Tapeley Park Gardens
A Sustainable Garden Estate in North Devon
Tapeley Park, Instow. EX39 4NT | 01271 860897
Perched above the River Torridge with sweeping views across the North Devon coast, Tapeley Park in the parish of Westleigh is a unique blend of historic charm, regenerative farming, and environmental innovation. Just outside Instow, this privately-owned estate welcomes visitors to explore some of the most characterful gardens in the South West.
A Garden Estate with Deep Roots
Owned by the Christie family for over 200 years, Tapeley Park has evolved into a centre for sustainability and mindful land stewardship. Current custodian Hector Christie continues a legacy of innovation set in motion by his ancestor, Lady Rosamund, who transformed the house in the 1880s with her signature neo-classical design.
While the estate has been mentioned since the Domesday Book, it’s Lady Rosamund’s vision—and Hector’s modern interpretation—that give Tapeley its distinctive personality today.
Italian Terraces & Coastal Views
Wander landscaped gardens with panoramic views across the River Torridge and North Devon coast.
UK-Leading Permaculture Garden
Explore one of the country’s oldest permaculture projects, showcasing sustainable, organic growing methods.
Cream Teas & Treats
Enjoy homemade treats in the tea rooms, made with produce grown just metres away in the estate gardens.
Highland Cattle & Working Estate
See Hector Christie’s herd of Highland cattle grazing in open meadows—a nod to the estate’s farming heritage.
Peaceful Woodland Walks
Stroll through ancient trees, lakeside paths, and shaded glades alive with birdsong and seasonal colour.
Straw Bale House & Eco Projects
Discover experimental eco-builds and off-grid innovations tucked within the grounds.
Explore the Grounds, Lakes and Terraces
The gardens at Tapeley are a draw in every season. Italianate terraces lead visitors through sun-drenched pathways with Mediterranean planting, while mature woodlands and Victorian-era lakes offer shaded retreats filled with birdsong. The permaculture garden—one of the oldest in the UK—is a standout feature and showcases the estate’s long-standing commitment to low-impact, organic growing.
Also on site are ornamental ponds, a working organic vegetable garden, and Highland cattle grazing in nearby meadows—offering a sense of the estate’s agricultural roots.
Open Gardens and Tea Rooms
Tapeley Park Gardens are open six days a week (closed Saturdays), from 10am to 5pm. Guests are free to explore at their own pace, enjoy a homemade cream tea in the on-site tea rooms, or bring a picnic to enjoy among the terraces.
The café features fresh produce grown in the estate’s gardens, reinforcing Tapeley’s ethos of food provenance and sustainability.
Tip for visitors: Avoid using Sat Nav; instead, follow the B3233 road from Bideford to Instow and look for signage.
House Tours and Group Visits
While the house is not generally open to the public, group tours can be arranged in advance via the gift shop (minimum group size: 20). Inside, the History Room provides insight into the estate’s architectural changes and family heritage, including personal stories and archives from the Christie lineage.
A Hub for Sustainability in North Devon
Tapeley Park has long been a haven for alternative ideas. Beyond the permaculture garden, visitors can view the estate’s straw bale house—a symbol of ecological building practices—and learn how the estate operates entirely pesticide-free. Hector Christie has championed sustainable food production for decades, supporting movements that are now central to organic farming.
Where Past and Present Coexist
With panoramic views, veteran trees, and a profound sense of time layered across its landscape, Tapeley offers more than just a walk through well-kept gardens. It invites reflection, encourages curiosity, and delivers an authentic North Devon experience rooted in place and purpose.
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