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Greenway

 

The holiday home of Agatha Christie & her family.  The house contains many of the family’s collections.  Outside enjoy the woodland garden.  Travel by boat or steam train, or call to pre-book parking.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Parking is limited - you have to book ahead if travelling by car.

 

Website

Torre Abbey & Gardens

 

Charting 800 years of history from the Abbey's original use to the Cary family who turned it into a fine country house.  Includes an art collection, tranquil gardens, shop & tea rooms.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

It's bigger than it looks - allow three hours to do it properly.

 

Website

Berry Pomeroy Castle


Within the 15th-century defences of the Pomeroy family castle, looms the dramatic ruined shell of its successor, a great Elizabethan mansion, begun in around 1560 and abandoned by 1700.

 
Andy & Julian’s tip:

The audio tour is worth having. 

 

Website

Coleton Fishacre

 

Step back in time to the jazz age in this evocative country home of the D'Oyly Carte family.  Experience 1920s art deco elegance throughout the house.  Stunning gardens & walk to the bay.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Go early - the overflow car park is a bit of a walk from the house.

 

Website

Royal Terrace Gardens

 

Also known as Rock Walk.  Created in the early 1890s and newly restored.  Climb to the viewing platform for great aerial views of Torquay.  Equally as beautiful by night when all lit up.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Walk along it as an alternative to the prom.  Pretty at night too.

 

Website

Dartington Hall Gardens

 

25 acres of Grade II listed gardens open year round from dawn until dusk.  Free to enter, but a voluntary donation of £5 is appreciated.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Still on our list to visit!

 

Website

Buckfast Abbey

 

Still inhabited by monks, you can tour the well preserved abbey and its gardens.  Good gift shop and cafe.  The monks are happy to talk to visitors.  A place of calm and tranquility.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Still on our list to visit!

 

Website

Compton Castle

 

A National Trust property.  A dramatic fortified manor house and small formal garden.  Open April through to October, Tuesday to Thursday only.  Please note they don't take credit cards.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Not a full day out - combine with a cream tea at the restaurant opposite.

 

Website

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

 

Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these superbly landscaped Grade I listed gardens include historic glasshouses, a countryside museum, woodland railway and maze. 

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Still on our list to visit!

 

Website

Totnes Castle

 

A classic Norman motte and bailey castle, founded soon after the Conquest to overawe the Saxon town.  Lots of steps so good views at the top but not much else to see or do once there.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Worth it if you are an English Heritage member and get in for free.

 

Website

Bradley Manor

 

Only open Tues -Thurs, April to Oct.  Unspoilt and fascinating medieval manor house, still a relaxed family home.  Wander through rooms untouched by time then unwind in the tranquil garden.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Go to the loo in Newton Abbott beforehand - there are none on site.

 

Website

Oldway Mansion

 

The extravagant home built by the Singer (as in sewing machines) family.  Currently closed awaiting development into a hotel and spa, its gardens are still worth a wander round, or have a picnic there.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Ideal place for free parking all day then wander into Paignton from there.

 

Website

Saltram House

 

A magnificent Georgian mansion overlooking the River Plym.  Magnificently decorated with original contents.  There's also gardens, orangery and follies.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Still on our list to visit!

 

Website

Overbeck's

 

A hidden paradise of sub-tropical gardens and the small seaside home of inventor and scientist Otto Overbeck.  The house is full of surprising collections.

 

Andy & Julian’s tip:

Combine with Salcombe visit.  Very steep tight approach road.

 

Website

 

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