RHS Rosemoor Gardens In Devon
Nestled deep in a steep, wooded valley in the North Devon countryside is 65 acres of stunning gardens known as Rosemoor. It is one of the four public gardens owned and maintained by the Royal Horticultural Society. RHS Rosemoor gardens in Devon afford the visitor an inspirational and relaxing day out.
It is a garden of sumptuous beauty, perfectly planted and maintained, retaining the essence of rural North Devon. Whenever you choose to visit, the myriad colours, scents and textures mean that all your senses will be stimulated.
There are both formal and informal gardens, woodland walks, a beautiful stream and lake and open spaces. There is something for everyone, and the gardens will draw you back time after time. Even in winter there is so much to see and enjoy at Rosemoor.
The gardens are predominantly on clay soil, which along with the heavy rainfall in Devon can make the soil difficult to work and to plant. It is testament to the skills, knowledge and dedication of the horticultural staff that the gardens and planting schemes are so inspired and beautiful.
The History of RHS Rosemoor Gardens In Devon
Lady Ann Palmer inherited the property from her father in 1931 and started to create the garden on 8 acres in 1959. The garden developed in a natural style with large sweeping lawns, the initial design can still be seen today.
The garden was first opened to the public over fifty years ago in 1967, under the National Gardens Scheme. A small nursery was started in 1979. Both the garden and nursery were noted for rare and unusual plants. By the 1980s, the garden was attracting significant numbers of visitors.
In 1988 Lady Palmer gave the garden to the RHS, together with an additional 32 acres of land. In the mid 1990s woodland that surrounded the site, mainly coniferous forest, was added to the garden, securing the land bordering the garden from unwanted change, providing opportunities to blend the garden into its surrounding landscape and also providing it with a range of additional experiences for visitors.
Today Rosemoor covers 65 acres, there are learning centres, a library, shop and visitor centre, community garden, a restaurant and the Wisteria tea room.
The Rose Gardens At RHS Rosemoor
The rose gardens were the first plantings in the Formal Garden.
Because of the warm, wet climate and the lack of air pollution, roses grown at Rosemoor can be susceptible to diseases such as black spot. cultivars that showed good disease resistance, vigorous growth and a free-flowering nature have been chosen. If you live in the South West and want to grow roses, the Rose Gardens are a huge inspiration.
The Shrub Rose Garden has old traditional roses, such as Albas, Damasks, Moss and Gallicas grown alongside more modern shrub roses. An especially lovely feature is the clematis planted among the climbing roses, extending the season with further colourful displays.
Queen Mother rose garden boasts a collection of more modern hybrid tea roses and floribundas.
Other RHS Rosemoor Highlights
- The bog garden
- Lake and stream
- Hot border
- Orchard
- Potager and vegetable garden
- The long borders
- The foliage garden
Each part of Rosemoor is meticulously cared for and are a delight to 1000’s of visitors.
The restaurant offers freshly cooked meals, vegetarian and gluten free meals are available too. Beautifully presented salads, snacks and home baked cakes and desserts are served daily.
Teas, coffees, soft drinks and wines are available, so if, like me you like to sample a nice glass of wine along with your meal you certainly can do so here.
Seasonal fruit and vegetables are provided by the vegetable and fruit gardens with the chef and vegetable gardener working closely together to produce and use top quality organic ingredients. Anyone who grows their own fruit and vegetables will find encouragement and inspiration in the kitchen garden and orchards.
The Wisteria tearoom offers freshly prepared sandwiches, pasties, snacks, cream teas and cakes.
Alternatively you could take a picnic and find any number of lovely, quiet spots around the gardens to relax and enjoy it. Take in your sumptuous surroundings while partaking of your own delicious lunch or tea. What Should You Bring on a Picnic?
I can truly recommend a visit to these gorgeous gardens at any time of year. I have personally visited them with friends in autumn, late winter and spring. They offer so much to do and see and there is lots of colour, fragrance and texture all year round. I was particularly impressed by them in February when the heavenly scent of Sarccococa and Daphne Odorata followed me everywhere. My next planned visit is in June or July as I wish to see the roses in bloom and the hot garden will be at it’s very best too.
Places To Stay Near RHS Rosemoor Gardens In Devon
Rosemoor House offers three luxurious holiday apartments that are available all year. The Magnolia, Camellia and Azalea apartments are set within the former home of Lady Anne Palmer offering unique access to the garden outside normal opening hours.
Three, four and seven night bookings are available, with arrivals and departures on Mondays and Fridays.
Recommended Hotels
Fox and Hounds Country Hotel
Chumleigh 14 miles
The Fox and Hounds Hotel in North Devon is tucked away in the heart of the glorious Devon countryside, on the banks of the River Taw amongst the lovely landscape of the Tarka Trail.
Yeoldon House Hotel
Bideford 6.5 miles
A very warm welcome awaits guests at this former English Gentleman’s Country House situated on the banks of the River Torridge in North Devon.
