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Rosemoor Scents and Sensibility
Rosemoor Garden brochure promises you will be "spellbound by the spectacular display of 2,000 roses to stir your senses" and June is the perfect time to see those famous roses in all their stunning glory. The photos featured were taken on a hot sultry day in June 2009. (Read Scents and Sensibility on the North Devon Focus blogspot). The garden, donated to the RHS by Lady Anne Berry in 1988, nestles in a sheltered wooded valley and covers 65 acres in all including the Arboretum and surrounding woodland. In additon to Lady Ann's original gardens you will see a variety of settings including a Wild Flower Meadow and a Lake. The quintessential English Cottage Garden abounds with traditional English flowers, climbers, shrub roses and flowering bushes cascade along the winding circular paths. Rosemoor is now licensed to hold Civil Weddings and Civil Partnership Ceremonies so this area makes for a truly romantic setting. The aptly named Wisteria Room at Rosemoor House is open for tea and coffee. One picture perfect garden follows another as you stroll through formal borders culminating in an explosion of colour and fragrance as you reach the Queen Mother's Rose Garden. A new attraction for 2009 was "The Brash" a pretty picnic area on the edge of the woods where the kids can have a fun time spotting birds and learning about beetles and badgers. There are events running throughout the year including Family Fun Days in August. The layout and easy access makes it enjoyable for all, there are lots of benches in strategic places for those wishing to take a breather or merely admire the view. Great Torrington, a delightful, thriving market town is perched high above Rosemoor and the Torridge Valley. The "Cavalier" town is at the heart of "Tarka Country" and is famous for its historical association with the English Civil War, specifically the Battle of Great Torrington in 1646. The Black Horse Inn, reputed to be the oldest pub in North Devon was said to have been the headquarters of General Fairfax and Lord Hopton. In addition to the local businesses and craft workshops in Torrington Pannier Market, the individual style shops span out in and around the main square where Torrington May Fair has been held since 1554. The Plough offers an exciting programme of events and celebrated 35 years as an arts centre in 2010. While you are here make sure you visit Dartington Crystal, learn about the 40 years of history at the Audio Visual Theatre, watch the expert Master Engraving and live Studio Glassmaking demonstrations. Torrington Cavaliers are famous for their giant themed Bonfires. HMS Victory Bonfire 2005 was a spectacular event attended by over 20,000 spectators who helped to raise over £70,000 for local charities.
Useful Links: Torrington TIC, RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington 1646, The Plough Arts Centre - Dartington Crystal - Torrington Cavaliers - We hope you enjoy a "Great" day out in Torrington.
Rosemoor Garden photo copyright Pat Adams
Rose Garden Rosemoor photo copyright Pat Adams
RHS Garden Rosemoor photo copyright Pat Adams
Wild flower meadow photo copyright Pat Adams
Home Page All articles, images, illustrations, layout © P. Adams North Devon Focus 2015 - All Rights reserved To West Appledore & Appledore Lifeboat Station