• Things to do
    • Attractions
      • Beaches
      • Adventure, Theme & Waterparks
      • Animals & Aquariums
      • Museums, History & Heritage
      • Arts & Culture
      • Parks & Gardens
    • Activities
      • Walking
      • Cycling
      • Surfing & Watersports
      • Horse Riding
      • Golf
      • Fishing
      • Health & Fitness
      • Shooting
      • Coastal Walks in North Devon
    • Shopping
      • Shopping in North Devon
  • Accommodation
    • Hotels
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Self Catering & Cottages
    • Camping & Caravans
    • Holiday Parks
    • Farm Holidays
    • Glamping
  • What's On
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Children’s
    • Food & Drink Events
    • Gardens & Nature
    • Music
    • Theatre
    • Tell Us About Your Event
  • Food & Drink
    • North Devon Food Trail
    • Restaurants
    • Cafes & Tea Rooms
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Street Food & Takeaways
    • Deli’s and Farmers Markets
    • Fish & Chips
  • Explore
    • Biosphere
    • AONB
    • Exmoor
      • Wild Camping on Exmoor
      • Wildlife on Exmoor
    • Beaches
    • North Devon Film Locations
    • Villages & Towns
      • Appledore
      • Barnstaple
      • Bideford
      • Braunton and Saunton
      • Clovelly
      • Combe Martin
      • Croyde
      • Great Torrington
      • Hartland Peninsula
      • Holsworthy
      • Ilfracombe
      • Instow
      • Lundy Island
      • Lynton, Lynmouth & The Valley of the Rocks
      • Minehead & Porlock Weir
      • Northam Burrows
      • South Molton
      • Westward Ho!
      • Woolacombe
    • Family Discoveries
    • Tarka Trail
  • Discover North Devon
    • Dog Friendly North Devon
    • History & Heritage
    • Free Days Out
    • Weddings
    • Rainy Days
    • Outdoor Adventures
    • Family Holidays
    • Romantic Breaks
    • Conferences & Functions
    • Nature in North Devon
      • Dark Skies at Exmoor
      • Nature trails in North Devon
      • Puffins in North Devon
    • Devon Cream Teas
    • Itineraries
      • North Devon WW2 & Natural History Tour
      • North Devon Second World War Itinerary
      • North Devon Mayflower Celebration Itinerary
      • Bideford History & Tour Itinerary
      • Lynton & Lynmouth Victorian Heritage Itinerary
      • Lynton & Lynmouth Rocks & Rivers Walking Itinerary
    • Literature in North Devon
    • Pirates in North Devon
    • Nighttime Adventures in North Devon
    • Stag and Hen Weekends
  • Plan Your Visit
    • How to get here
    • Getting Around North Devon & Exmoor
    • Advertise With Us
    • Interactive Map
    • TICs
    • Enewsletter Sign-up
    • Contact Us
  • News
  • Special Offers
  • COVID-19
    • Good to Go Accommodation
    • Good to Go Things to Do
    • Eat Out to Help Out North Devon
Menu
  • Explore

    Explore North Devon

  • Stay

    Stay

  • Experience

  • What's On

    What's On in North Devon

Site Search

Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

List All My Saved Itineraries

  • Logo
  • Print Logo

You are here > Things to do > Castle Hill Gardens

Castle Hill Gardens
  • Castle Hill Gardens
  • castle at Castle Hill Gardens
  • Castle Hill Gardens exterior
  • Castle Hill Gardens picnic area
  • rose bush

Castle Hill Gardens

Book Tickets Online

About

Situated between South Molton and Barnstaple in the village of Filleigh, Castle Hill offers visitors a great garden experience whatever the season. As you arrive your eye will be drawn to the ochre coloured house nestled under the hill on which is perched the Castle.

Castle Hill house and gardens are steeped in history and have for centuries been a home to the Fortescue family. The current custodians are the 17th generation of the family to live in the house.

The 50 acres of historic parkland set against the breath-taking 18th century Palladian house offer visitors the chance to experience some wondrous landscape in North Devon.

Discover outstanding parkland and explore winding pathways, majestic terraces and beautiful woodland.

