The Italian Garden

Laid out in c.1735, it is reputedly to a design by Versailles landscaper André Le Nôtre. Walled borders and flowerbeds are from Victorian times.

The American & Stream Gardens

Established in the 1830s, this area features colourful trees and shrubs, along with moisture-loving plants such as primulas, hostas and the giant gunnera.

The Mediterranean & Rose Gardens

Drought tolerant plants, including phormiums and cordylines, grow on a sunny slope below the scented delights of the early 19th century Rose Garden.

The Fernery & Shell House

Exotic tree-ferns now grace an almost primeval rocky glade, created at the start of the Victorian 'fern fever' era. The flint Shell House contains an international collection of seashells.

The Hermitage Garden

The Hermitage, a rustic bower house built in 1839, overlooks waterfalls, ponds, and a notable collection of dwarf conifers.

The Pinetum & Arboretum

Bicton has long been famed for its magnificent trees - over 1000 of them, representing 300 species, many of which are endangered in the wild. We are proud to have 25 champion trees - the tallest and/or largest of their kind in the British Isles. At 41m (134ft) our champion Grecian fir is the tallest ever recorded.