Coleton Fishacre

View of Pudcombe Cove from the lower garden at Coleton Fishacre — View of Pudcombe Cove, Coleton Fishacre

Important notice -

We're working hard to reopen many of our places where it is safe to do so. However, Coleton Fishacre is closed.

A 1920s country retreat complete with luxuriant garden by the sea

Overview
Opening times
Prices
How to get here
Facilities and access
Contact us

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit

We're starting to open some gardens and parklands in England and Northern Ireland at reduced capacity, through advance bookings every week. Most places up to 8 June have sold out. New tickets are released every Friday and we'll continue to add new places over the coming weeks. More than 200 coast and countryside car parks are now open. All houses remain closed for now and all places in Wales remain closed following Welsh Government advice. Read this article to find out what's open and what to expect from your visit.

Coleton Fishacre

Things to see and do

Snapshots from the garden

The Rill Garden at Coleton Fishacre, flowering in the summer

The view of the Mewstone from the top of Coleton Fishacre garden

The lupins in flower at Coleton Fishacre

Painted Lady butterfly (Cynthia-Vanessa cardui) butterfly feeding on a dahlia flower, a nectar-rich plant in the garden at Coleton Fishacre, South Devon, UK

The Rill

The gentle trickle of water can be heard throughout the garden, as the stream runs from The Rill Garden all the way down the valley to meet the sea.

Blossom watch

The sight of blossom is a welcome one and heralds the true arrival of spring.

Stretching sea views

At the end of the top garden, the path opens up to reveal this captivating view.

Woodland blooms

At this time of year the heady scent of wild garlic is mixed with the sight of bluebells throughout the woodland garden.

Bumblebee favourite

These pastel coloured lupins are a colourful sight in late spring, early summer, and are beloved by bees.

Haven for wildlife

The tropical valley garden is home to a combination of flower borders, woodland, grassland and streams, a perfect habitat for many creatures.

Inside the house

Visitors walking down the stairs at Coleton Fishacre

Up-cycling the carpet

Discover what's been happening with the carpet in the house and how you could get your hands on a piece of history.

Servants laundry room at Coleton Fishacre

We're repairing the roof

There's an ongoing leak from the flat roof, so for now the service rooms are currently closed as essential work is taking place. Find out more about the rooms and how they were used.

Coleton Fishacre

History

The D'Oyly Carte family at their tidal pool at Pudcombe Cove

The people of Coleton Fishacre

Rupert D'Oyly Carte and Lady Dorothy chose the location for their country home while they were sailing. Find out about the the people who built and shaped Coleton Fishacre house and garden.

Coleton Fishacre

Wildlife

The wetland and Man Sands beach — The wetland at Man Sands is a great place to birdwatch

Man Sands beach project

The team of English Riviera countryside rangers have been working on a long-term project at nearby Man Sands beach, to return what was farmland to its original marshland state and encourage birds to use this habitat. Find out all about the evolution of the project, and the end result of the Man Sands marshland.

Downs copse woods at Greenway, Devon — The woodlands around Greenway

Felling at Longwood Noss plantation

Forestry work is being undertaken in Longwood over the winter months. We had hoped this would be completed by now but has been delayed due to the recent bad weather. We're trying our best to keep footpaths open but please could we ask you to obey any closure notices or warning signs for the safety of yourselves and the contractors working on site. The long term aims for the felled area is the removal of non-native conifer species and the re-establishment of native broadleaf woodland. Why not read on to find out more?

A wildlife haven in Coleton Fishacre garden

Find out about the different areas in the garden where you can get closer to nature. Wildlife thrives in this garden with its variety of habitats, from woodland to ponds and streams.

General

Parking charges for non-National Trust members: £1 per hour up to three hours, or £4 to stay all day. Free parking for members (please show membership card upon arrival and display car sticker)

Garden walk highlighting the best bits every afternoon with a member of the gardening team from Easter-November

You're welcome to take photographs in the house and garden, but please don’t use flash or video in the house

Cafe Coleton is licensed and serves light lunches, snacks and refreshements

The shop features items with an Art Deco/Jazz Age influence; unusual shrubs and garden furniture can be found in the plant centre

Dogs on short leads are very welcome in the garden at Coleton Fishacre.

Bicycle rack is located outside Coleton Fishacre shop. Ask one of the team in visitor reception to show you the way.

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (TCCT): From 1 April 2016 members will no longer be entitled to free entry to Greenway or Coleton Fishacre but are welcome to join the National Trust whose core purpose is to look after special places, forever for everyone.

Family

Baby-changing facilities are in the main courtyard next to Visitor Reception

Hip-carrying infant seats for loan, please ask a member of staff

Pick up a free family trail for both in the house and outside in the garden

Wild play area is great fun for all ages with den building and Wild Wednesdays in the holidays

Access

Designated accessible parking in the main car park, also drop-off point on busy days

A visitor shuttle service operates between the overflow car park and Visitor Reception when we're busy. Unfortunately we cannot transport children under 12 in the car as we do not have height appropriate booster seats

Accessible toilet next to Visitor Reception

There is wheelchair access to the ground floor of the house, but there are many stairs to other floors.

Braille guide and induction loop available.

Please ask for a map of the accessible garden route, the upper paths are reasonably flat. Grass paths and steep slopes. Not suitable for powered mobility vehicles. Some visitors may require assistance from their companions

Two manual wheelchairs are available, so if you require this for your visit please book in advance.

Access is narrow in places; if you can't fit through the gate please park at Coleton Camp car park just down the road

Gift Aid

Standard

Adult

£14.30

£12.80

Child

£7.15

£6.40

Family

£35.75

£32.00

Family 1 adult

£21.45

£19.20

Group Adult

N/A

£12.10

Group Child

N/A

£6.00

Gift Aid

Standard

Amount paid by visitor

£11.00

£10.00

Tax refund from Government*

£2.75

£0.00

Total received by the National Trust

£13.75

£10.00

Coleton Fishacre

Important notice -

More about this place

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit

Things to see and do