The Italian Garden - Great Ambrook

Formal terraces and sculpted hedgerows greet you at this lesser-known Italianate garden tucked away in the Devon countryside. The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook is a proper slice of Mediterranean-style landscaping that feels wonderfully unexpected this close to Newton Abbot. Geometric flowerbeds and manicured lawns create that classic Italian villa atmosphere, complete with ornamental features that wouldn't look out of place in Tuscany.

Garden enthusiasts will love the attention to detail in the planting schemes, though families might find it a bit sedate for younger children. This is very much a place for gentle strolling and admiring the horticultural craft rather than running about. The layout follows traditional Italian garden principles with symmetrical pathways and carefully positioned focal points.

Without clear opening information, it's worth checking locally before making a special trip. That said, it makes a lovely complement to a Devon holiday, especially if you're staying at nearby parks like Whitehill Country Park or Dornafield on Dartmoor. The location between Newton Abbot and the moors means you can easily combine a visit with exploring proper Dartmoor wilderness or heading down to the South Devon coast. Allow an hour for a thorough wander, though keen gardeners might linger longer taking notes.