With coastline, moors, and everything in between, Devon is a place to be appreciated all year round. However, there are certain locations that really bloom in spring!
From exploring the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to wandering around some of the region’s stunning gardens, there are plenty of places to visit whether you are with the family or a loved one. We’ve collated some of our favourite Devon attractions to visit in the springtime, all accessible from our manor house hotel.
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Just a 20-minute drive from Northcote Manor, RHS Garden Rosemoor is situated in the scenic Torridge Valley. The gardens can be enjoyed all year round but seeing the explosion of colour in spring is a special sight – look out for the largest rose gardens in the Southwest, natural flower meadows and bluebell carpeted woodlands. Explore the beauty of the Gardens via one of the self-guided tours or take part in one of the regular events and activities. There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained with two play areas and a Garden Kitchen, serving quality local produce and Sunday carveries.
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington EX38 8PH
Arlington Court
Situated on the edge of Exmoor, just a 45-minute drive from Northcott Manor, Arlington Court offers an intriguing experience of the history and horticulture of Exmoor.
With both the formal gardens and larger pleasure gardens open for explorations, visiting Arlington court in the Springtime is a marvel to behold. The herbaceous borders come alive with the colours of the spring flowers as the walled kitchen garden begins to fruit the first edible plants of the year. If you plan on visiting in the early spring, the glass conservatory houses a collection of exotic plants from across the globe.
What makes Arlington Court different from other local county estates is its second-hand bookshop, where you can peruse the shelves in search of a classic novel or educational non-fiction, and the museum of Carriages, where you can learn about traditional means of transport.
Alongside, the traditional kitchen tea rooms, a visit to Arlington court will transport you back in time to enjoy the simpler things in life.
Arlington Court, Arlington, Barnstaple EX31 4LP
Hartland Abbey Gardens
Spring is a special time at Hartland Abbey Gardens. The woodland gardens are full of spring colour with camelias, mimosas, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, and many bulbs all bursting into bloom. Thanks to the mild climate, flowers start blossoming from late December.
The Abbey itself was built in the 12th century and remained as a monastery until 1539, when it was the last in the country to be dissolved by Henry VIII. In the 18th century, woodland gardens were created on either side of the Abbey with woodland walks leading to walled gardens, positioned to be sheltered from the extreme weather the Atlantic Ocean can bring.
Don’t forget to look out for their resident peacocks, plus the donkeys and sheep!
Hartland Abbey Gardens, Hartland, Stoke, Bideford EX39 6DT
Clovelly Village
A visit to Devon would not be complete without a trip to the traditional fishing village of Clovelly. Steeped in maritime charm, Clovelly is a historical landmark once owned and revered by William the Conqueror and Queen Elizabeth II, both of whom were entranced by its beauty. Clovelly has even a popular filming location for blockbuster Films and Shows, with the most recent being ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato peel society’ due to its quaint setting and stunning natural lighting.
Clovelly can be found on the North Devon coastline, approximately a 50-minute drive from Northcott Manor on a scenic stretch of coastline that also includes Hartland Abby. Like all historical landmarks, there is a small entrance fee that allows you access to the entire village, the court gardens, museums, and private coastline walking trails. There are additional extras, such as Donkey rides up the cobbled streets, to make your visit one to remember. Springtime is especially magical in Clovelly as they hold a number of events and festivals. On Easter weekend children can enjoy a chick hunt around the village for the chance to win a prize and on the 28th of May Clovelly hold its annual seaweed festival, which aims to educate and entertain with talks, live music, storytelling, and street entertainers.
Clovelly is just off the A39, ten miles west of Bideford
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
With over 64 acres to discover and home to many unique species of plant, Bicton Park Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to visit during the spring. Look out for a spectacular display of rhododendrons and magnolias!
The gardens are conveniently located just outside of Budleigh Salterton and consist of a selection of formal gardens and greenhouses, plus many activities and facilities for the whole family.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens were established in 1739 and the long history is evident with the large collection of plants. The magnificent Palm House is the Gardens’ iconic building and dates from c. 1825, making it about 20 years older than the Palm House at Kew Gardens. Visitors can also discover the temperate and tropical houses, the little house of shells, the romantic Hermitage, the secret garden, the lake, streams, and woodlands.
For an alternative view of the stunning gardens, The Bicton Woodland Railway is a great way to see the park, the 25-minute tour taking you through the majestic trees in the Pinetum and up to the 19th century Hermitage summerhouse at the end of the Gardens before returning alongside the lake.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Bicton East, Budleigh Salterton EX9 7BJ
Wherever you visit in Devon, there’s always a great location just around the corner. Whether you visit one of the locations we’ve suggested, or if it has inspired you to visit another pretty place, you can enjoy a day out this spring with the season’s magnificent flowers on your adventures.
If you’re looking for somewhere blissful to stay on your trip to Devon, then our Manor hotel and spa could be the best option for you. Our 18th century house set in 20 acres of glorious green space is the perfect spot to relax, whether that’s by exploring our grounds, or in our luxurious spa or classic rooms. Book you luxury Devon spa hotel break today to explore all these wonderful places this spring.