Houses and Gardens

Here are some suggestions for local houses and gardens to visit, all within easy reach of the Axe Valley. This list is not exhaustive so please visit the Tourist Information Centre to pick up brochures or contact us or the establishments to check details and/or prices.

Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens, between Bridport & Weymouth.
Tel:01305 871387
Established in 1765, a mixture of formal and informal, with walled garden walks and woodland valleys. Camelia groves and Magnolias, Rhododendrons and Hydrangeas.

A La Ronde, Exmouth. (National Trust) Tel: 01395 265514
An unusual house built in 1796, with a shell incrusted gallery, a feather frieze, and many 18th century contents.

Bicton Park and Gardens, East Budleigh. Tel: 01395 568465
Outdoor and indoor trees, shrubs and flowers, including the 19th century Palm House. Indoor exhibition of Traction Engines, Machinery, Tools and Victorian memorabilia.

Burrow Farm Gardens, Dalwood Nr Axminster. Tel: 01404 831285
Set in 6 acres, with woodland, lush borders, spacious lawns, unusual plants and shrubs and wild flowers.

Cadhay Manor, Ottery St Mary. Tel: 01404 812999
Manor House built in 1550. The gardens have herbaceous border, an avenue of limes, yew hedges, and the original mediaeval fish ponds. Restricted opening hours so please ring to check opening times.

Escot, Ottery St Mary Tel: 01404 822188
200200 acres of 18th century parkland and gardens, squirrels, otters, birds of prey, pets and aquatic centre

Forde Abbey and Gardens, Nr Chard Tel: 01460 221290
Founded 800 years ago by Cistercian monks, with 17th century plaster ceiling and Mortlake tapestries, the gardens feature spring bulbs, arboretum, lakes and a working kitchen garden. Pick your own soft fruit.

Killerton House, Broadclyst Nr Exeter. Tel: 01392 881345 (National Trust)
18th Century house, including a hillside garden with rare trees, rhododendrons, herbacious borders, the rustic bears’ house and Iron Age Hill Fort.

Knightshayes Court, Bolham Nr Tiverton. Tel: 01884 254665 (National Trust)
Victorian Gothic House, the gardens are renowned for rare plants and trees.

Otter Nurseries Garden Centre, Ottery St Mary. Tel: 01404 815815
Large selection of indoor and outdoor plants, garden furniture, fish etc.

Pecorama Gardens, Beer Tel: 01297 21542
Newly designed gardens for the millennium, opened in July 2000. Sun, moon and rainbow themes. Spectacular coastal views.

Sand House and Gardens, Sidbury. Tel: 01395 597230
The main family house is Elizabethan, with an adjacent Mediaeval Hall House, 6 acres of gardens with lawns, borders and woodland. Restricted opening hours so please ring to check opening times.

Shute Barton, between Colyton & Axminster. Tel: 01297 34692 (National Trust)
Plantagenet Manor House, with Great Kitchen, which has, it is believed, the largest open fireplace in the country. Limited opening hours so please ring to check opening times.