A luxuriant garden by the sea, with an Arts and Crafts-style house, featuring Art Deco-influenced interiors.
At Coleton Fishacre visitors are transported back to the Jazz Age at the holiday home of the D'Oyly Carte family. In the 30 acre garden, it is easy to imagine the parties of the past amongst the weaving pathways and sheltered glades. The warm, sheltered spot is perfect for tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand. The elegant house, built in the Arts and Crafts style, is a place of 1920s' elegance and Art Deco style. Music playing in the rooms echoes the family's Gilbert and Sullivan connections, and visitors can play the Blüthner piano in the Saloon. Children will love the family activity packs, and there are often musical events in the grounds.
Visit the magical 30-acre garden where paths weave through glades, past tranquil ponds and tender plants in the moist and sheltered valley.
Start at the top with the colourful Seemly Terrace and rill borders planted with a mixture of hardy herbaceous and semi-tender perennials in soft pastel shades to create a relaxed and dreamy effect. Then head down to the Bowling Green Lawn, Wellington's Wall, with a south-facing raised bed filled with sun-loving plants. Finally, stop at the gazebo to admire the views over the lower garden and coast.
One of the garden team leads a free walk and talk around the garden every day from Easter to the end of October. Join them from 2pm to find out more about what's in flower and the history of the garden.
You could then take a break in the fabulous Art Deco inspired licensed café.
There’s a car park on site. A map is available of the accessible garden route and the upper paths are reasonably flat. The gardens are open from 10.30am to 5pm. Dogs welcome on leads in designated areas.
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