Fast Rabbit Farm garden review

Places to Go

Fast Rabbit Farm garden review

Fast Rabbit Farm is a hidden gem, nestling down tiny country lanes near to Dartmouth.

As you arrive at the farm, hand-written signs tell you to pay in the greenhouses and we eventually found someone potting some flowers who gratefully took our money. There was no card machine and she didn’t have any change, so she didn’t even charge us full price. This all set the scene for a garden which is obviously a labour of love, rather than a way of making money. The map she offered us was a photocopy of a hand drawn map, and even the leaflets which they had printed spoke more about the reason for the odd name than anything else! 

The pretty paths meander through woodland opening up to spectacular views of south Devon valleys.

Fast Rabbit Farm Quick Guide
> Describes itself as: 43 acres of beautiful woodland gardens
> Horticultural Highlights: Magnolias and Camellias
> Other Highlights: The lake area
> Family Friendly: Yes, but nothing particularly child-friendly
> Accessibility: Tricky in places, disabled visitors are advised to phone in advance
> Best for: A quiet woodland walk
> In one sentence: A quirky, but well-designed garden which is clearly someone’s passion and life work

It was raining on the day of our visit which is often the kiss of death for gardens, but hardly spoiled our visit at all. We followed the delightfully amateurish map to a gazebo to hide from the rain and eat our picnic. The gazebo offered fantastic views across the gardens and we could see down to the wildflower meadow, across the river, and up the banking on the far side of the valley. The Magnolias, and particularly the Camellias, were putting on a fine display of colour. These large colourful shrubs are just delightful when in flower and come in a whole range of subtle, and not so subtle, colours. 

The rain didn't spoil our visit to Fast Rabbit Farm gardens at all.

The gardens were very quiet on the day of our visit and my children really enjoyed running across the meadows and playing hide and seek in the woods. There are no play areas, or anything specifically designed for children, but the gardens have enough hidden paths and interesting detours to keep most children happy. My middle child is the only one of my children who has an active interest in horticulture, and she particularly enjoyed the garden. We both loved the areas around the lake, as well as the rockery. The middle section of the garden, between the meadows and the lake, is woodland and the Bluebells were flowering on the day of our visit. There are few things in life as beautiful as a carpet of bluebells in an English garden. The blooming flowers and pretty woodland paths meandered around and about and there was always something new to see. The Lakeland area was particularly pleasant. A gentle stream trickled down the valley-side. A couple of small waterfalls added to the effect of calm and tranquillity. Some Canadian Geese floated on the lake, and on a less rainy day I’m sure we would have seen plenty of other wildlife. Our dog was allowed to come with us, but we had to keep him on a lead.

Spring time brings out the most lovely blooms in Devon's gardens.

I enjoyed our visit a lot, but this garden is a far cry from the professionally run gardens I’m used to. The signage was awful and there are no facilities or extras to speak of. Even the toilets are a nightmare-inducing hut in the woods.  The nursery sells a wide range of plants, but you will have to look for someone to take your money. I think only one person was running the whole show on the day of our visit. If you are prepared to embrace these quirks, then you will love this garden.

Start planning your Devon holiday now.

 

More reading

Overbeck's

Overbeck's

Overbeck's is not the largest of stately homes and the drive up to it is hair-raising, but if you like tales of eccentric inventors and macabre collections made by a mad-cap genius then Overbeck's is well worth a visit.

Places to Go 5 years ago Philip Eley
Woodland walks in Devon

Woodland walks in Devon

Follow winding rivers, tranquil valleys, and rugged moorland as you explore Devon's incredible woodland walks, from wild Dartmoor to the balmy south coast.

Places to Go 2 weeks ago Elizabeth Dale
Perfect picnic places in south Devon

Perfect picnic places in south Devon

Dine al fresco in Devon this summer with our pick of places to go for a picnic.

Places to Go 6 years ago Philip Eley
Festivals in Devon 2024

Festivals in Devon 2024

Whether music’s your jam or actual jam, Devon has a whole roster full of music, culture and food festivals to get your 2024 going.

Things to do 7 months ago Annie Cowen