.
Website: www.wildsidegarden.co.uk
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Buckland Abbey – National Trust
Distance from Tavistock: 8 miles (15 minutes)
The gardens surrounding Buckland Abbey combine history with horticulture. Enjoy colourful borders, orchards, herb gardens and woodland walks surrounding Sir Francis Drake’s former home. The wider estate provides beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/buckland-abbey
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens, estate and café areas.
Lydford Gorge – National Trust
Distance from Tavistock: 10 miles (20 minutes)
Although famous for its spectacular gorge and waterfalls, Lydford Gorge also offers beautiful woodland planting, mosses, ferns and riverside landscapes that inspire naturalistic gardeners. Spring wildflowers are particularly impressive.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/lydford-gorge
Dogs: One of the National Trust’s most dog-friendly properties, with dogs welcome throughout most of the estate.
Cotehele – National Trust
Distance from Tavistock: 12 miles (25 minutes)
This historic National Trust estate boasts formal gardens, orchards, productive kitchen gardens and riverside planting. The medieval setting and traditional gardening techniques make it especially appealing for those interested in heritage gardening.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/cotehele
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome throughout most outdoor areas.
Saltram – National Trust
Distance from Tavistock: 18 miles (35 minutes)
One of Devon’s grandest landscaped estates, Saltram features sweeping parkland, formal gardens and mature specimen trees. The restored garden provides year-round interest with beautiful seasonal planting and impressive architecture.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram
Dogs: Dogs on short leads are welcome in designated garden areas and throughout the wider estate.
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance from Tavistock: 40 miles (1 hour)
A paradise for gardeners, Rosemoor contains over 65 acres of inspirational planting. Highlights include the famous Hot Garden, Cool Garden, extensive herbaceous borders, woodland gardens, fruit and vegetable gardens and seasonal displays. It is one of the UK’s premier gardening destinations.
Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on selected dog-friendly days, so check the website before travelling.
Anthony House – National Trust
Distance From Tavistock – 18 Miles 50 mins
100 acre ancient woodland garden contains historic camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons.
Dogs – Assistance dog only in house. Dogs allowed in gardens
Overbeck Gardens – Salcombe – National Trust
Distance from Tavistock – 39 Miles 1 hr 20 mins
A hidden paradise of subtropical gardens with Salcombe Estuary Views (Roads to get here are small and windy!)
Dogs are welcome on short leads.
Strawberry Fields – Lifton
Distance – Lifton – 12 miles – 25 Minutes
Although not strictly a garden Strawberry Fields often do gardening events include Tulip Fest and Sunflower Picking. A great day out of you plan ahead and book a ticket.
Dogs welcome on leads
Mount Edgcumbe
Distance – 1 hour – also available from Plymouth via Ferry
Explore the gardens moving through layers of gardening history from the 16th century to our modern Black Bee Reserve. Plus enjoy the large park. A pristine, unspoilt Grade I listed landscape ready for you to explore
Dogs welcome. Lots of areas for dog walk here.
Kelly House Poisionous Plants
Distance from Tavistock – 10 minutes
This is a seasonal event with limited weekend opening where you can visit the garden and discover lots of plants. Discover their uses, including the poisionous ones !!
Dogs welcome on leads
A Gardener’s Holiday in West Devon
For passionate gardeners, few places rival West Devon. Within an hour of Tavistock you can experience everything from world-famous plantsman’s gardens and historic estates to intimate National Garden Scheme openings and innovative naturalistic landscapes. Many of these gardens also welcome dogs, making it easy to enjoy inspiring days out without leaving any member of the family behind. If you a National Trust member you are spoiled for choice with gardens in every direction. Don’t forget to check their websites for opening times as some have seasonal variations during the year. Most of all take lots of photos and enjoy making new memories.