A garden for all seasons

"Probably the Best Privately Owned Garden in Devon"

• Castle Hill Gardens Opening Times and Admission
• Visitors Comments

 Following the path to the west of the house, the woodland gardens are reached where camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, eucryphias abound together with other beautiful shrubs. Rare trees grow by the river and amongst a network of woodland paths in the Easter Close. Many of the paths, some gentle, some steep, are punctuated with follies, and temples  built by each generation of the Fortescue family. The final climb takes you to the Castle perched splendidly on the high hill behind the house with magnificent views of Exmoor, Dartmoor and Lundy Island.

Castle Hill was built in 1730 as the Earl Fortescue’s family home in North Devon. The Palladian House, in which his descendants, the Earl and Countess of Arran are living, is set in a spectacular 18^th century parkland landscape with grass terraces and statues leading down to the river and lakes.

View our gallery | Groups and Coach Party Information | Downloads: Visitor BrochureGrounds Map

Opening Times

The gardens will be open to visit from Friday 2nd April to 30^th September, every day except Saturdays, from 11.00am to 5.00pm. Last admission 4.30pm. Autumn colour walks every Sunday in October, from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

Groups and coach parties are welcome at other times by prior arrangement

We welcome dogs in the gardens but please ensure that they are kept on leads at all times.

Catering:

• At our Ticket Office light refreshments are available at all times, as well as cream teas on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
• Groups and coach parties must pre-order lunches and teas in the West Wing. For group booking form please ring 01598 760336 Ext.1.

Disabled Access:

Parking is available adjacent to the ticket entrance. Access to the formal gardens and terraced lawns in front of the house as well as the riverside walk is possible for visitors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, but some of the woodland gardens and hilltop castle are only accessible by steep paths.

Garden Diary

----Week beginning July 19th

The Gardens have benefited so much from the very badly needed rain and plants, shrubs, trees and vegetables have put on a surge of growth.

The Millennium Garden with its lavender-river paths looks beautiful with shades of blue, cream and dark red dominating these large borders.  The new weeping pears and very tall scabiousas give a different texture and airy feel.

We are delighted with the comments our visitors have made about the Walled Garden, its sweet pea covered walls, roses, agapanthus and thousands of broad beans!  It is a good place to sit peacefully for those visitors who do not want to walk far.

The woodland garden is strimmed and tidy with many hydrangeas and buddleias.  The eucryphias may flower, should they have recovered from the cold winter damage.

We are very excited to have our first wedding at Satyr’s Temple beside Ugley Bridge and are busy smartening up the area for our Bride’s big day.

Yellow Magnolia Elizabeth			Rhododendron Johnstonianum (fragrant)
Rhododendron Brocade			Rhododendron Jalisco Elect
Rhododendron Pride and Joy			Rhododendron Katherine Fortescue
Magnolia Soulangeana			Viburnum

Comments from recent visitors

"Just a short note to say how much we all enjoyed our day at Castle Hill yesterday. The group all enjoyed the house and garden tours (in spite of the damp weather) and the lunch was delicious - a perfect day out! In fact one of our group said on leaving 'I think this is the nicest day out I've ever had' - praise indeed." Perennial - Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society

"Sunday 19^th April - in one word beautiful."

"We visit gardens in Devon, this is the best yet! Lovely peaceful gardens and views. Travellers cross great!! We will return. Staff very helpful." A & S, Exeter

"One of best gardens we have seen in a long while. Interesting and varied plants, we will certainly be back."

"Stunning - No other word for it! Tea too!"

"Very attractive, very pretty grounds, lovely walks. We were disappointed not to be able to cross the stones, because we were in our third childhood. The castle was fascinating and we were very impressed with it and the cannons." The 3 M's, Exeter.

"The garden gets better every year. We are so lucky to have this garden on our doorstep. This is one garden not to miss! Well worth the visit." J & S, Devon.

"Our second time here for the bunny hunt. Once again a delightful day out. Fun for old and young alike."

"A beautiful place to spend the day. And thank you to the Easter Bunny for entertainment and chocs!"

"We had a wonderful evening, the weather was kind and Castle Hill looked spectacular in the evening sun. The gardens were much enjoyed by us all and every one was keen to return in the spring, to see the Azaleas and Rhododendrons." A local Gardening Club.

"It struck me that this was an Estate as it should be, in an England which seems to be under threat. Looking out over the terraces across the valley it seemed so beautifully managed that I felt my spirits rise and my heart gladden." A visitor with Brend Tours.

"Devon at its best! Very well kept and a delight to wander around. Any season of the year would be an enjoyable experience and visit for all keen gardeners. Thank you for sharing the beauty of the Parklands with us." B & M

"Superb Garden to visit, many wonderful views, great place to relax, would recommend to all our friends and family." C & S, Barnstaple.

"The finest house and grounds I've ever seen. Just superb." NH, Northamptonshire.

"This is a very special place, so calm and peaceful. Thanks for letting us visit and be assured we will come again." N & I, Northumberland.

Other gardens to visit:

Great British Gardens
Broomhill Sculpture Gardens, Muddiford, Barnstaple, North Devon
Clovelly Court Kitchen Gardens, Clovelly, Bideford, North Devon
Docton Mill Gardens,  Lymebridge, Hartland, Devon
Hartland Abbey and Gardens, Hartland, Bideford, North Devon
Heddon Hall Gardens, Parracombe, Barnstaple, North Devon
Marwood Hill Gardens, Marwood, Barnstaple, North Devon
RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon