Marwood Hill Garden

Marwood Hill is a garden made by a plant lover, and it shows. Its 20 acres of ornamental gardens lie in a steep valley in the village of Marwood, about three and a half miles north of Barnstaple, and were developed over many years by Jimmy Smart. The planting is rich and varied, and the garden is recognised by the International Camellia Society as one of its Gardens of Excellence. It also holds a National Plant Collection under the Plant Heritage scheme, so there is real depth here for anyone who likes to learn plant names.

The valley floor is threaded with lakes, and they give the walk its shape. On an island in the middle lake stands a sculpture of a mother and children by John Robinson, the same artist who carved the font cover in Marwood's 13th-century church nearby. On the lower lake, a bronze of two swans rising from the water by Jonathan Cox makes a striking focal point. Paths climb the valley sides, so expect slopes, and you get changing views back over the water and planting as you go.

For gardeners, Marwood is a good place to study how a valley site can be planted, with water at the bottom, planting climbing the slopes and sculpture used to draw the eye across a view. Camellia growers in particular will want to come in spring. Wear sensible shoes for the steeper paths, and check the official website for details of facilities and any plant sales before you set off. The garden also opens for the National Garden Scheme.