Wander through ancient specimen trees along tranquil paths where 176 different magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas grow in abundance together with profusions of daffodils, bluebells and carpets of Devon primroses. Meander beside tranquil waters and amongst spectacular mature planting.

 From February you will see many pink, red and white camellias along the slopes, interspersed with lofty magnolias and early rhododendrons. Winter snowdrops and hosts of daffodils are followed by carpets of primroses and bluebells under the giant beeches. From June onwards there are flowering shrubs such as philadelphus, weigelas, hoherias and hydrangeas before eucryphias and agapanthus burst into flower. Mid-June sees the Millennium Garden looking at its best, shades of blue and cream dominate the box edged borders before the lavender turns into “river” through Xa Tollemache’s cleverly designed garden. In late summer and autumn the woodland garden becomes a haven of tranquillity.  Walk amongst the glowing reds and yellows as the trees turn colour by the water, vistas and 18th century structures. The walled garden provides easy walking and a host of colour and scent with its sweet pea covered walls which is open during the week in summer.. 

 From the terraces there are outstanding parkland views  to follies, temples and statues all built by generations of the family and maintained to this day adorn the vistas. Stroll by the river to the Ugley bridge and Satyrs’ Temple then climb to the hilltop Sham Castle giving panoramic views to Exmoor, Dartmoor and beyond. A scenic descent leads to the millennium garden with its stunning lavender and soft hues.

There is restricted access for visitors in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility due to the layout of the gardens.

Youngsters and four legged friends on leads are welcome to explore the vast acreage. Younger visitors can be directed to the Tanglewood Tree for an  enjoyable climb on one of the oldest trees in the garden. An ideal location to bring the family for a picnic in the gardens where children can run free, explore and learn in a safe environment.

During the season an excellent tearoom serves light lunches, homemade cakes and temptingly delicious cream teas which can be enjoyed either sitting outside or indoors depending on the weather.

Castle Hill is a  magnificent venue for picture perfect weddings and host to a full calendar of events from Outdoor Theatre shows to garden  trails for all the family.

Groups of all sizes are welcomed and can be catered for in a dedicated part of the house by prior arrangement.

We encourage visitors to stay on the many dedicated paths and wear sensible walking shoes as the grassy slopes can be very slippery, even in dry weather.

Visit Website

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£7.50 per ticket
Children (5-15)£3.50 per ticket
Family Ticket 1 (1 adult + up to 3 children)£13.00 per ticket
Family Ticket 2 (2 adults + up to 3 children)£17.50 per ticket
Senior Citizens£7.00 per ticket

Under 5's free

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Accessible to Wheelchair Users

Catering

  • On-Site café/restaurant

Establishment Features

  • Dog Friendly
  • Picnic Area
  • Toilets

Key Features

  • Groups

Parking & Transport

  • Coach Parking
  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)

Payment Methods

  • Accept Bank Transfers, Internet Payment or SWIFT/IBAN
  • Cash & Cheque accepted

Map & Directions

View Map

Road Directions

Leave A361 North Devon Link Road at roundabout west of South Molton onto B3226. Follow signs to Filleigh. Shortly after passing through Stags Head, go through drive gates following signs to car park.By Public Transport:Bus from South Molton (4 miles) or Barnstaple (8 miles).

Access Information

PARKING

Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities
Drop-off point for guests immediately outside the main entrance
Route from the parking area to the nearest public entrance is:
Flat, ie. without steps

ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to:
Public toilet suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair

GENERAL

Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for visitors with limited mobility
Seating available throughout the attraction at appropriate intervals, for visitors with limited mobility

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Filleigh, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 0RQ

Visit Website

Email

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel01598 760457

Add Castle Hill Gardens to your Itinerary

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2021 - 31 Dec 2021)
DayTimes
Monday - Wednesday12:00 - 16:00*
ThursdayClosed*
Friday12:00 - 16:00*
Saturday - SundayClosed*

* Refreshments are available. Tea room closes on Friday 30 October 2020.
Gardens will still be open with honesty box 12pm-4pm from November to March.
Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm in 2021. Tea Room will open on Monday 21 March 2021 and close Friday 29 October 2021.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

