Devon

On the edge of Exmoor, the facilities at Arlington Court are closed, but there are over 20 miles of footpaths to explore on the estate. The pleasure grounds and Victorian garden are open for local visitors.

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 garden is now open to visit, but please book ahead. The Teign Gorge and countryside walks are open for local walkers to explore with no need to book, however parking is limited so if the car park is busy please come back another time.

In this RHS accredited garden viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered coastal valley.

At Greenway, swathes of early spring flowers, walled gardens, river views and romantic woodland combine to make up 'The loveliest place in the world' in the words of Agatha Christie.

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 bursting with colour, filled with exotic and rare plants and surprises round every corner. Remember to book ahead before you visit.

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.

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.

A glorious landscape garden surrounded by parkland, a stone's throw from Exeter. When visiting for local walks you can explore winding paths, climb an extinct volcano, discover an Iron Age hill fort and take in distant views towards Dartmoor.

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.

See the full list of gardens and outdoor spaces we care for in the South West which are open by county, and how to book to visit.

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 pick up a takeaway 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.

From rock pooling on beautiful beaches to exploring gardens filled with spring flowers, there are places to get a daily dose of fresh air with the family this spring. Find out the best places to explore with the kids near you, and all about the Easter adventures coming up in Devon.

There's plenty of spring colour to be found in a garden near you. We've reopened some of our favourite Devon gardens for local visitors to explore, play in and get some vital fresh air, in line with Government guidance.

Here's a selection of our some of our favourite walks in Devon. As spring unfolds, soak up the views from Devon's rolling hills and rugged coast, take shorter walks in parks and gardens or circular walks on Dartmoor or Exmoor.

From Godolpin in Cornwall to Stourhead in Wiltshire, places in the South West are brimming with bluebells during the spring months. Find out if a beautiful bluebell spot can be visited on your local walk, or let us bring the bluebells to you.

As well as providing us with beautiful spaces to relax and delicious food and drink to enjoy, traditional orchards and gardens with flowering fruit trees in are home to many birds, bees, butterflies and insects.

Connecting with nature can bring a sense of continuity and calm. Whether it be on a walk, from your window or in your garden, here are some tips for looking out for nature.

We’re doing everything we can to make space for nature in the countryside, thanks to your support. Find out about the projects that are taking place in the South West to create space for nature.