Fast Rabbit Farm Gardens — Attraction in South Hams

Two years ago I posted this review:

“A pleasant place to walk. We enjoyed the visit and would have left a five star review. Unfortunately on the way out when I found the assistant to pay the entrance fee, I was given an unduly harsh and waspish telling off by the lady who repeatedly complained she couldn't understand how I couldn't see the signs saying dogs should be on a lead. Just as I had suspected - and I had told her so - when I got back to the car park I saw it was inadequately signposted and there was in fact only ONE sign too far away from the car to see it, in the ground under the map on a noticeboard. I hadn't looked at it as it was right by the road in the direction the dogs had chosen to start off and I had focused on getting the dogs going the other way. NOT at all happy to get an unpleasant, long-winded and undeserved telling off on our first outing of the New Year. It was completely uncalled for and she could just as easily have told me the same thing nicely. Hence this bad review. What is the matter with people these days? Needless to say, I won't be going back there again, dogs on a lead or not.”

I just noticed that five months ago, the owner of Fast Rabbit Farm or someone on their behalf posted the following reply:

“I doubt any garden would welcome two large totally unrestrained dogs. Welcoming dogs on leads should be considered a privilege and not abused. It didn't help that one of your uncontrolled dogs arrived alone at the nursery and tried to corner the assistant while growling, barking and with hackles raised. You arrived only some minutes later. Perhaps you managed to assimilate some of the reasons why uncontrolled dogs are not welcome.”

II was shocked to see this untruthful reply, and wanted to speak out in case anyone else has a problem with untruthfulness here and there was no way to respond to it other than to delete it and post this.

One of my dogs is barky and lively but a sweet and soft as a brush cockapoo type and the other is a lurcher cross and very sweet-natured and timid who does exactly what she is told and they each only weigh 10kg (my cat weighs 7kg). The level of untruthfulness in Fast Rabbit Farm's response is...

Hidden gem - excellent value for money Beautiful gardens, hidden off the beaten track. From the free car park, there is a toilet block (ladies and gents) off the grassed round car park, follow the track to a huge polytunnel and we were greeted by Keith and Alan. Just £7 for adults and £1 for children - great value for money. Keith was lovely - passionate about the gardens and shared lots of information. He gave us a map, leaflet and took us to the start of the valley. Wow! what a view. We spent about 3 hours walking around and stopping/sitting and enjoying the views. There aren't refreshments so take drinks and even a picnic and a book and wear bug repellent as you are in open areas/valley even when keeping to the tracks. Very well set up and huge if you choose to walk the entire place. Great way to spend a couple of hours with little impact on the pocket. You can even just go to buy plants. 100% recommend for everyone. Please visit and support this...

A hidden gem! If you like meticulously kept pristine lawns and gardens this isn't the place for you. If, however, llike me, you love a garden that is clearly an incredible life long project, peaceful and full of charm this is for you! A warm welcome, a nursery with reasonably priced plants greets you are the start. There is then a vast area to wander - you start at the top of the valley and it is meandering grass paths or steps. Visiting at the end of July meant we'd missed the wildflower meadows and roses but so much still to see. We especially loved the woodland wander with ponds and a small lake. The gardens were teeming with wildlife - so many species of butterflies, damselflies, dragonflies and many birds. A special place and only £7 for an adult. Highly recommend a visit for a couple of hours if in the area. Note - there is a toilet at the start. There is no cafe - take water etc it can be hot walking...