The South West’s prettiest gardens for a stroll in the sunshine

Our top 10 picks for Cornwall, Devon and Somerset

From exotic jungles by the coast to wildflower meadows in the English countryside, the South West is home to a whole host of beautiful gardens. Featuring some great family-friendly days out and plenty of recommendations for a walk in the sun, we’ve rounded up our favourites.

1. RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon

Be enchanted by cherry blossom, take a walk through the orchards, swing by the croquet lawn or see the stumpery – however you spend your time at Rosemoor, there’s plenty to be explored. One of Devon’s most prolific gardens, the vast estate is nestled in the Torridge Valley, offering acre after acre of wildflower meadows, arboretums and forest.

The Rosemoor Garden Kitchen serves fantastic local ingredients, including fruit and veg from the garden just footsteps away. Pick up a picnic bag from the kitchen and find a quiet spot on the grass, or pop into Wisteria Tearoom or The Shepard’s Rest to enjoy something sweet with views over the lake.

2. The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall 

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Mevagissey in South Cornwall, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are among the finest in the county. Loved for its leafy jungles, courtyard gardens and programme of seasonal events, the estate is the perfect place for a day out with the family. Explore over 200 acres of woodland, wildlife and subtropical plants, walk across the rope bridge or visit the farm to spot some of Heligan’s new arrivals. Children will delight in discovering Heligan’s resident Mud Maid, Grey Lady and The Giant’s Head peeking out of the grass.

If the sun is shining, we recommend buying an ice cream to enjoy on the grass. For bigger appetites, the on-site kitchen and bakery are open year round.

3. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Cornwall

Famous for its beautiful sculptures and sub-tropical planting collection, this exquisite West Cornwall garden is one not to be missed. Previously owned by the monks of St Michael’s Mount, the gardens date back past 1295. Located near the coast, the 20-acre gardens offer beautiful views over the bay. Owing to its microclimate, the gardens are impressive all year round and will be sure keep all ages occupied - walk through endless woodlands, discover the sculptures amongst the palms and admire the pretty pink blooms throughout.

For outdoor fine dining, we recommend booking a table at Tremenheere Kitchen, where you can sample the county’s finest produce amongst the flowers.

Nearest property: Blue Elvin

4. Trebah Gardens in Cornwall

Cornwall’s very own subtropical paradise, the lovely Trebah Gardens come alive during the summer months. Open every day and with four miles of footpath winding through the estate – from the 100-year-old rhododendrons to the delicately scented camellias – there’s always something new to explore.

Adventure play areas and children’s trails will keep little ones entertained, while dogs on leads are welcome to enjoy a walk through the grounds. Head to the amphitheatre for spectacular shows of theatre, music, comedy, puppetry and dance, or pop into Trebah Kitchen to savour fresh summer salads, Cornish mussels or artisan pizzas.

Nearest property: Compass Point

5. Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset

From Georgian landscaping to Victorian shrubbery and Edwardian formal gardens, Hestercombe is the perfect setting to enjoy a walk through the ages. Whether you’re making the most of a sunny afternoon with the family or stretching your legs with a four-legged friend, these beautiful Somerset gardens have something for everyone.

Stay late on warm summer evenings to enjoy seasonal events including Fire and Feast night and Punting on the Pear Pond, or settle in with a picnic to enjoy Jazz on the Lawn by the orangery.

Nearest property: Nightjar

6. Mount Edgecombe House and Garden in Cornwall

Overlooking the River Tamar on Cornwall’s idyllic Rame Peninsula, this gorgeous 10-acre site is home to 13 different types of formal and informal gardens. From the romantic Italian to the modern Jubilee and the one-of-a-kind Black Bee Reserve, the sprawling estate is bursting with bright and beautiful gardens. Enjoy a stroll through the grounds and visit Mount Edgecumbe House, spot deer through the trees or wander down to the coastline to soak up the views.

There are plenty of lovely lunch stops in the park, while down by the waterfront in Cremyll sits the Edgecumbe Arms, a charming pub serving a classic Cornish menu.

Nearest property: Sea Edge

7. The Garden House in Devon

Enjoying explosive pops of colour as far as the eye can see, The Garden House occupies a pretty pocket of countryside on the edge of Dartmoor. Its spectacular wildflower meadows and neat herbaceous borders make it popular among green-fingered visitors, while the secret pathways and garden trails are perfect for families.

Weave your way through the daisies and alliums and duck underneath the blue hued canopy of wisteria on a guided tour of the grounds, or pop into the Potting Shed shop for gardening inspiration. If you’re visiting with children, don’t forget to try one of the late summer masterclasses or see The Legend of King Arthur performed live in the gardens.

Nearest property: Tamarisks

8. Stourhead in Somerset

© Clifton Beard and Herry Lawford via Flickr

With a magnificent lake as its centrepiece, the coveted Stourhead sits on the Somerset border, boasting over 2,000 acres of parkland, farmland and ancient woods. A walk around the estate will unearth picture-perfect temples, grottoes and a myriad of rare, exotic plants. There’s plenty of space for summertime picnics, with extensive lawns outside the Palladian house.

Stourhead enjoys a great summer schedule, with guided tours, calligraphy workshops and bespoke tree climbing experiences taking place throughout the season.

Nearest property: Upcott Farm

9. Knightshayes in Devon

A real countryside idyll, Knightshayes is set within 50 glorious acres of Devonshire parkland, not far from the historic market town of Tiverton. The grand Victorian manor house is a must-visit for lovers of architectural design, with its fairytale turrets and gothic gargoyles transporting visitors back in time.

Inside the pretty kitchen garden grows a plentiful harvest of fruit and vegetables, ready to be served up in the Stables Café. Meanwhile, a trail of gently flowering borders and intricate topiaries lead the way towards plenty of woodland walks and wild play areas.

10. Glendurgan Garden in Cornwall

Sitting on the tranquil Helford River, Glendurgan Garden is one of Cornwall’s National Trust treasures. With its own private beach at the bottom of a flower-lined valley, it’s an ideal setting for visitors of all ages. Young adventurers will love playing in the hedge maze and on the Giant’s Stride rope swing, while keen wildlife watchers are sure to enjoy the abundance of birds flitting throughout the flora and fauna.

For a lovely day out with the family, pack a picnic and walk down to the unspoilt hamlet of Durgan, passing the carpet of wildflowers that hug the valley slopes. The beach at the bottom is the ideal place for building sandcastles and skimming stones across the water.

Nearest property: Seathrift