Explore free botanical gardens with stunning estuary views, featuring an arboretum, castle folly, rose garden, and Italianate features on a scenic Devon hillside.

Shaldon Botanical Gardens, also known as Homeyards Botanical Gardens, is a beautifully maintained public garden located on a sloping hillside above the seaside village of Shaldon in Devon. Originally created in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the gardens offer visitors stunning views of the Teign estuary and across Lyme Bay towards Dorset. The site features an impressive arboretum with striking trees, a castle folly, the Burma Star rose garden, a pond and rill, and an Italianate garden, all creating an interesting and diverse landscape to explore. Admission is completely free, and the gardens are open seven days a week to the public. The castle folly hosts community events and refreshments are available during the warmer months through the castle cafe. The gardens have consistently been awarded a Green Flag status and are maintained by a dedicated part-time gardener supported by volunteers from the Friends of Homeyards group. The site is suitable for families with children of all ages, including pushchair users, though visitors should note that the gardens are very steeply sloping. The pergola entrance at the eastern end (Horse Lane) is the most accessible option for prams and wheelchairs, while other entrances feature steep steps.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

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Tim Barnes

5 months ago

"SHALDON BOTANICAL GARDENS".. Footpath through the Gardens features a Garden Castle Folly, Mature Specimen Trees, Wild Flower Displays, Spring Blossom Trees, Panoramic Views Across the Teign Eastury, watch the fast flowing incoming tides.. You might even see Pied Woodpeckers, Woodland Birds in the Garden Trees.. "SHALDON BOTANICAL GARDENS"..

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Izzy!!

a year ago

This botanical garden was incredible! Free entry and no need to wait and you could come in whenever! Scenery is beautiful and has a lovely pond! Would recommend! Only thing is it’s a long walk 😅

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Vera Davey

4 years ago

Found this little gem on the route out of Teignmouth today and was very impressed with its peaceful, beautiful walk. The circular walk took us about half an hour to complete and we were treated to a look inside the renovation of the folly by resident gardener Gary. He told us lots about the history of the gardens and was very helpful. Entry was free and we were treated to amazing views

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Sam Palmer

8 years ago

What a lovely place! We weren't expecting to find this tucked away on our first visit to Shaldon. The spring colours coming out on the trees was beautiful. Steep and lots of steps, but we'll worth visiting. A lovely find.

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Rich Grease Monkey

8 years ago

Great quiet place for a walk. The views out towards Teignmouth are stunning and the gardens are well kept and varied. There is a small castle at the top of the hill which is available for events. The walk is not for the feint hearted as there's a lot of steps and slopes. Well worth a visit.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026