What's Nearby

  1. Quince Honey Farm birds eye view

    Quince Honey Farm

    Quince Honey Farm has relocated for 2019 and the brand-new bigger all-weather…

    1.82 miles away
  2. Wolf

    Exmoor Zoo

    Enjoy a day out in the North-west of Exmoor at Exmoor zoo, one of the “West-country’s…

    7.66 miles away
  3. Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

    Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

    Steam trains through rolling countryside, with views out to wild moorland and the rugged…

    11.21 miles away
  1. Dartington Crystal

    Dartington Crystal

    Take in the Factory Experience & Visitor Centre where you can see and hear the…

    12.38 miles away
  2. Instow Beach

    Instow Beach

    A wheelchair accessible sandy beach set where the Torridge River meets the Taw estuary.…

    12.46 miles away
  3. RHS Garden Rosemoor

    RHS Garden Rosemoor

    RHS Garden Rosemoor is an enchanting garden nestled in the beautiful Torridge Valley and…

    12.61 miles away
  4. Wild Pear Beach

    Wild Pear Beach

    After completing the testing and steep walk of approximately 2kms you are free to enjoy…

    13.25 miles away
  5. Combe Martin Beach

    Combe Martin Beach

    A large area of sand set in Combe Martin a small resort town located at the western edge…

    13.31 miles away
  6. Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

    Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

    The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is the UK's only fully water powered railway and…

    13.62 miles away
  7. Lynmouth Beach

    Lynmouth Beach

    Surrounded by the spectacular wooded hills of Exmoor National Park Lynmouth offers some…

    13.75 miles away
  8. Northam Burrows Country Park

    Northam Burrows Country Park

    Northam Burrows Country Park is a beautiful expanse of common land popular with visitors…

    14.13 miles away
  9. braunton burrows

    Braunton Burrows

    Braunton Burrows, is one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. At the…

    14.74 miles away
  10. Westward Ho! Beach

    Westward Ho! Beach

    Westward Ho! is a beach geared up to cater for every tourist's needs. With seaside shops,…

    14.84 miles away
  11. Watermouth Bay

    Watermouth Bay

    Watermouth cove offers a very sheltered secluded harbour shielded by the natural…

    15.16 miles away
  12. Ilfracombe Aquarium

    Ilfracombe Aquarium

    Award winning all weather family attraction provides a fascinating journey of discovery…

    15.16 miles away
  13. Saunton Sands

    Saunton Sands

    Another key component of North Devon's golden coast Saunton Sands is a long…

    15.22 miles away
Previous Next
More

Search What's Nearby

Product Type
Proximity
Within miles
Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..Loading..
Loading..Loading..Loading..

Contact Us

Contact Us

Request a Guide

Request a Guide

E-newsletter

E-newsletter

Travel Info

Travel Info

  • Email Page
  • Print Page
  • Visit Devon
  • Visit North Devon
  • Sidmouth
Things to do
Attractions
Activities
Shopping
Accommodation
Hotels
Bed & Breakfasts
Self Catering & Cottages
Camping & Caravans
Holiday Parks
Farm Holidays
Glamping
What's On
Arts & Crafts
Children’s
Food & Drink Events
Gardens & Nature
Music
Theatre
Tell Us About Your Event
Food & Drink
North Devon Food Trail
Restaurants
Cafes & Tea Rooms
Pubs & Bars
Street Food & Takeaways
Deli’s and Farmers Markets
Fish & Chips
Explore
Biosphere
AONB
Exmoor
Beaches
North Devon Film Locations
Villages & Towns
Tarka Trail
Discover North Devon
Free Days Out
Weddings
Rainy Days
Outdoor Adventures
Family Holidays
Romantic Breaks
Conferences & Functions
Devon Cream Teas
Itineraries
Plan Your Visit
How to get here
Getting Around North Devon & Exmoor
TICs
Enewsletter Sign-up
Contact Us
News
Special Offers
Accommodation Offers
Activities & Attractions Offers
Food & Drink Offers
Seasonal Offers

© Visit Devon Community Interest Company

  • Enewsletter Sign-up
  • Site Map
  • Advertise With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By