Hopefully the beautiful summer weather will stay with us well into September, and it is at this time of the year that the flora of the region is at its very abundant best.
Here are some suggestions for you to visit the fantastic gardens in Paignton if you are staying at Bedford Holiday Apartments.
Paignton Zoo and Environmental Park
The gardens here are discovered in 80 acres of hidden valleys with secret lawns, streams, lakes and huge old trees. Wander among the shrubberies where you will find plantings that have been developed to make natural habitats for small animals.
Three large greenhouse exhibitions contain tropical plants from around the world. Visit the Crocodile Swamp to see displays of tropical wetland plants. There are also seven ponds in the Amphibian Ark Water Gardens where you will find banana, citrus and palm trees all growing outside.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens – East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton
The superb landscaped Park at Bicton boasts a Grade I listed garden. With exotic glasshouses, a woodland railway ride, a maze and nature trail there are many activities for the family to enjoy. Facilities also include a restaurant and shop plus a children’s’ playground for some afternoon family fun.
Goodrington Cliff Top Gardens – Paignton
Following the zig-zag footpath from the Promenade at Goodrington you will stumble upon the cliff top gardens where, during the evenings, the locals stroll among the gardens and flower beds which are attractive at night when highlighted by illuminated lights. This is known locally as Cliff Walk, or Paradise Walk. You will see regular boat trips running from Torbay harbour for the passengers to witness the famous lights.
The work here to renovate the gardens was funded and carried out in the 1920s and 30s by the Urban District Council, with the labour being carried out by Welsh miners. The cost then for the work, including building a sea wall to stop erosion, was £23,000.
The Promenade which is 715 feet long forms a link with Goodrington Sands and this also acts as a sea wall to provide protection from the elements for the Paradise Gardens headland.
Oldway Mansion – Paignton
Once the home of the founder of the Singer Sewing Machine company, Isaac Singer, Oldway Mansion is now being used as Council offices. However, the superb grounds are still open and available for the public to explore. These gardens are based on those at the Palace of Versailles, with many walkways, nooks and crannies to wander through and explore, together with an opportunity for many amazing photographs. Find the grotto garden and the maze garden for a horticultural adventure.
The salt air climate on the English Riviera is ideal for growing rare, exotic and tropical plants and flowers. You will see palm trees as you wander along the seafront with many colourful flower displays and hanging baskets. A garden visit will make you forget your cares and worries and enjoy nature at its best.
As a base, the Bedford Holiday Apartments in Paignton are ideally located with most gardens in Paignton within easy walking distance or a short car drive away.
