Dartington Estate Gardens

Dartington's gardens sit around one of the finest groups of late medieval buildings in England, near Totnes in south Devon. The hall and its great courtyard date from the late 14th century, and the gardens that surround them are Grade II listed. They were created in the 20th century by Dorothy Elmhirst, working with two leading designers, the American Beatrix Farrand and the English garden maker Percy Cane.

The centrepiece is the tiltyard, a long sunken grass arena that is thought actually to be the remains of an Elizabethan water garden. From here the garden opens out into views of the medieval buildings. Sculpture is part of the experience here: look out for work by Henry Moore, Willi Soukop and Peter Randall-Page placed in the garden. In the old churchyard area stands an ancient yew said to be nearly 2,000 years old.

For gardeners, Dartington shows how a strong, simple shape like the tiltyard, together with long views and well-placed sculpture, can carry a garden, with planting used to support the structure. It is also a working estate of around 800 acres run by the Dartington Trust, so there is plenty to fill a day: the Barn Cinema, the White Hart bar and restaurant, and the Cider Press Centre at Shinners Bridge with its independent shops. The Great Hall and courtyard are also used for events and weddings, so parts of the site can be busy on some days. Check the Trust's website for garden access and any tours before you go.