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Devon - Places of Interest
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Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
East Budleigh, near Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 7BJ
Tel: 01395 568465 Fax: 01395 568374
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Set in the picturesque Otter Valley, near the
coastal town of Budleigh Salterton, Bicton Park Botanical
Gardens span three centuries of horticultural history. The 63-acre park's
oldest ornamental area is the Italian Garden that
was created in the axial style of the Versailles landscaper, André le Notre in around 1735 by Henry Rolle, the park's owner. By that time,
formal garden design was becoming unfashionable in England and this might explain why the garden
was located out of view of the house.
However, today, the full grandeur of the Italian Garden can be seen from the
spacious restaurant that is housed in the classically styled Orangery that was built at the beginning of
the 19th century. Bicton's high-domed Palm House, one of the world's most beautiful
garden buildings, was the first of many developments made here between 1820 and 1850 whilst
others include the important collection of conifers in
the Pinetum that is now the subject of a rare
species conservation project. The gardens also contain St
Mary's Church, where Queen Victoria once worshipped,
and the exotic Hermitage that was built in 1839 by
Lady Louise Rolle as a summerhouse. A large
museum reflects changes in agricultural, and rural life
generally, over the past 200 years. These Grade I listed
gardens, which are open all year, also feature a
narrow-gauge railway that meanders through the gardens, a gift shop,
a garden centre and children's indoor and outdoor
play areas.
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 This
entry is in the Hidden Places of Devon. For further information on this title please
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