Being in the heart of Devon, we are lucky to be surrounded by hundred’s of great sights and attractions. Here are five fabulous historic buildings and gardens we recommend you visit when staying with us.
Compton Castle
Just 5 minutes from here you'll find the quaint country village of Compton, and Compton Castle, a fortified manor house, home for nearly 600 years to the Gilbert family, including the half-brother of Sir Walter Rayleigh.
Here you can enjoy the sights and scents of the rose garden, where you will also find the Armillary Sphere placed in 1983 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Sir Humphrey Gilbert's colonisation of Newfoundland, as well as the topiary squirrel in the knot garden. There's always the opportunity of a game of bowls or croquet on the lawn, too.
For opening times and entry fees, click here.
Cockington Court
Cockington Court is located amongst the glorious surroundings of an award-winning country park, where you'll find a mix of old and new in the 20+ craft studios, home to blacksmiths, glassblowers, and more. There's also a contemporary art gallery which has played host to a number of national and local names, a walled art garden, Tudor rose garden, tea rooms, and a children's play area to keep the little ones happy.
Cockington Court is managed by the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, which also looks after Berry Head Nature Reserve and Occombe Farm.
For Cockington Court opening times and events, click here.
Buckfast Abbey
Founded in 1018, and situated close to the River Dart, lies Buckfast Abbey, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world every year to enjoy its tranquillity. Home to a community of Benedictine monks, the architecture of the Abbey Church is something to behold, as it stands surrounded by the Lavender, Sensory, and Psychic Gardens to wander at leisure.
Inside the church, you'll find the Abbey's Bookshop, as well as their Monastic Shop, with unique gifts, foods, drinks, and more, made lovingly by monks and nuns from around the world.
For opening times, click here.
Dartington Hall
Dartington Hall sits on a vast 1,200 acre estate and offers a wide range of activities and events, as well as some lovely walks in its gorgeous gardens, where you'll find Henry Moore's Memorial Figure, St. Mary's Church Tower, and more, as well as public footpaths through woodland, meadows, and along the River Dart. A 45-minute walk will lead you to a cluster of quirky shops, where you can also get hands-on with a clay or leather workshop.
You can catch a film at the Barn Cinema, and you can wine and dine, or just grab a snack at one of the estate's many eateries.
For opening times, and events and workshops listings, click here.
Coleton Fishacre Gardens
The D'Oyly Carte's 1926-built house can be found at Coleton Fishacre, where you can wander about, try on vintage clothes, and enjoy music as you soak up the Art Deco interior and the Jazz Age atmosphere. The garden and woodland areas offer a place to unwind by the stream amongst wisteria, lupins, and more, as well as the wild garlic and bluebells of the woodland. You can grab some freshly prepared food at the Coleton Cafe, and treat yourself in the Art Deco themed shop.
For opening times, event listings, and entry fees click here.
This is just a sample of what's on offer, and we encourage our guests to explore further, as in Devon, with every turn of a corner comes a new surprise.