Ideally situated to explore the surrounding coastal beaches, country houses and beautiful gardens.
Northcote Manor Country House Hotel and Spa
Burrington 7.9 miles
This stunning hotel is in a peaceful location amongst the beautiful north Devon countryside. A place where you can recharge and relax. Northcote Manor retains high standards of hospitality and delicious gourmet food
For a wide selection of Holiday Cottages in the North Devon area please visit: Holiday Cottages
I hope I have instilled in you a wish to visit these lovely gardens, make it happen… Go, you will not be disappointed.
Please share this article with friends and family. I would enjoy hearing your thoughts and views so please do comment below.
Thank you and enjoy.
Opening times
October – March
10am – 5pm
April – September
10am – 6pm
Last entry one hour before closing
RHS Rosemoor opens all year except Christmas day.
Adults £12.95 incl Gift Aid £11.80 excl Gift Aid
Children 5-16 years £6.49 incl Gift Aid £5.90 excl Gift Aid
Entry is free to RHS Members RHS Membership information
(visitor centre closed 25/26 Dec).
Licensed Restaurant, Tea Room, Plant Centre and Shop also on site.
Disabled access.
Ample parking
Address
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Postcode: EX38 8PH
City: Great Torrington
County: Devon UK
Thanks so much for this interesting post about Rosemoor gardens. As an art enthusiast and a nature lover, I find this place to be very exciting to behold. By merely seeing the pictures shared to accompany the post, I already feel like I should visit the place. Also, the touch of history that you added to this post made my curiosity to increase. Thanks
Hello,
Thank you for your time in reading and commenting. Rosemoor is a stunning garden, and I agree with you that the history of it adds more interest. You should visit some time if you get the chance.
There are often art groups there taking advantage of the light and landscape.
Louise
Oh what a quintessential English garden RHS Rosemoor Garden is indeed. I can see myself sitting down in the restaurant for a typical English tea, with tiny sandwiches such as cucumber, tomato etc, and the essential Devon scones with clotted cream! I was amazed how recent these Gardens are. The Rose Gardens must look very impressive when the roses are in full bloom. We have a rose garden in our home in LA that is in full bloom right now.
I wonder why Lady Ann Palmer waited so long to create these gardens. I found the history very interesting. 65 acres is quite large that is perfect for the very impressive amenities. I feel this was possible because of old money and lots of it being available to Lady Ann from her inheritance.
Devonshire in my opinion has the best weather in England. I love the alcoholic beverage, Devonshire Cream that originates from there.
Hello Edwin,
Lady Ann Palmer did indeed have old money but a lot of the land for the gardens was bought recently by the RHS. So not all belonged to the family. The gardens have been extended ma few times over the years.
A Devon cream tea in the restaurant is a must.
Thank you for taking time to comment.
Louise
I must say, everytime you describe a place it seems coming out from a picture. Even the historical background is really informative. Rosemoor Gardens seems to epitomize peace, tranquility, and everything that a nature is. I was awed when I read something in your article about its clay grounds and yet they still managed to grow trees and plants that were beautifully maintained to its highest standards.
Aside from lovely walks and astonishing collection of growing plants in varied habitats, they also have this rabbit trail and dinosaur models fod kids. Similar reviews also talks about reforestation done in stages. Well it’s good enough to keep the kids busy in those outdoor activities.
Do they also accept wedding receptions, concerts and exhibits or is it only limited for visiting? Thanks again for this delightful article. Can’t wait to read more.
Hello again missusB,
I really appreciate you comments. Yes Rosemoor does cater for all sorts of events, often there are themed garden events, i.e. this month there is a rose exhibition. There are food and drink fairs too with lots of live music and entertainment. Kids are well catered for here with activities most weekends and in school holidays.
Best Wishes
Louise
There is nothung better on a warm summers day than to visit a well-maintained garden or park. I love to go to the tea room and have some scones, jam and clotted cream. Very civilised and enjoyable.
Rosemoor looks like one of those dreamy English with a great history and a mature garden. I would be particularly interested in the roses.
The site could have done with a few more (bigger) pictures of all the different parts of the garden. A blooming rose bush attracts probably more interest than just words.
Hello Martin,
Thank you for your comments.
Rosemoor is a lovely place to enjoy at any time of year but I agree rose time is truly lovely.
I note your comment on the photos. i will be visiting again soon and will be taking new photos.
Thank you
Louise
There are some lovely gardens all over the UK and I shall look forward to reading more about them as and when you write.
Rosemoor sounds a wonderful space, I bet it’s great in the spring
Hello,
I am happy that you have found my website, please do come back for lots more information on gardens and vineyards to visit. I hope to inspire your next holiday garden destination. Rosemoor is indeed beautiful in spring, lots of spring bulbs and hellebores.
Thank you.
Louise