Explore RHS Garden Rosemoor

Distance from Smytham: 2.6 miles

Travel time: 5 mins by car/ 18 mins by bus and walking

Public Transport: Catch the 317 bus at the top of the driveway to New Bridge. Disembark, cross the road and walk 13 minutes to Rosemoor's entrance. 

Perfect for: Couples, Individuals, Families and Dogs (Monday - Wednesday)

Best weather: Dry 

Just a 5 minute drive from Smytham Holiday Park, is RHS Garden Rosemoor, one of Devon’s most beautiful and inspiring attractions. Set in 65 acres of gardens and woodland, Rosemoor offers visitors the chance to explore spectacular seasonal displays, enjoy peaceful walks, and discover a wide variety of plants, flowers, and wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for things to do in Devon.

The gardens are carefully designed to offer something special in every season. Spring brings vibrant tulips and daffodils, summer showcases colourful borders, water features, and fragrant herb gardens, while autumn is a riot of rich foliage. Winter reveals the architectural beauty of the garden with evergreens and elegant bare-branch silhouettes. Visitors can explore the Rose Gardens, Rock Garden, Cottage Garden, and Potager, each offering a unique experience and plenty of inspiration for garden lovers. For those of you with a vegetable patch in your garden or an allotment, be sure to visit Rosemoor’s Fruit and veg garden for tips and tricks.

Families will find plenty to love. Children can explore interactive gardening trails, take part in seasonal workshops and craft activities, and enjoy the Adventure Play Area, designed to spark imagination while encouraging outdoor play. The gardens also host family-friendly events throughout the year, including wildlife days, plant fairs, and festive activities during Christmas.

For dog owners, Rosemoor welcomes pets on dog-friendly days (Monday – Wednesday), when well-behaved dogs on leads can explore the gardens alongside their owners. These special days make it a great option for a family day out in North Devon that includes every member of the family.

In addition to daytime visits, Rosemoor is home to Glow, an enchanting seasonal evening event that transforms the gardens with thousands of illuminated displays, glowing sculptures, and colour-changing light installations. Glow is perfect for visitors of all ages, creating a truly captivating experience as you stroll along illuminated paths and enjoy the gardens in a completely new way. This spectacular festival offers memorable photo opportunities and a magical atmosphere that is especially popular during the festive season.

The garden also features several cafés and plant centre, where visitors can enjoy freshly prepared meals, homemade cakes, and locally sourced produce. Indoor and outdoor seating provides the perfect spot to relax while taking in the surrounding gardens and rolling Devon countryside. The plant centre is ideal for picking up seasonal plants, bulbs, and gardening gifts for you to take home.

RHS Garden Rosemoor also hosts special events and seasonal exhibitions, from flower shows and gardening workshops to guided tours and evening events like live theatre, music or Glow. With so much on offer, there’s always something new to see and do, making each visit unique.

Easily accessible from Smytham Holiday Park, Rosemoor is the perfect destination for a full day — or evening — of exploration, relaxation, and inspiration. Whether you’re strolling along winding paths, discovering rare plants, taking part in a workshop, visiting on a dog-friendly day, or enjoying the magical Glow experience, the gardens provide unforgettable memories for all ages.

For anyone staying at Smytham Holiday Park, a visit to RHS Garden Rosemoor is a highlight of North Devon, offering natural beauty, seasonal colour, and family-friendly fun. It’s one of the best places to visit near Smytham Holiday Park.

Accessibilty:

All service dogs are welsome. There are manual wheelchairs for ont he day use or advance booking. Mobility scooters can be hired or you can bring your own. The gardens are accessible by hard standing tarmac or bonded pea gravel paths. Where there are steps, there are also ramps or alternative routes. The wood land is accesible with 'trampers' which can be hired but not by wheelchairs.