Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coleton-fishacre-kingswear"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/coleton-fishacre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coleton Fishacre</a>, Kingswear</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/NTI-1670313-Japanese-maples-in-autumn-Coleton-Fishacre.-Annapurna-Mellor.jpg" alt="NTI 1670313 Japanese maples in autumn Coleton Fishacre. Annapurna Mellor.jpg" class="wp-image-80443" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/NTI-1670313-Japanese-maples-in-autumn-Coleton-Fishacre.-Annapurna-Mellor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/NTI-1670313-Japanese-maples-in-autumn-Coleton-Fishacre.-Annapurna-Mellor-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/NTI-1670313-Japanese-maples-in-autumn-Coleton-Fishacre.-Annapurna-Mellor-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/NTI-1670313-Japanese-maples-in-autumn-Coleton-Fishacre.-Annapurna-Mellor-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit National Trust / Annapurna Mellor</figcaption></figure>



<p>News fresh in from the National Trust: Which? readers have voted Coleton Fishacre as the best UK Garden. It&#8217;s the second time the 24-acre Grade II listed gem, originally built for the D&#8217;Oyly Carte family, has been ranked England’s best. Known for its sub-tropical planting and views over the Devon coastline, and Dartmouth, its mild climate is perfect for holding the colour of exotic canna lilies and tender plants well into autumn, adding to the beauty of the formal terraces and woodland, with maples tinging gold now. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staverton-woods-staverton"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.staverton.org/history/staverton-bridge/" target="_blank">Staverton Woods</a>, Staverton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/staverton.jpg" alt="bridge at Staverton" class="wp-image-48686" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/staverton.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/staverton-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/staverton-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/staverton-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/staverton-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This woodsy riverside walk has the promise of a good coffee and some shopping at Dartington&#8217;s Cider Press at one end and some seriously impressive architectural history at the other &#8211; Staverton Bridge, the oldest medieval bridge in Devon. Park on the road at Staverton if you want to avoid the charges at Dartington and take the left just after the bridge on the opposite side to the heritage railway station. Expect to hear the odd hoot from a steam engine!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hembury-fort-payhembury-nr-honiton"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.hemburyfort.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank">Hembury Fort</a>, Payhembury, nr Honiton</h2>



<p>One for pre-history buffs &#8211; this Neolithic Iron Age hill fort in the Blackdown Hills is an atmospheric meander, only recently rediscovered and now a scheduled monument being cared for by a special management team. The root-gnarled ancient trees are fascinating, and the views across the rolling fields an added bonus. In spring it&#8217;s bluebell heaven, but go now for turning leaves and interesting historical interpretation thrown in. Access is via public footpath off the A373.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yarner-woods-east-devon-nature-reserve-bovey-tracey"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/yarner-woods-walking-route" target="_blank">Yarner Woods</a>, East Devon Nature Reserve, Bovey Tracey</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/12/woods-fotor.jpg" alt="Yarner Woods " class="wp-image-28027" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/12/woods-fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/12/woods-fotor-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/12/woods-fotor-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/12/woods-fotor-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/12/woods-fotor-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A great walk with kids in tow, with huge ancient oaks to see and the Yarner Wood Reserve Base for leaflets about the various trails. There are cool sculptures, and plenty of benches and loos too. Afterwards, head over to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ullacombefarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ullacombe Farm Shop</a>&nbsp;for a seasonal cream too (book first) or stop off at the Muddy-approved and multi-award winning&nbsp;<a href="https://homefarmcafe.co.uk/christmas-at-home-farm-cafe/?fbclid=IwAR0-g-4fE8eI_R9vjyqdCEzUTnTWVQQn6W9SFIY2U9jcmTNTJ99AnIb71MI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Home Farm Caf</a>é, open for drinks and homemade cakes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rhs-rosemoor-great-torrington"><a aria-label="RHS Rosemoor (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/whats-on/half-term-family-fun-at-rosemoor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Rosemoor</a>, Great Torrington</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/rhs-autumncolour.jpg" alt="autumn colour at RHS garden " class="wp-image-80448" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/rhs-autumncolour.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/rhs-autumncolour-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/rhs-autumncolour-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Expert inspo for anyone who thinks their garden looks boring in autumn, with gorgeous grasses, flaming acers in the Stone Garden, woodsy atmos in their Upper Woodland Walk and a fruit and veg garden reaping the harvest. For kids under 5 there are educational Welly Walks run by the Education Team, a sure way to rear free garden helpers! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stone-lane-gardens-chagford-dartmoor-national-park"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Stone Lane Gardens (opens in a new tab)" href="https://stonelanegardens.com" target="_blank">Stone Lane Gardens</a>, Chagford, Dartmoor National Park</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/stone-lane-autumn.jpg" alt="Stone Lane Gardens " class="wp-image-36147" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/stone-lane-autumn.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/stone-lane-autumn-240x300.jpg 240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/stone-lane-autumn-400x500.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/stone-lane-autumn-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/stone-lane-autumn-420x525.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>More people should know about this hidden gem of a woodland garden, home to a graceful five-acre collection of white-barked birch and alder trees which turn butter-yellow in autumn. The gardens are open all year round but this week is your last chance to see their annual Sculpture Exhibition, a showcase for West Country artists all magically displayed among the trees, which closes at the end of October.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trenchford-and-tottiford-reservoirs-bovey-tracey-dartmoor-3-miles-easy-to-moderate"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/get-active/the-best-dartmoor-walks/trenchford-and-tottiford-reservoirs" target="_blank">Trenchford and Tottiford Reservoirs</a>, Bovey Tracey, Dartmoor, 3 miles, easy to moderate</h2>



