Castle Hill Gardens
Eighteenth-century landscape garden surrounding a Palladian mansion built in 1730 for the Fortescue family.
Filleigh, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 0RH
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
Castle Hill was built in 1730 as Earl Fortescue’s family home. The current custodians are the 15th generation of the Fortescue family to live in the Palladian house.
Set in magnificent 18th-century parkland with many original follies, statues and temples, a sham castle and Triumphal Arch. The woodland gardens are abundantly planted with magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons, eucryphias and many rare trees. Formal gardens include the Millennium Garden and a Topiary water sculpture by Giles Rayner.
The steep walk up to the Castle reveals unsurpassed views to Exmoor, Dartmoor and beyond. We also have an excellent all weather tearoom open during the season serving home cooked food. Dogs on leads welcome.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times and Visitor Information for Castle Hill
Castle Hill Gardens are open all year round, Monday to Friday, including Bank Holidays. The opening hours vary by season:
- November to March: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- 24th March to 31st October: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The gardens are closed on weekends.
Tea Room:
- The Tea Room is open Monday to Friday during the garden's open season.
- It is closed from 8th December to mid-February.
- During late February to 20th March, the Tea Room operates from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
- From 23rd March to 30th October, it operates from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Note: The Tea Room and Kiosk may close during inclement weather.
Admission Prices:
- Adults: £8.00
- Seniors: £7.50
- Children (5-15): £4.00
- Under 5s: Free
- Family Ticket 1 (1 adult + up to 3 children): £16.00
- Family Ticket 2 (2 adults + up to 3 children): £21.00
- Groups (20+): £7.00 per person
Memberships:
- Friends of Castle Hill: Enjoy 12 months unlimited access to the gardens.
- Single Membership: £30
- Couple Membership: £45
- Family Membership: £50
Memberships can be purchased at the Ticket Office or by contacting the estate office.
Special Access:
- RHS Members: Free access for one member per card, Monday to Wednesday, excluding special event days.
- Historic Houses Members: Free access for each member, Monday to Friday, excluding special event days.
Castle Hill offers a variety of attractions, including 50 acres of gardens, historic follies, and a Tea Room. Visitors can enjoy seasonal highlights such as the Millennium Garden, Magnolia Wood, and the Tanglewood Tree. Dogs on leads are welcome.
For more information, contact the Castle Hill Estate Office in Filleigh, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 ORH.
Historic Houses members visit for free on normal open days. Advance booking is not necessary: just check in at the kiosk on arrival.
Adults: £8.00
Seniors: £7.50
Child (5-15): £4.00
Under 5’s: free
Family Ticket 1 £16.00 (1 adult + up to 3 children)
Family Ticket 2 £21.00 (2 adults + up to 3 children)
Friends of Castle Hill – 12 months unlimited access when gardens open Single £30.00, Couple £45.00, Family £50.00
Group visits of 20+ via coach welcome £7.00 (pre-booking required)
Please contact us to arrange:
Crystal Andrews
01598 760 336
We offer visits for primary and secondary schools.
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
Getting here
Filleigh, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 0RH
Leave A361 at roundabout west of South Molton on to the B3226. Follow brown signs to Castle Hill Gardens, follow signs to parking for Gardens.
Take a train to Barnstaple and taxi to Filleigh.
Stagecoach bus route 155 from Barnstaple and or South Molton.
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