Lady Astor's Garden

Lady Astor's Garden sits on the grounds of Hestercombe House, just inland from Plymouth, and it's one of those places that rewards actual exploration rather than a quick snap for Instagram. The garden was designed by Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll in 1906, which immediately tells you it's not going to be some overgrown ruin - this is serious horticultural heritage.

What you're walking through are three distinct garden spaces: a formal Edwardian layout, a wild woodland garden, and a water garden with a proper stone pergola that'll make you stop and squint at the craftsmanship. The planting isn't showy but it's clever - Jekyll's influence means there's year-round interest, though spring and early summer hit differently. Most visitors spend two to three hours here without feeling rushed, which suggests it's got enough going on without being massive.

Historians and garden enthusiasts will have the most from this - it's genuinely significant in British garden design history. Families with older kids who can appreciate plants and architecture will get something out of it too, though toddlers might find the quiet contemplative vibe a bit much. The woodland paths are well-maintained but not flat, so decent shoes are wise.

If you're basing yourself at Dartmoor Domes just down the road, this makes a solid half-day outing that breaks up the hiking routine. Check opening times and admission costs before you go - details are sketchy - but the location between Dartmoor and Plymouth means it slots into a regional trip without backtracking. Worth the detour if gardens actually interest you, rather than just ticking off the location.