About the garden
Owned by
Lady Laura Duckworth Chad
Among the rolling hills of North Devon, Castle Hill Gardens are a haven of colour and tranquility. Enhanced and tended by many generations of the family, the beautiful 50 acres of historic gardens offer a wealth of sights and scents that change with the seasons; from the pinks, reds and whites of the camellias in the spring followed by 170 different magnolias, profusions of rhododendrons and pastel coloured azaleas. With summer comes the heady scent of lavender in the borders before the glorious red, amber and gold of the autumn. The gardens offer beauty in every season.
Wander among remarkable trees along peaceful paths where magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas grow in abundance, together with a host of daffodils, bluebells and carpets of native primroses. The Millennium Garden is at its most delightful on a spring day with vibrant, colourful herbaceous borders. Gentle winding pathways lead into historic parkland interspersed with temples, follies, mythical statues and stunning vistas.
A climb to Sham Castle offers panoramic views to Exmoor, Dartmoor and Lundy Island. The path through the magnificent woodland gardens, filled with a variety of flowering shrubs, leads down to the river and Ugley Bridge. Positioned high on the hill overlooking the house and gardens is the newly restored Holwell Temple and created as a memory to Lady Margaret Fortescue, the Kennels rest on Oxford Down. These special features are an intrinsic part of the magic of Castle Hill.
The Tea Room offers delicious light lunches, cream teas, homemade cakes and refreshments. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
