Burrow Farm Gardens

Burrow Farm Gardens is a garden made from scratch by one family over more than half a century, and it has a relaxed, countryside feel. It covers 13 acres of rolling East Devon between Axminster and Honiton, and the planting is set against wide rural views. In 2021 it was voted The Nation's Favourite Public Garden in a competition run by the National Garden Scheme and The English Garden.

The Woodland Garden, in the old Roman clay pit where the garden began, is shady and sheltered, with mature trees and azaleas and rhododendrons that peak in May. Beyond it, spacious lawns, lush borders and unusual shrubs and trees open out into more naturalistic areas planted to support wildlife. In early June the wildflower meadow is full of native flowers and wild orchids, and later in summer the Grasses Garden, made to celebrate 50 years of the garden, gives movement and texture. Autumn brings good leaf colour before the season ends.

This is a garden where you can see how structured planting and wilder areas sit side by side, which is useful if you want part of your own garden to work for wildlife. Many of the perennials, shrubs, acers and shade plants you see growing are sold in the nursery, and staff are on hand with advice. The tea room, nursery, gift shop and garden ironwork barn can be visited without paying garden admission. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout, and wheelchair access is available to parts of the garden.