At Marwood Hill there are over eighteen acres of landscaped gardens with a large collection of trees, shrubs, herbaceous and alpine plants. The gardens were started in the 1950s by the present owner, Dr Smart. At that time they consisted of a neglected walled garden and its immediate surround. Over the years many new areas have been planted and new features added such as the Folly and the Scented Arbour. Today, with many genera planted in close association (Eucalyptus, Betula, Sorbus, Malus etc.) and most plants clearly labelled, there is much of the botanic garden about Marwood Hill.

Compared to many of the top Devon gardens Marwood is a relative newcomer. The gardens were begun in 1950, at which time they consisted of little more than a simple walled garden. Since then an extensive program of planting and landscaping has resulted in a garden that is one of the great undiscovered pleasures of the county. Two lakes have been created, one with an island at its centre.

There are now over 3000 different varieties of plants spread over 20 acres. There is a greenhouse collection of Antipodean plants, and the national collection of camellias, with over 100 plants creating a cascade of colours in March and April. As well, Marwood boasts one of the largest collection of Astilbe plants in the world.

Other highlights are notable collections of willows and ferns, a rock garden, scented arbour, walled gardens, climbing plants, alpines, and bog plants. Best in: March-August.