National Trust - Greenway — Hotel in South Hams

Firstly we nearly didn't visit this national trust property as on Google maps the roads looked very narrow and not built for modern cars but to be fair it's not that bad and there are plenty passing areas if you do meet something. On arrival we were greeted by a friendly volunteer who asked for our booking name for the car park as you must pre book atleast a day before or you will probably be turned away.. From car park it's a 5 to 10 min walk to the house and gardens but if you can't walk to far their is a buggy service . The house itself is just as it was,and just as if agatha and her family had popped out..very Intresting indeed but our experience was sadly dampened as their were two mini bus loads of students who were seemingly allowed to go round in a big group and not split into smaller groups. Their were 3 teachers who could of taken 3 smaller groups around in different areas and not all together..loads of lockers everywhere for them to put their rucksacks and bags but they were all allowed to carry round the house..so surprised if nothing got broken..surely something that should be looked at. Had a lovely break in cafe with a cheese scone and a hot cross scone..very nice. After our little break we went for a walk down through the gardens,down to the boat house and had a look out over the river dart..kingswear to the left and dittisham to the right. On the walk back up we came up to the top garden where you got a better view across to kingswear..the walk is quite steep in places but at a steady pace you should be fine. Their are plenty of gardens to wander around and plenty of benches scattered about if you need a rest. Before we left we called into the shop and picked up some fancy biscuits and chocolate.. All in all we enjoyed our visit and would deffinatly recommend a visit if your...

A wonderful house set in fabulous grounds all in a stunning location evocative of a bygone era. The National Trust manage this visitor attraction extremely well which does mean if arriving by car it is imperative to use the on line or telephone car park booking system, which is easy enough to do from their web site. Arriving by ferry would be much more fun though & certainly what we will do next time. The site secondhand bookshop has a short video film playing an interview with Agaths Grandson which is informative & helps set the scene for your visit! There is the normal NT shop & nice cafe available if required. Greenway itself is exactly as it was left & unspoilt, in the normal National Trust way. It's interesting, informative & fun, showing the less public side of Mrs. Max Mallowan For us on this October visit though, the stunning grounds won the day. The various paths lead through well managed & kept traditional gardens down to the boat house & battery with lovely views across the water. The paths then lead up to the top garden with snatches of wider views across the estuary. Whilst there is a wide variety of very interesting plants in the gardens, the Camilla collection is wonderfully dominant & very informative. Our 4 hour parking time slot seemed initially over generous, but flew by & we struggled to tear ourselves away on time! All in all, a well kept, informative & lovely place to visit & spend a few hour or...

Great day out! We're ticking off National Trust sites and this was the latest. Traveling down the private driveway you immediately notice the stunning grounds and scenery. With grand old oaks and birch trees along with a plethora of other species. You can tell someone really loved this place. Met by friendly staff helping you park (a word of advice from the staff - if your visiting in the summer book parking online!) You walk down to the estate (or travel by shuttle bus provided if physically needing) where again you are met by more helpful staff. Leading through to the outbuildings and courtyard. The house itself is stunning and large but feels more modern with squarer rooms and more subtle decor (other than the families collections). People are drawn here because of the famous author Agatha Christie (Poirot etc.) But it's interesting to learn Sir Walter Raleigh stayed here long before with his half brothers who owned the property, one of which was a Pirate aka a battery being built. You can walk down to the Battery and Boat House with plunge pool. But it is a bit of a treck. Great to see though. (A slight word of warning and I hope this doesn't put anyone off but - the forest and grounds seem to have quite a large collective of tiks which we noticed on our dog and legs. Might just be worth wearing longer bottoms or deterrent if you do venture around...