North Devon Historic Houses and Gardens

Historic houses and general interest museums are abundant.  The Cobbaton Combat Collection started as a hobby and is now an exceptional museum. The Lynmouth Flood exhibition is very interesting. At Fremington Quay, there is an RSPB viewing area and a beach which accepts dogs.Castles, Houses and Gardens

There are more than 120 Devon gardens to explore, in aid of charities supported by The National Gardens Scheme. Those closest to the North Devon coast include the following:

• Arlington Court (National Trust property) near Barnstaple. Rolling parkland, terraced Victoria Garden, fine specimen trees. 

• Chambercombe Manor, Ilfracombe

• Clovelly Court Gardens, near Bideford

• Docton Mill & Gardens, near Hartland

• Dunster Castle, near Minehead

• Hartland Abbey and Gardens

• Heddon Hall at Parracombe, 4 acres on edge of Exmoor.

• The Gate House near Lee offers 2.25 acres with stream and range of habitats

• Knightshayes Court, near Tiverton, National Trust

• Marwood Hill Gardens, near Barnstaple

• Tapeley Park, Instow

• Watermouth Castle at Watermouth Cove

• Watersmeet, near Lynmouth [wonderful for walks - dogs permitted]

• Westcott Barton, near Barnstaple. 2-acre valley garden with stream, bridge and bluebell wood.

Above: Powderham Castle, Exeter

Above: There are many gardens to visit, including RHS and NT properties, many of which have their own cafes and restaurants

Above: Hartland Abbey and Gardens