Greencombe Gardens
A hidden horticultural gem on Exmoor, Greencombe Gardens enchants with vibrant spring blooms and serene woodland paths.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bloom for azaleas & rhododendrons
Greencombe Gardens
Best Time
Peak bloom for azaleas & rhododendrons
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden horticultural gem on Exmoor, Greencombe Gardens enchants with vibrant spring blooms and serene woodland paths.
"A fab garden and oasis with views across Porlock Bay, it never disappoints."
Wear sturdy shoes
Paths can be mossy and slippery, especially in the woodland areas. :athletic_shoe:
Photography tips
Avoid direct sunlight for best color saturation; shoot on overcast days or in shade. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Woodland Garden
A breathtaking display of vibrant colors, these blooms are a must-see, especially in spring.
Sea Views
Upper Garden
Enjoy picturesque vistas of Porlock Bay and the Bristol Channel, offering a serene backdrop.
Woodland Paths
Woodland Garden
Wander through moss-covered, winding paths surrounded by lush, almost jungle-like greenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Peak Bloom
RHS Membership Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes
Paths can be mossy and slippery, especially in the woodland areas. :athletic_shoe:
Photography tips
Avoid direct sunlight for best color saturation; shoot on overcast days or in shade. :camerawithflash:
RHS Membership
Use your RHS 'two for one' card for free entry. :ticket:
Compact size
Allow 30-45 minutes to explore this charming, intimate garden. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes
Paths can be mossy and slippery, especially in the woodland areas. :athletic_shoe:
Photography tips
Avoid direct sunlight for best color saturation; shoot on overcast days or in shade. :camerawithflash:
RHS Membership
Use your RHS 'two for one' card for free entry. :ticket:
Compact size
Allow 30-45 minutes to explore this charming, intimate garden. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Greencombe Gardens for its intimate charm, stunning spring blooms like azaleas and rhododendrons, and picturesque sea views. The woodland garden's mossy paths add to its enchanting atmosphere. Some find the adult admission price a bit steep, but RHS membership offers a great discount.
"I first came across this garden in a lovely book "Secret gardens of Somerset" beautifully written (Abigail Willis) and with superb photographs (Clive Boursnell).The garden is very compact, a small garden to the side of the house and a woodland garden to the West with views of Porlock bay. I wanted to photograph the Azaleas and Rhododendrons and they did not disappoint, they are stunning.
However this garden is tricky to photograph. Like most plants Azaleas and Rhododendrons do not photograph well in sunlight/anything approaching bright light (petals will look burnt out) you will lose saturation. On the other hand light very quickly drops to a low level in this garden. To get the best images choose a day with no direct sunlight or wait for the shade to come across the top garden. With digital cameras opt for a higher ISO setting (this increases the sensitivity of the sensor) and unlike the old 35mm film you will not notice any grain. You can now even do this on some phones. Shoot keeping any sky totally out of the viewfinder, this will expose for the lush greens and the colours will "pop". If you shoot RAW, add light (0.3 of an F stop) in processing but add a touch of saturation to compensate.
I hope you can tell from the images, I absolutely loved this garden. It is soft, gentle and intimate. It is an old fashioned sentiment but I feel it has been a privilege to be able to photograph it, I will definitely be back."
Alan Keevil
"Wanted to visit here for a long time and got in just before it closes at end of July. Fantastic display of hydrangeas of various colours. Views over Bristol Channel to Wales. Will definitely go back again in the spring next year"
Tony Cove
"Nice small woodland garden with vegetable area and paths to a nice surprise!
£1 for kids is great but £7 per adult is slightly steep. However it's free with a RHS membership which us adults had."
Alan To (xoAlto)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Greencombe Gardens is located near Porlock, on the edge of Exmoor National Park. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. The gardens offer lovely views of Porlock Bay and the Bristol Channel, making the journey scenic.
Information regarding dedicated parking facilities is not widely available, but it's advisable to check the official Greencombe Gardens website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date parking information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Greencombe Gardens typically opens from April to the end of July. It's crucial to check their official website for exact opening dates and times, as these can vary seasonally.
Adult admission is around £7, while children typically pay £1. However, RHS members can often gain free entry with a 'two for one' card, making it a great value.
Yes, Greencombe Gardens is an RHS partner garden. If you have an RHS membership, you can often use a 'two for one' card for free entry, which is a significant saving.
The garden usually closes at the end of July. It's always best to confirm the exact closing date for the year you plan to visit.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best photographic results, aim for overcast days or times when the garden is in shade. Direct sunlight can cause blown-out petals and reduce color saturation.
To capture the lush greens and vibrant colors, try to keep the sky out of your shots. If shooting digitally, consider a higher ISO setting and adding a touch of saturation in post-processing.
The azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom are particularly stunning. The winding, mossy woodland paths also offer beautiful, atmospheric shots.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The garden features paths on several levels, with some woodland paths being mossy and potentially slippery. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
You'll find a beautiful array of plants, including stunning azaleas and rhododendrons, hydrangeas, camellias, and tree ferns, creating an almost jungle-like atmosphere.
Yes, the garden is described as compact and intimate. Most visitors find it takes about 30 to 45 minutes to walk around and appreciate its beauty.
While specific cafe details aren't widely advertised, some visitors have mentioned enjoying homemade scones. It's best to check their official site for current offerings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the garden is compact, it provides enough visual interest to keep younger visitors engaged for a short while. The views over Porlock Bay can also be a pleasant distraction. Remember to dress children in sturdy shoes, as some of the woodland paths can be a bit slippery.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even without an RHS membership, the £1 entry for children makes it an affordable outing for families. The garden's intimate size means you can enjoy its beauty without needing to dedicate an entire day, making it a cost-effective stop on your Exmoor exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Horticultural Legacy of Greencombe Gardens
The garden is divided into two main areas: a more compact garden adjacent to the house and a woodland garden to the west. This woodland section is particularly known for its winding, moss-covered paths that create an almost jungle-like atmosphere. The planting here feels lush and abundant, offering a sense of discovery around every bend.
Visitors often describe Greencombe as a 'hidden gem' of Exmoor, appreciated for its intimate and gentle ambiance. It's a place that rewards slow exploration, with its carefully curated plant collections and stunning views over Porlock Bay. The garden's design encourages a sense of peace and wonder, making it a delightful escape for nature lovers.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Greencombe Gardens
To achieve stunning images, photographers are advised to visit on overcast days or wait for the shade to move across the garden. This diffused light allows the true colors of the flora to pop. For those using digital cameras, increasing the ISO setting can help in the lower light conditions of the woodland areas without introducing noticeable grain. Shooting in RAW format also provides more flexibility for adjustments in post-processing, such as adding a touch of light and saturation.
Many visitors find the garden's intimate and soft atmosphere incredibly rewarding to photograph. The winding, mossy paths and the lush greenery create a sense of depth and mystery. By carefully composing shots and paying attention to light, photographers can effectively convey the enchanting and serene beauty of Greencombe Gardens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit