Visit Dartington

About the Grounds and Gardens

About the Gardens

Dartington Hall gardens lie within a curve of the river Dart at the head of its tidal range. Exploited strategically and economically since prehistoric times this gentle hilltop on the rich soils of the Devonshire South Hams has been a home for countless generations, all of whom have contributed to today’s landscape.

The Garden of Today

In 1925 when Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst first started their great experiment in rural regeneration, they too wished to create a garden at Dartington, a garden that would value the works of previous generations. The garden they created would adorn the landscape rather than compete for attention. It would, above all, be an intimate personal garden which they were keen to share with others. Designers who have made important contributions include H Avray Tipping, Beatrix Farrand and Percy Cane.

Gardens Leaflet

A lovely new map of the gardens available for visitors, illustrated by Dartmouth artist James Stewart. Maps are available to buy in the Welcome Centre on the Dartington estate for £1, with all proceeds going to the maintenance of the gardens.
Download PDF

Open for Visitors.

Today’s garden is open to the visiting public from dawn to dusk, throughout the year. Please consider a voluntary donation of £3 per person (or more if you are able) to help us with the considerable costs of maintaining these Grade 2* Listed gardens. Groups of 10 or more are asked to make arrangements by appointment. The cost for a guided tour of the Hall and gardens is £6 per person, unguided tours (where you can bring your own guide) can be arranged at a cost of £5 per person.

A guidelines document and booking form to help you plan your visit is available. Or contact Graham Gammin by telephone on 01803 847058 or by email to gardens@dartington.org for further information.

Dogs

Please note that no dogs are allowed in the gardens except assistance dogs. Whilst we are happy for you to walk your dogs on a lead on one of the permissive paths across the estate, please only bring registered assistance dogs into the gardens.

Picnics

To maintain the tranquility that you come to enjoy we ask that you do not picnic or play games in the gardens. A picnic area is available in front of the Roundhouse Café and refreshments and outside seating are available at the White Hart.

Seasonal highlights

Spring – This is the most spectacular season here with tree magnolias, camellias, cherry blossom and snake’s head fritillaries in the woodland walks. Late May to early June brings a burst of colour with wildflower meadows (wild orchids, bluebells, primroses…), white azaleas, fresh red and pink maple leaves, rhododendrons, crab apples and the unusual handkerchief trees.

Summer – Dorothy’s Sunny Border is the star near the Tiltyard with plants and flowers in blue, yellow, white and green.

Autumn – Leaf colour is at its most spectacular in the maples of High Meadow and Valley Field.

Winter – Look for the Lucombe Oak by the house near the churchyard. A hybrid cross between evergreen Spanish cork oak and the deciduous Turkey Oak, the tree loses its leaves when it gets very cold, but in milder winters remains evergreen. The witchhazels near Flora bloom early in the new year followed by crocuses – at their most spectacular in the crocus circle on the Great Lawn under the big Turkey Oak – at the end of winter. .