Castle Hill Gardens

We haven't had many dry, sunny days recently, so decided to make the most of today's good forecast and head out. I haven't visited this garden before, and thought most of the holidaymakers would be heading for the coast and beaches, so it seemed like a good idea to choose somewhere inland where it might be less busy. It's a nice easy drive along the A39 into North Devon and just a few miles along the link road from Barnstaple, turning off to the right for the village of Filleigh.

As you approach the estate along the village road, the house on your left is quite stunning. It is still inhabited, so is not open to the public. Admission is for the gardens only, and parking is free along the front of the boundary wall. The tearoom and entrance are just a few yards away.

The Millennium Garden is in front of the house, and you walk through these lovely borders to reach the house and woodland. The site is quite hilly (the clue is in the name, I suppose), but it is well worth climbing up to the castle for the amazing 360 degree views across Dartmoor, Exmoor and Lundy Bay. There are several pathways around and through the woodland with many benches to stop and rest along the way. It was nice and cool under the tree canopy, very welcome now that the sun had come out. Along the lower edge of the wood as you return towards the house is a stream with a couple of bridges across to open grassy areas. Dotted around the gardens are temples, follies and statues. There is a majestic arch positioned at a distance from the house but directly in front and on the other side of the village road.

The entire garden is very peaceful. No traffic noise can be heard, just birdsong in the trees and the trickling of the stream when you are close by. We had a nice pot of tea sitting outside the tearoom where they serve sandwiches, cakes and snacks. 

For more information, please have a look at Castle Hill Gardens. The gardens are dog friendly, and an RHS partner garden, free to members on Monday - Wednesday.