Join us for our free Open Garden event at Shilstone on Sunday 25th September from 12 noon – 4pm.

Visitors are invited to explore parts of Shilstone’s incredible historic gardens, namely the North-Eastern Terraces giving stunning views across the house, the family’s private gardens and down into the valley, and the valley itself with medieval fishponds, rills and cascades. You will also be able to see the Grotto and remains of the only known 17th century Italianate Water Theatre in the UK during your wander.

The Devon Rural Archive will also be open so that you can view current exhibitions, browse our second hand book stall and chat with our team about the history of your house! We are delighted that local historian Phil Ward will also be joining us to sell and sign copies of his new book Holbeton: New Perspectives on a South Devon village. 

Access to the Gardens and the Archive is free of charge. 

Whilst on site you may also like to enjoy some delicious treats from Feast Kitchen Deli in the Archive courtyard. 

Please note that the gardens include steep slopes, rough ground and steps. Regrettably no dogs.