Devon

This quirky 18th century, 16 sided house with fascinating interior decoration and collections was built for two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, on their return from a grand tour of Europe. It contains many objects and mementos of their travels.

On the edge of Exmoor there are over 20 miles of footpaths to explore on the estate, plus pleasure grounds and a Victorian garden to discover. The Carriage Museum in the stables has a vehicle for every occasion from cradle to grave, showcasing innovations in travel.

This unspoilt and fascinating medieval manor house is still a relaxed family home. You can wander through rooms untouched by time, warm yourself by the open fire, and unwind in the tranquil garden. Bradley is nestled in a green haven of riverside meadows and woodland, hidden away in the heart of Newton Abbot.

Tranquillity and history meet at this ancient gem in the Tavy Valley landscape, with gardens, meadows, orchards and woodlands to explore. Follow over 700 years of footsteps; from the Cistercians who built the Abbey, to seafarers Grenville and Drake who changed the shape of the house and the fate of the country.

This RHS accredited garden offers enticing glimpses out to sea, paths that weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants that thrive in the moist and sheltered coastal valley.

The house is imbued with Art Deco elegance. It was the country home of the D'Oyly Carte family, and now you can travel back in time to the Jazz Age by visiting the ground floor.

Set in a landscape of rolling hills and orchards, Compton Castle is a gem of a garden, where roses, apple trees and calm pools are waiting to be discovered.

High above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge stands Castle Drogo. Inspired by the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it, the castle was designed and built by renowned 20th-century architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. The garden is colourful in all seasons, and there are miles of pathways to explore in the Teign Gorge.

Home to the last set of working Victorian water-powered forge tools in England, Finch Foundry is the doorway to Dartmoor's industrial past with a lovely garden. Get an insight into the life of workers in the 19th century and learn about the enterprising Finch family.

At Greenway, the walled gardens, river views and romantic woodland combine to make up 'The loveliest place in the world' in the words of Agatha Christie. The relaxed and atmospheric Georgian house is set in the 1950s, when Agatha and her family would spend summers and Christmases here with friends, and is home to their extensive collections. If arriving by car, you will need to book in advance to secure a parking space.

A glorious landscape garden surrounded by parkland, a stone's throw from Exeter, beautiful year-round with rhododendrons, magnolias, champion trees and formal lawns. Explore winding paths, climb an extinct volcano, discover an Iron Age hill fort and take in distant views towards Dartmoor.

A 19th-century garden and parkland near Tiverton, with woodland walks and acres of tenanted farmland where you may even spot Exmoor Horn sheep. The formal and woodland garden is one of the finest and most varied plant collections in the country.

The deepest river gorge in the South West, with 30m high waterfall, Lydford Gorge gorge is filled with wildlife, plants and trees that enchant the senses.

A hidden paradise of subtropical gardens, Overbeck's is tucked away on the cliffs above Salcombe. The garden is filled with exotic and rare plants and surprises around every corner.

A peaceful retreat set within the beautiful Devon countryside near Bovey Tracey, Parke is open with no need to book to visit. Take a short stroll around the garden, or a longer more strenuous walk through the woodlands and along the river to the medieval weir.

At Saltram there's a secret garden to lose yourself and parkland with riverside and woodland walks. Strolling through this precious green space on the outskirts of Plymouth, you can almost forget that the city lies so close.

On the edge of Exmoor there are over 20 miles of footpaths to explore on the estate, plus pleasure grounds and a Victorian garden to discover.

Tranquillity and history meet at this ancient gem in the Tavy Valley landscape, with gardens, meadows, orchards and woodlands to explore.

High above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge stands Castle Drogo. The Lutyens designed garden is colourful in all seasons, and there are miles of pathways to explore through woodland and along the riverside of the Teign Gorge.

See the full list places we care for in the South West by county.

Whether you’re looking for fuel to kick-start a ramble on the coast, or are returning from a gentle stroll in the woods, you’ll find these kiosks, cafés and tea-rooms are great places to stop for a treat. What's more, every visit you make and piece of cake you buy helps us carry on looking after special places for everyone to enjoy, for ever.

Some of the places we care for in the South West need to be booked in advance, with several offering guided tours or introductory talks. Read on to find out more.

Thanks to supporters like you, second-hand bookshops at the places we care for usually take thousands of pounds annually, and every penny is invested to keep the property special for everyone, for ever. Read on to find out about the bookshops which help to raise funds to support vital conservation work, and the different bookshops you can visit.

We look forward to welcoming you to the coast and countryside around the South West. We care for beautiful countryside, from Cornwall's sandy beaches to Dorset's heathland, and you can help us to keep them safe and enjoyable by following a few simple guidelines during your visit and observing the Countryside Code.

No overnight camping or parking is allowed at the places we care for. More information on why we don’t permit visitors to stay overnight at our car parks can be found here.

With more people than ever enjoying our coast and countryside places, we’re asking for your help in looking after them during your visit. Please help us protect wildlife and landscapes by following the Countryside Code, which includes taking any litter home with you and not lighting a barbecue or campfire.