The parkland was laid out at the same time as the original house and was grazed by a herd of fallow deer. The area surrounding the House is depicted in late 17th and early 18th century drawings as formal gardens with topiary.

In 1840, George Bampfylde, 1st Baron Poltimore, commissioned James Veitch, son of John Veitch to design the gardens and plant woodlands on the rising ground behind the mansion.

The trees planted at Poltimore House include a cork oak with a span of nearly 90ft, a magnificent copper beech 110 ft high near the church end of the lime avenue, two Luccombe oaks, one of which is 130 ft in height, together with turkey, holm and other species of oak. Other significant trees include five large Wellingtonia and a handkerchief tree (Davidia Involucrata), all established from seed. 

Our fine avenue of lime trees dates from about 1710 and was planted to mark the accession of George I. A second lime avenue was planted around 1750 but was felled in 1956 and replaced with poplars. These were removed in 2023 for safety reasons, and the Trust is currently consulting on what should replace them. 

Facing the east front of the House is a great, spreading Japanese Red Cedar and several specimens of Monkey Puzzle. From the viewpoint steps you can look into the Arboretum with its magnificent trees.

We are currently working hard on a strategy for the restoration and management of the Grounds, enhancing visitor experience and increasing biodiversity whilst respecting their history.