Kitchen Garden

The refurbishment of Gidleigh Park in 2006 provided the inspiration for the new kitchen / herb garden. It was always part of the overall project to increase our growing capacity, however the beautiful terraces that were created are simply stunning.

Partial excavation of the site uncovered a vast supply of Dartmoor granite, which we knew immediately we should recycle into the development. Thanks to a wonderfully skilled team of local craftsmen, we were able to use the granite to create the terraces that form the garden walls. Using traditional techniques of dry stone walling, they painstakingly maneuvered the boulders (some weighing over a half a ton in weight) to construct the terraces.

The Kitchen Garden supplements herbs and vegetables for the restaurant during the late spring, summer and autumn months. Of the different varieties of vegetables grown, most are picked whilst young and tender. Fresh fruit picked in the morning may be used for lunch and chefs can often be found picking herbs .

Our vast assortment of planting changes with the seasons, but also in line with our menu requirements, ensuring that our own produce is a fundamental part of our food offering.

The whole estate is looked after by a team of only four gardeners and when you come across them they will be only too happy to spend some time with you sharing their knowledge of the grounds and estate.

For further insight into our gardens we highly recommend that you indulge in one of our 'Grounds and Gardens' tours, an hour's tour of the gardens concluding with lunch - visit the events page for further dates and details.