Castle Drogo Gardens

The gardens at Castle Drogo come as a genuine surprise - they're far grander than you'd expect from a National Trust property perched on the edge of Dartmoor, just outside Exeter. You're walking through proper woodland here, with rhododendrons that absolutely explode in spring, winding paths that feel genuinely wild, and suddenly these glimpses of the castle itself emerging through the trees.

It's a walk rather than a stroll, mind you. The terrain's uneven, the paths slope quite steeply in places, and if the weather's turned wet, it can get genuinely muddy underfoot. Worth it though. The views across the Teign Valley open up once you push through the higher sections, and the combination of manicured garden near the castle with proper woodland further down gives you the best of both worlds.

Families with younger kids might find an hour more than enough - there's a limit to how long children will endure steep paths and muddy shoes. Walkers and gardening enthusiasts will happily spend a full afternoon here. Spring's obviously the prime time when the rhododendrons are out, though summer brings a quieter charm if you want to avoid the crowds.

It works well alongside either Woodland Springs or Barley Meadow - both touring parks are just under two miles away, making this an easy morning visit before heading off elsewhere on Dartmoor. The Castle Drogo estate itself is worth seeing, though the gardens genuinely hold their own.