Devon on the Wildside: Contemporary private gardens making new waves

4  days | £3090 per person | 7 - 10 June 2027

Contemporary private gardens making new waves

Tucked down in the southwest corner of England, Devon is a county tailor-made for the garden-visiting connoisseur: a dramatically contrasting landscape of moorland, wooded coombes, seascapes and rich, red earth. Here, we have chosen a selection of contrasting gardens that in their own way are all pushing boundaries and breaking the mould. We have found some exceptional gardens, including Wildside, described as ‘the most innovative, daring and vibrant new garden in Britain’. To cap it all, we stay at the enchanting Hotel Endsleigh overlooking the fast-flowing River Tamar with stunning gardens thought to be one of the last commissions of renowned, early 19^th-century landscape gardener Humphry Repton. Originally a hunting lodge belonging to the Dukes of Bedford, the house has been beautifully renovated and adapted by hotelier Olga Polizzi of the famous Forte family; all in all, the perfect base for a tour of the gardens of this beautiful region. 

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

This tour starts at Exeter St David’s Railway Station. From here, we drive the short distance to view the beautiful country gardens of 17^th century Bickham House. We will have lunch at a local inn before an afternoon visit to Am Brook Meadow a stunning new garden created in an old pig farm. A warm welcome talk is given by the owner on the decking viewing the wildlife rich pond. Then time to discover drifts of herbaceous perennials and the wildflower meadow before driving to Hotel Endsleigh with plenty of time to settle in before meeting up to dine together. 

Day 2

Step out the door for  a special tour of the gardens at Hotel Endsleigh through wooded walks, past the old dairy, round to the Shell House and along stunning terraced borders.  We travel together to the village of Buckland Monachoram to visit two special gardens: The Garden House, created from the 1940s by Lionel and Katharine Fortescue. We shall be given a tour of this horticulturally important garden by the Head Gardener. Just down the road is Wildside, created by Keith Wiley (previous Head Gardener at The Garden House) and his late wife Ros. Using an excavator, Keith has sculpted a completely new landscape from a gently sloping field and, with great skill and daring, planted it  with a thriving abundance of wonderful plants. Today we have lunch included.  Return to the hotel with time for a river walk with Charles Fox before dining together. 

Day 3

Drive southeast to the English Riviera to visit Coleton Fishacre, an Arts & Crafts house and gardens that sweep down to the sea, now famous for rich sub-tropical plantings that come into their own in the summer. We travel on for a very privileged visit to the private garden of Little Dartmouth House where we enjoy lunch together.  In a stunning position with elevated panoramic sea views this garden was designed by Dan Pearson and comprises of a densely planted ornamental walled garden, a productive garden, herb terrace, glasshouse and domestic orchards with new mounds and lake, wildflower meadows and rich tree planting. Return to Hotel Endsleigh to dine together this evening. 

Day 4

Further along the coast, Mothecombe House nestles in a wooded fold behind the sandy mouth of the River Erme. Here we find a clutch of walled gardens, one of which has become a bee haven. Among the swathes of predominantly blue and purple bee attractive plants we find eighteen different lavender species. We will have a garden tour with the owners and Head Gardener, before enjoying an included lunch here.  After lunch, we return to Exeter St David’s Station for our return journeys. 

Hotel Endsleigh

Designed in 1814 as the private retreat of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, Hotel Endsleigh is surrounded by 108 acres of enchanting gardens and woodland shaped by the visionary landscape designer Humphry Repton. Rare trees, vibrant seasonal planting, ornamental follies, and tranquil lakes create an ever-changing natural setting, making the hotel a destination for garden enthusiasts. While its historic character remains beautifully preserved, Hotel Endsleigh offers the comfort and refinement of a luxury country house hotel. Individually designed rooms blend period elegance with modern amenities, while the acclaimed restaurant showcases locally sourced seasonal cuisine.

Price: £3090

Single Supp: £465

Deposit: £350

Departure Dates:

7 - 10 June 2027

Duration:

3 nights / 4 days

Your Holiday Includes:

• Three nights’ bed and breakfast at Hotel Endsleigh
• Private coach transfers and excursions
• Three evening meals and four lunches
• Guided visits to the sites listed in the programme
• Services of the tour host and a tour leader
• Detailed programme and garden notes
• All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff
  

Tour Host & Leader

Charles Fox

Charles Fox comes from a long line of gardeners who are responsible for the creation of at least three remarkable Cornish gardens: Penjerrick, Trebah and Glendurgan. In the early 1990s Charles qualified twice as a garden designer, at Kew Gardens with Merit. Since that time he has led many garden tours in the south west, and having lived in Cornwall most of his life is well qualified to talk about the county's history. He has written one book about Glendurgan, the property where he and his family now live, and which was given to the National Trust in 1962.

Marion Mako

Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.