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 Tipping, Farrand and Cane.
Open for Visitors.
Today’s garden is open to the visiting public from dawn to dusk, throughout the year. We ask visitors for a voluntary donation of at least £2 per person to help with the considerable costs associated with maintaining a garden such as this.
Groups (10 or more) are by appointment at £4 per person.
Guided tours of the Hall and Garden are available at £5 per person.
A guidelines document and booking form to help you plan your visit is available. Or contact Graham A.Gammin by telephone on 01803 862367 or by email to gardens@dartingtonhall.org.uk for further information.
History
In his famous study “The English garden” published in 1964, Edward Hyam gives pride of place to Dartington Hall.
‘This is the kind of garden’, he writes, ‘with which it is possible that today’s institutions, industrial, administrative, educational, even residential, could well surround themselves. It is in gardens like those at Dartington Hall where the traditions of the great English Gardens will, if at all, find their continuance.’
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The Dartington Hall Trust is a registered charity no. 279756. Company no. 1485560 Registered Office: The Elmhirst Centre, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6EL United Kingdom. Telephone 01803 847000; Fax 01803 847007;