Which? readers have cast their vote for this National Trust favourite
Kirstie McCrum Network Content Editor
06:00, 02 Oct 2025
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Coleton Fishacre, a National Trust garden in Devon, has been voted the Best Garden in the UK by Which? Readers.(Image: National Trust)
A National Trust garden in Devon has been voted the Best Garden in the UK by Which? readers. Coleton Fishacre was given full marks for attractiveness, lack of crowds and value for money.
The hidden gem in South Devon has been celebrating 100 years since it was built by designer Oswald Milne as a country retreat for the D’Oyly Carte family. They were key figures in the 1920s and famous for their management of the Savoy Group which included the Savoy Hotel, Claridges, the Savoy Theatre and Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company.
Lovers of the outdoors, they often escaped London and were sailing from Brixham to Kingswear when they spotted a secluded valley, Pudcombe Cove. It was this location that inspired the family to build their idyllic Arts and Crafts home, surrounded by sea views, and indulge in their love of horticulture.
The Grade II Listed garden invites visitors to explore 24 acres of sub-tropical planting sitting quietly on the Devon coastline, while boasting glorious sea views across to Dartmouth and borders with colourful blooms that flourish from across the globe.
“We’re thrilled to have been voted the best garden in the UK,” said Head Gardener James. “What was once a family home is now a beloved attraction, and our aim has always been to recreate that feel for those who visit today.”
It’s not without its challenges though, as James reveals. “Ensuring the garden continues to develop and flourish in a sustainable way while adapting to the changing climate is tricky, and we’re always mindful that the D’Oyly Carte legacy is still felt in this historic garden.”
With a climate as mild as South Cornwall, many exotic and tender plants thrived here, and continue to do so under the care of the Garden team. From formal terraces to woodland, the garden is varied and filled with plants and wildlife to explore all year round. It’s also a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) accredited garden, with free access for RHS members on Fridays and Saturdays.
Autumn foliage at Coleton Fishacre(Image: National Trust)
Coming in 13th place is Agatha Christie’s former holiday home Greenway, situated only five miles away from Coleton Fishacre. A mixture of industry and leisure, paths lead into beautifully kept walled gardens with original glasshouses, and down through lush woodlands to the waters edge, right on the banks of the River Dart.
Coleton Fishacre and Greenway are open daily from 10.30am to 5pm until November 2, and 11am-4pm on winter weekends. For more details, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre and www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway. Normal admissions apply.
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