Useful Links
Gardens
Eggesford Garden & Country Centre
Eggesford Garden and Country Centre is a great place to visit - even if you aren't a keen gardener. Many exciting events are held during the year including a Fuchsia Show, Apple and Cider Festival and Craft Fairs.
If you are planning a walk in the area, it is literally on the edge of the forest and Tarka Trail with plenty of car-parking and home-made refreshments in the Garden Restaurant. We can highly recommend the home-made cakes!
RHS Rosemoor Gardens
Set deep in the lovely North Devon countryside, RHS Garden Rosemoor has been developed into 65 acres of enchanting garden, woodlands, stream and lake, ensuring there is something to see throughout the whole year. Although a good half hour drive from Sampson, you will pass through lovely villages and take in amazing views along the way!
More than 70 events are held at Rosemoor, including art exhibitions and workshops, horticultural lectures and walks, family events, craft fairs and musical events.
Castle Hill Gardens
Castle Hill Gardens are just 4 miles from Sampson Barton, this outstanding, beautiful, privately owned Palladian House is set in a Grade 1 Park and 500 acre agricultural Estate offering beautiful woodland gardens.
The Gardens are open every day, except Saturday, from February 1st. until the end of September
Tapeley Park and Gardens
Tapeley Park House is a sustainable Stateley Home in the making. Found in Instow, the gardens have many features which remain unspoilt, tranquil, beautiful and non-commercialised. Open 16th March to 31st October, we definately recommend a visit
Marwood Hill
Situated nine miles from Ilfracombe and four miles from Barnstaple, Marwood Hill Gardens are set in glorious and peaceful surroundings. The Wisteria Pergola, using 12 different cultivars, starts to flower first in early May and must be seen to be believed - beautiful!
Arlington Court
Arlington Court is an intimate and intriguing Regency house, set in extensive estate. It has the National Trust's largest collection of horse-drawn carriages and the largest colony of lesser horseshoe bats which are fascinating to watch via the 'bat-cam' (May to August). It is also home to sheep, red deer and peacocks which can be viewed whilst taking a carriage ride around the grounds.
Knightshayes
Knightshayes Court; a National Trust Victorian country house, just a short drive away in Tiverton. Enjoy the splendid romantic and Gothic-style interiors of the house along with lily pools, floral borders and fully productive walled kitchen garden.
Walking / Hiking
Walking in North Devon
The North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival is now considered one of the best outdoor festivals. Walking is becoming more and more popular yet when walking on Exmoor we are still lucky enough to enjoy wonderful peace and quiet. This years walks take in a delightful variety of deep wooded valleys, open moorland and the impressive, dramatic South West Coast Path.
Places of Interest
Exmoor zoological Park
Cobbaton Combat Collection
Quince Honey Farm
North Devon Festival (30 days in June - over 200 events)
Dartington Crystal shop and factory - Torrington
Golfing
Chulmleigh Golf Course (18 hole par 3)
Highbullen Golf and Country Club
Fishing
Nick Hart Fly Fishing
If you thought that fishing was a wet, cold, boring affair, then think again. For fun, fresh air and fish visit Nick Hart the fly fishing specialist.
Other Activities in the Area
North Devon Gliding Club
Clay Pigeon Shooting
