I love the kind of holidays where I can include places to visit into the journey. Just before we left for our break in the Devonshire countryside, I asked friends on Instagram if they had any suggestions on places local to where we were staying that we simply must-see. One recommendation that instantly grabbed my attention was Bicton Park Botanical Gardens.
We planned to stop here on our journey back to Cambridge, and my goodness it was worth the wait! The four beautiful glasshouses were such a treat to see. The varieties of plants in the Tropical House and Arid House were pretty special, with one glasshouse even including an abundant display of Pelargoniums – the beginning of my love affair with these colourful blooms! The striking curved structure of the cast iron Palm House was home to a beautiful collection of Palms. It’s no surprise that this place was perfect in every way, in my eyes.
The gardens during our visit were idyllically quiet. Having been landscaped cleverly into different sections, themed if you like with their plants but in a very delicate way. Our wanders around the gardens led us to the most magical fernery and shell house, an unexpected surprise with incredible views of the church. Every corner seemed to diffuse so much delight and I was particularly captivated by the Mediterranean and Rose Gardens within the grounds (just opposite the Palm House).
We were a little out of season during our visit, but gardens and glasshouses were so beautifully cared for by the friendly gardeners that I could imagine just how spectacular they must look during spring and summer months. The perfect reason to revisit next time we’re in Devon!