<p>Watery reflections of the colourful tree canopy and the fact there&#8217;s a hidden Stone Age settlement beneath the still waters (discovered by Channel 4’s&nbsp;<em>Time Team</em>, no less) gives this reservoir walk extra edge. Muddy likes to get back in the car and drive over to&nbsp;<a href="https://thecleavelustleigh.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cleave</a>&nbsp;at Lustleigh, a traditional thatched pub with a covered garden (also dog-friendly) for a bevy or a slap-up roast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lukesland-gardens-near-ivybridge"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.lukesland.co.uk" target="_blank">Lukesland Gardens</a>, near Ivybridge</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="662" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/lukesland-lucien-harris.jpg" alt="Lukesland Gardens " class="wp-image-36153" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/lukesland-lucien-harris.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/lukesland-lucien-harris-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/lukesland-lucien-harris-720x477.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/lukesland-lucien-harris-768x508.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/lukesland-lucien-harris-793x525.jpg 793w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic credit: Lukesland/Lucien Harris</figcaption></figure>



<p>Another one which deserves to better known, Lukesland&#8217;s 24 acres always remind me of a Scottish glen, well worth a visit in autumn for the eye-popping sight of hundreds of rhodos and azaleas turning flame-coloured. It&#8217;s family owned by Lorna and John and very family and dog-friendly, with a cafe serving homemade cakes (inc gluten-free) and scrummy pumpkin soup. Openings are restricted to Wednesday and Sundays, so don&#8217;t miss out &#8211; your last chance for a nosey this year is Sun 15 November. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dartmoor-way-teign-valley-nr-chagford-dartmoor"><a href="https://www.dartmoorway.co.uk/ww/wroute.php?route=5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Dartmoor Way (opens in a new tab)">The Dartmoor Way</a>, Teign Valley, nr Chagford, Dartmoor </h2>



<p>Dartmoor is full of mystery and magic and here&#8217;s a place I have to share with you. This riverside walk takes you via mossy oaks and stunning tor and moorland views to <a href="https://www.peterrandall-page.com/sculptures/passage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="'Passage' (opens in a new tab)">&#8216;Passage&#8217;</a>, a whimsical granite sculpture carved by Peter Randall Page (above). Park at Castle Drogo and follow the River Teign towards Chagford (about an hour or so). If you want a shortcut, park on the road by the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Mill End Hotel (opens in a new tab)" href="https://millendhotel.com" target="_blank">Mill End Hotel</a> and meander 15 minutes along the riverside (with the hotel on your left). The sculpture is just beyond the weir, and before the wooden gate, on a small island in the middle of the water. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-garden-house-buckland-monachorum"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Garden House (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thegardenhouse.org.uk" target="_blank">The Garden House</a>, Buckland Monachorum</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/acer-glade-garden-house.jpg" alt="The Garden House" class="wp-image-36166" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/acer-glade-garden-house.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/acer-glade-garden-house-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/acer-glade-garden-house-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/acer-glade-garden-house-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/acer-glade-garden-house-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/acer-glade-garden-house-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<p>This 10-acre plot is a total treasure, full of smaller compartmentalised gardens where you can pick up ideas for your borders. It&#8217;s known for its spring snowdrops but there&#8217;s much colour to see now, including an Acer Glade you should catch before the tinted leaves get washed away by the rain. If you want to get little &#8216;uns out and off their screens, they&#8217;re running an Autumn Trail with autumn goodies and pumpkins to find. Post-walk hot choc and cake in their excellent cafe obligatory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avon-valley-woods-avon-valley"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Avon Valley Woods (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/avon-valley-woods/" target="_blank">Avon Valley Woods</a>, Avon Valley</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/avon-valley-woods.jpg" alt="Avon Valley Woods " class="wp-image-36163" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/avon-valley-woods.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/avon-valley-woods-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/avon-valley-woods-720x405.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/avon-valley-woods-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/10/avon-valley-woods-900x507.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Woodland Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p>Actually four Woodland Trust woods made up of Woodleigh Wood, Aveton Wood, Centry Wood and Watkins Wood, all burnished with great autumn colour now. Ancient and semi-natural, with parts taking you along the River Avon, it&#8217;s stuffed with local wildlife &#8211; you might even see a kingfisher swooping along the water. The fab <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Avon Mill Garden Centre  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.avonmill.com" target="_blank">Avon Mill Garden Centre </a>at Loddiswell makes a must-see nearby pitstop with its cafe and surprisingly good shopping too &#8211; lots of interesting indie crafts.</p>


Voted UK’s best garden? It’s in Devon, plus 10 more for autumn colour

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