Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these magnificent gardens are set in East Devon's picturesque Otter Valley, between the ancient city of Exeter and southwest England's Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. 

Tranquillity
The superbly landscaped park combines 18th century tranquillity with modern amenities to provide enjoyment for everyone, of all ages, through the four seasons.

Timeless beauty
Registered in the Grade 1 conservation category by English Heritage, the privately owned historic gardens possess a timeless beauty, which has been preserved for the pleasure and interest of our visitors.

The Italian Garden
Laid out in c.1735, it is reputedly to a design by Versailles landscaper André Le Nôtre. Walled borders and flowerbeds are from Victorian times.
   
The American & Stream Gardens
Established in the 1830s, this area features colourful trees and shrubs, along with moisture-loving plants such as primulas, hostas and the giant gunnera. 
   
The Mediterranean & Rose Gardens
Drought tolerant plants, including phormiums and cordylines, grow on a sunny slope below the scented delights of the early 19th century Rose Garden.
   
The Fernery & Shell House
Exotic tree-ferns now grace an almost primeval rocky glade, created at the start of the Victorian 'fern fever' era. The flint Shell House contains an international collection of seashells. 
   
The Hermitage Garden
The Hermitage, a rustic bower house built in 1839, overlooks waterfalls, ponds, and a notable collection of dwarf conifers.
   
The Pinetum & Arboretum

Bicton has long been famed for its magnificent trees - over 1000 of them, representing 300 species, many of which are endangered in the wild. We are proud to have 25 champion trees - the tallest and/or largest of their kind in the British Isles. At 41m (134ft) our champion Grecian fir is the tallest ever recorded
 
 A treat for all ages

A scenic ride around the park on Bicton Woodland Railway is a treat for children and grown-ups alike. It's also something special for railway enthusiasts, because BWR runs on the only 18-inch (457 mm) gauge leisure line left in Britain. The train operates all year, making regular 25-minute trips, for which there is a small extra charge. 

   
Ride On The Railway 
Lovely views along the way
The train departs from Bicton Station and winds its way through the Pinetum, home to many of our champion trees, to Hermitage Station at the far end of the park. From there, it takes you back along the banks of the Great Lake to complete its journey of around 1.5 miles (2.4 km). 
   
Hauled by a tank engine
Custom built for us in 2000, our replica tank engine Sir Walter Raleigh was named after the 16th-century adventurer, who was born near Bicton. The 5.5-tonne loco hauls up to four 24-seater coaches, all of which are roofed to keep you dry on rainy days.

Paradise for play
Bicton is a magical place for children, who can let off steam to their hearts' delight in the superbly equipped indoor and outdoor play areas, or make their own adventures while exploring our acres of wonderful parkland. 

Outdoor thrills
Outdoors, there is a Bigfoot maze, climbing camp, giant tube-slides, swings, a sit-or-stand seesaw, wooden train, pedal-powered roundabout, little thatched cottages and our latest innovation - an all-weather football pitch.
 
Indoor fun
Children can have fun in comfort whatever the weather in our fully heated play hall, which features roller-racers, climbing frames, a bouncy castle, slides, ball ponds, and special toddlers' section.

Golf, football & nature
While our football pitch is designed especially for children, the 18-hole mini golf course is a challenge for all ages. Our Nuthatch Natural Trail combines education and enjoyment. There is a bird-feeding area and hide, from which many species may be seen at close quarters.

Admission prices 2005

Adults £5.95

Concessions £4.95

Children £4.95

Families £19.95
(2 adults & up to 2 children)

Dogs (on lead at all times) £1 

Extras

Train £1.30 Mini golf 50p
Guided tours for groups by prior arrangement and at extra cost
   
Open all year

10am-6pm summer & 10-5 winter

Shorter opening hours may apply during the Christmas/New Year period, and we are closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day