Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens is a 63 acre attraction with grade I listed gardens, a museum, children's play areas and a woodland train ride located in the Otter Valley between Exeter and Sidmouth.

The origins of the gardens date back to the early 1700's and they contain over 1000 trees of 300 different species and is one of the best collections of trees in the UK. Areas of the gardens include the Arboretum, the Italian garden, the American and stream gardens, the Mediterranean garden, the rose garden, the Hermitage garden, the wooded valley secret garden and there is also a fernery which contains the Shell House featuring a collection of sea shells. In addition to the outdoor gardens there are also four large glasshouses including the Palm house dating from the 1820's, the Tropical house and the Arid house.

The museum contains historical rural life artefacts and machinery, plus a collection of vintage cars and motorcycles. The train ride runs daily (except Christmas day and Boxing day) and takes visitors on a 25 minute journey through the gardens for an extra fee. Running since the 1960's, the railway is the only 18-inch gauge line left in the UK.

Activities for children at the attraction include the heated indoor play barn with ball pool, slides, climbing apparatus, bouncy castle, roller racers and a separate under 5's area. There is also an outdoor children's play area with miniature thatched cottages, wooden train and climbing camp with slide tunnels.

Other things for kids and adults alike to enjoy include a maze, an 18 hole miniature golf course and a wildlife nature trail to follow. Guided tours available by prior arrangement for groups.

• Car parking.
• Shop selling souvenirs and wares for the home and garden.
• Two restaurants, the Bicton restaurant and The Orangery serving hot meals and afternoon cream teas.

Opening Times & Ticket Prices:

• Please visit the Bicton Park Botanical Gardens website for opening times and prices.

Before you start your journey to Bicton Park Botanical Gardens for your day out, we recommend that you check their website or contact them to confirm opening times and admission prices.

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