Knightshayes Spring Garden
Lose yourself in the gardens at Knightshayes, home to one of the most extensive plant collections cared for by the National Trust. From formal terraces to intimate garden rooms and the remarkable Garden in the Wood, this botanical haven transforms beautifully throughout the seasons.
Spring is a true highlight, bringing a vibrant symphony of colour as the estate awakens. The terraces—once a 19th‑century rose garden—burst into life with carpets of crocuses, paths lined with golden daffodils, and sweetly scented hyacinths. Snowdrops linger beneath the trees just long enough to welcome the first bluebells of the year.
In the Paved Garden, visitors can pause on a bench and enjoy the soft palette of purples and greys created by Joyce, Lady Amory, complemented by herbs and colourful spring bulbs.
Spring is also the perfect time to explore the Garden in the Wood, one of only two botanical gardens in the world set within natural woodland. Designed by Joyce, Lady Amory, its dappled trails, sunlit glades and peaceful Cedar House make it especially enchanting at this time of year.
Visitors in the garden in spring at Knightshayes, Devon
Elsewhere, the South Garden comes alive with Japanese cherry blossom and early wildflowers, while Michael’s Wood offers a spectacular rhododendron display featuring rare varieties such as Rhododendron falconeri and Grevillea rosmarinifolia Jenkins.
In Sir John’s Wood, snowdrops and bluebells spread across the woodland floor, while fiery Pieris japonica and Pieris formosa add dramatic bursts of colour. Along the grassy paths of Hollys Lawn, early magnolia blooms give way to vivid purple rhododendrons.
The Arboretum begins its seasonal show with a bulb meadow flowering from March to June, and the Camellia Walk dazzles with colour well into early summer.
In the Kitchen Garden, heritage crops begin their journey and rhubarb pushes through the soil. As this is a working 2.5‑acre garden, some areas may vary throughout the season.
An article on seasonal garden highlights is here: Visiting the Knightshayes garden | Devon | National Trust
Easter events at Knighthayes
From 28 March to 19 April, step into a world of storytelling and discovery with an interactive Easter family trail inspired by Aesop’s fables and the imaginative vision of Victorian architect William Burges. A variety of fun challenges are set to bring Aesop’s timeless tales to life through play and discovery. The price for each trail is £3.50 per child and includes a trail map and a chocolate egg. Normal admission fees apply.
