Free entry to our Grade II Listed Gardens

The gardens once had a formal Victorian layout, but in 1925 the Elmhirsts, together with their designers, began developing the gardens to have a sense of natural wilderness, including mossy paths, fern-covered stone walls, and banks of spring flowers.

They brought over acclaimed garden designer Beatrix Farrand from the United States in the 1930s, with the gardens the only example of her work outside America. She was followed by Percy Cane, who worked on the gardens until the 1960s. The Elmhirsts also commissioned sculptures, such as Henry Moore’s  Memorial Figure, and opened up vistas, creating a timeless quality of tranquillity and peace.

The gardens are both rich in history and home to some of the most impressive champion trees in the region. They boast ancient trees including the oldest living resident of the gardens, a 1500 year old yew tree, and a line of sweet chestnuts believed to be over 400 years old.

Since the 1930s, the Dartington Trust has looked after the gardens. They are carefully tended to by a team of gardeners, assisted by volunteers.

Pick up a gardens map before your visit. As well as all the information you’ll need to find your way around, our map also acts as a guidebook, with fascinating facts about the various treasures you’ll encounter on your visit.

Timings & Tours

Friday 12 September:

9am - 5pm. Please also take advantage of one of our Garden Tours that run at 11am or 2pm for 90 mins. Please pre book.

Saturday 13 September:

9am - 5pm.

Sunday 14 September:

9am - 5pm.

Monday 15 September:

9am - 5pm.

Tuesday 16 September:

9am - 5pm.

Wednesday 17 September:

9am - 5pm.

Thursday 18 September:

9am - 5pm.

Friday 19 September:

9am - 5pm. Please also take advantage of one of our Garden Tours that run at 11am or 2pm for 90 mins. Please pre book.

Saturday 20 September:

9am - 5pm.

Sunday 21 September:

9am - 5pm.

Location & directions

Dartington Trust, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EL

Contact on day:

Welcome Centre

Telephone number:

+441803847000

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Pre Booking is only required if you would like to take advantage of one of our Garden Tours which run on a Friday at 11am and 2pm. Join our passionate volunteers for a delightful walk through our stunning Grade II Listed Gardens, uncovering fascinating stories and hidden gems along the way. Please pre book on our website www.dartington.org to guarantee your spot on the day.

Booking telephone number:

+441803847000

Booking website:

https://dartington.org

Booking opens:

01 Jul 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

01 Jul 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Please note that we are a dog friendly Estate but only assistance dogs are allowed in the Grade II Listed Gardens. A tramper can be hired from the Welcome Centre.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

25

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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