The Devon Guide

The National Trust in Devon

A host of interesting properties, historic sites and beauty spots make the National Trust a vital landowner in the preservation of the English countryside. If you're interested in visiting their properties, it's well worth considering a membership.

Greenway - near Brixham

Greenway was Agatha Christie's garden, and it makes a pleasant half day out if you com by ferry from Dartmouth, Brixham and Torquay - you can land at Greenway Quay. It's a garden of exceptional beauty with an atmosphere of romantic wilderness and mystery, renowned for rare half-hardy plants and drifts of wild flowers. It has a wonderful position with breathtaking views and glimpses of the wooded Dart estuary.

Enjoy a cruise on the River Dart from Dartmouth. Operators: Greenway Quay and Ferry Services (NT licensees) 01803 844088 Dittisham Ferry 0781 800 1108. NB: It's a steep walk from quay up to garden; allow 1.5 hours to visit the garden.
By foot: Dart Valley Trail from Kingswear/Dartmouth; John Musgrave Heritage Trail from Brixham; Village Walk from Galmpton.
By car: Limited parking available. Visitors requiring disabled parking or arriving by mini-coach (max. 25 seats) phone first 01803 842382 to pre-book parking space.
Greenway Road, Galmpton, near Brixham, TQ5 0ES Phone: 01803 842382 Email: greenway@nationaltrust.org.uk

Near Tavistock - Lydford Gorge

This is a famous 1.5 mile mile scenic gorge on the edge of Dartmoor, where thundering water and tranquil pools, abundant wildlife, lush oak woodland and wild flowers produce a sense of "returning to nature" to rival anywhere else in the county.  A 3 mile circular walk takes in the 90ft White Lady waterfall and a series of whirlpools including the thrilling Devil's Cauldron. There are also shorter walks to White Lady waterfall or the Devil's Cauldron, plus a 4 mile level trail along old railway line. For those who want refreshments, there's a shop and tea-room, and the site has a regular programme of events. Walking in the gorge is strenuous, with steep, narrow and uneven paths. Some sections are slippery and are bordered by vertical drops. Good walking shoes/footwear are essential. Unsuitable for visitors with heart complaints or walking difficulties, or for very young children. At busy times there may be delays at the Devil's Cauldron.
Lydiard, nr Okehampton, EX20 4BH Email: lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01822 820320. Signposted from A30 and A386.

Salcombe - Overbeck's

Enjoy breathtaking views over Salcombe estuary from this dramatic cliff-top garden of hot colours & luxuriant growth, where a warm microclimate encourages rare and tropical plants from all over the world to grow in the garden of scientist and inventor Otto Overbeck's Edwardian house. The property is filled with his lifelong enthusiasms including local photos and seafaring treasures, collections of butterflies, birds' eggs and fossils, a Victorian jukebox and Otto's strange electrical rejuvenator. Kids will enjoy the "secret room" with dolls, tin soldiers and a friendly ghost!
Sharpitor, Salcombe,  TQ8 8LW  Phone: 01548 842893 Email: overbecks@nationaltrust.org.uk