Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 7BJ
In the heart of Devon, and set in over 60 acres of stunning gardens, Bicton Botanical Gardens boasts sweeping lawns, water features, scented English borders and formal gardens to explore, as well as a wide range of activities for all the family to enjoy – including your dogs! Activities available at Bicton include indoor and outdoor children’s play areas, historic glasshouses, a woodland railway, nature trail, countryside museum, garden centre, onsite restaurant and gift shop.
The Palm House, dating from 1825, is one of the world’s oldest and most stunning garden buildings. It is around 20 years older than the Palm House at Royal Botanic Kew, and has a wonderful collection of palms to discover. On your dog friendly day out, you can also explore the little house of shells, temperate and tropical houses, the romantic hermitage, the lake, streams, woodlands and secret gardens.
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The Bicton Woodland Railway is also a lovely way to explore the park. This 25-minute journey takes you through the magnificent trees of the Pinetum, up to the 19th-century Hermitage summerhouse at the far end of the gardens, before looping back along the edge of the lake.
The railway was first introduced in the early 1960s as a new attraction within the gardens, which were being prepared to open to the public. For almost 40 years, the Bicton Woodland Railway operated using veteran carriage, including one built during the First World War, offering a unique way to explore the grounds.
In 2000, Bicton introduced its first brand-new train, specially built for its unique setting in Devon. Today, the Woodland Railway is one of only two 18-inch gauge leisure lines in the country, making it a rare experience for visitors of all ages. Dogs are welcome on board too, so no one has to miss out on the ride.
Although Bicton attracts visitors looking to explore its botanical heritage, it also offers a variety of activities and attractions for all ages, all year round.
There’s plenty for children to enjoy, including a miniature village, an undercover farmyard, a large climbing camp, mini golf, a children’s football pitch and a heated indoor play centre (extra charges apply).
Bicton Park in Devon also runs a full calendar of events throughout the year, from its much-loved Father’s Day vintage weekend and summer picnic concerts to festive Christmas specials and more, details can be found on their events calendar.
When it’s time to take a break, you’ll be able to relax at the Orangery Restaurant, which offers delicious meals and snacks with breathtaking views across the gardens.
You’re welcome to enjoy everything Bicton Park Botanical Gardens has to offer as a day visitor, but if you plan to return, an annual pass is great value. This includes unlimited entry throughout the seasons, a 5% discount in the gift shops and restaurant, and free entry to selected events.
Dogs are welcome in most outdoor areas, making Bicton a great dog-friendly day out in Devon for the whole family.