Lukesland

About Lukesland

Lukesland has 24 acres of woodland gardens, with flowering shrubs, trees and a wealth of wild flowers. It is in the beautiful setting of a small valley with a brook cascading from its source on Dartmoor through ponds and over waterfalls towards the River Erme. At Lukesland the acid soils of the Dartmoor Granite combine with the mild, moist climate of South Devon to provide ideal conditions for plants from other parts of the world. The gardens contain many wonderful rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and a wide variety of other fine shrubs. There are 4 Champion Trees and around 40 notable trees in the National Tree Register, including a magnificent Magnolia campbellii, with the biggest spread in the country. Only an archway remains of the former Tudor house. The present house was built in 1862 in the Victorian Gothic style, and forms the centrepiece of these dramatic gardens. The first major landscaping and planting took place in the 1880’s. This has been continued since the 1930’s by the Howell family, and a Pinetum of over seventy different and unusual conifers was added. Further extensive planting of trees and shrubs, including late-flowering rhododendrons, accompanied landscaping changes over the past 45 years and much is now maturing. A gazebo was completed in the 150th anniversary year, with lovely views across the valley to the house. A bog garden with a board walk to an island is being developed by the top lake. A recent extension to Lukesland’s popular tea room allows more comfortable seating. With a trail and ‘Sound & Story Garden’ for children, and dogs welcome on a lead, Lukesland is full of surprises and delights for people of all ages and tastes.
Self catering, wheelchair-friendly ‘Clock House’ in the grounds, bookable through helpfulholidays.co.uk.

Open Suns, Weds and BH (11-5) 10 March - 9 June and 9 Oct - 13 November. Adm £8.00, under 16s free. Group discount for parties of 20+. Group tours available by appointment. Children's trail.