Homeyards Botanical Gardens
A free, hidden botanical garden in Shaldon offering breathtaking coastal views and a peaceful escape with diverse flora.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Homeyards Botanical Gardens
Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, hidden botanical garden in Shaldon offering breathtaking coastal views and a peaceful escape with diverse flora.
"Incredible free entry with beautiful scenery and amazing views over the estuary!"
🚶♀️ Steep Access, Worth It
Be prepared for a climb up Horse Lane and steps to reach the upper paths. The effort is rewarded with amazing views!
☕ Cafe with Limited Hours
A small cafe is available in the Castle building, but check opening times as they can be limited.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Estuary Views
Upper paths
Spectacular vistas overlooking the Teign estuary, Shaldon, and Teignmouth. A perfect spot to soak in the coastal scenery.
The Castle Folly
Central area
Explore the charming folly, a small castle-like structure with historical interest and a small cafe (limited opening).
Diverse Tree Specimens
Throughout the gardens
Wander beneath a variety of mature tree specimens, offering shade and a sense of natural beauty.
Vibrant Flower Beds
Various sections
Discover splashes of color from well-maintained flower beds, adding vibrancy to the serene landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Stunning Views
Best Time for Peaceful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Steep Access, Worth It
Be prepared for a climb up Horse Lane and steps to reach the upper paths. The effort is rewarded with amazing views!
☕ Cafe with Limited Hours
A small cafe is available in the Castle building, but check opening times as they can be limited.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
A great place to walk dogs away from the main crowds, offering scenic routes.
📜 Historical Insights
Look out for storyboards detailing the history of the gardens and the 'castle'.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Steep Access, Worth It
Be prepared for a climb up Horse Lane and steps to reach the upper paths. The effort is rewarded with amazing views!
☕ Cafe with Limited Hours
A small cafe is available in the Castle building, but check opening times as they can be limited.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
A great place to walk dogs away from the main crowds, offering scenic routes.
📜 Historical Insights
Look out for storyboards detailing the history of the gardens and the 'castle'.
🆓 Completely Free Entry
Enjoy the beauty of the gardens without any admission fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Homeyards Botanical Gardens for its stunning estuary views and free entry, calling it a 'hidden gem'. While the climb can be steep, the well-maintained gardens and peaceful atmosphere are consistently praised. The charming castle folly adds a unique touch to this delightful coastal escape.
"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 😅"
Izzy!!
"We had a lovely walk round here. Lovely area to get away from the hustle and bustle. Views are amazing"
Tracey Kendall
"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"
Vera Davey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The gardens are located above Shaldon, near Teignmouth. Access is via Horse Lane, which involves a climb. Some visitors mention it's a long walk, but the views are worth it.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but visitors often access it as part of a walk from Shaldon or Teignmouth. Consider local parking in Shaldon and walking up.
You can reach Shaldon or Teignmouth by bus or train, then it's a walk to the gardens. Check local bus routes for the most convenient access to the Shaldon area.
Many visitors recommend climbing up Horse Lane and then taking the steps to the upper paths for the best experience and views.
Yes, it's a lovely area for a peaceful walk. The circular walk can take about half an hour to complete.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Homeyards Botanical Gardens is completely free! This makes it a fantastic and accessible attraction for everyone.
No booking is required. You can enter the gardens freely at any time, as there's no need to wait for entry.
The gardens are generally accessible at any time, offering flexibility for visitors. The small cafe within the castle has limited opening hours.
Yes, dogs are welcome and it's a great place to walk them away from busier areas.
While the gardens offer beautiful walks, the access involves steep climbs and steps, which might be challenging for those with mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views over the Teign estuary are a must-capture. Also, the charming castle folly and the vibrant flower beds offer great photographic opportunities.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the estuary views, while late afternoon might offer softer light for the gardens themselves.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, so feel free to capture the beauty of the gardens.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the views and details. For wider landscape shots, a camera with a good wide-angle lens would be beneficial.
There are no explicit mentions of drone usage. It's always best to check local regulations or inquire on-site if considering drone photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that the access involves steep paths and steps, so younger children might need assistance or a carrier. The castle folly adds a touch of magic, and while the cafe has limited hours, bringing a picnic is a great idea for a family outing. It’s a peaceful spot to let kids burn off some energy in a beautiful setting.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
The coastal vistas are a major draw, especially for photographers and anyone who appreciates natural beauty. The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for quiet contemplation or a leisurely stroll. It's also a perfect spot for dog walkers looking for a beautiful and less crowded place to exercise their pets.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there's a small cafe, packing your own picnic is a cost-effective way to enjoy a meal amidst the scenery. The main attraction – the views and the gardens themselves – costs nothing, making it an excellent value-for-money destination.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gardens and Views
The experience often involves a rewarding climb up Horse Lane and steps to reach the upper paths, which are highlighted as the prime spots for soaking in the panoramic vistas. The circular walk is estimated to take around half an hour, making it a perfect addition to a day out in the area. The gardens are also noted for their peaceful atmosphere, providing a lovely place to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle.
For those interested in the history, storyboards are placed around the 'castle' area, offering insights into the gardens' past. The well-maintained nature of the gardens and the helpfulness of residents, like gardener Gary who has shared history with visitors, contribute to a positive experience. It's a place that offers both natural beauty and a touch of local heritage.
Practicalities for Your Visit
However, visitors should be aware of the steep access. The climb up Horse Lane and the subsequent steps are frequently mentioned, so comfortable footwear is essential. This aspect means it might be challenging for individuals with significant mobility issues, though the rewarding views are often cited as making the effort worthwhile.
For refreshments, a small cafe operates within the Castle building, but its opening times are limited. It's advisable to check these in advance or be prepared with your own snacks and drinks. The gardens are also a dog-friendly location, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy a scenic walk.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit