Oldway Mansion and the Gardens
A magnificent Belle Époque palace set within stunning grounds — discover the grandeur our volunteers work tirelessly to restore and preserve.
Restoring the splendour of Oldway Mansion
A community of dedicated volunteers working to preserve and celebrate the magnificent grounds of Oldway Mansion, Paignton — for everyone to enjoy.
A magnificent Belle Époque palace set within stunning grounds — discover the grandeur our volunteers work tirelessly to restore and preserve.
We are the Oldway Gardens Volunteer Group — a 100% volunteer organisation working tirelessly to restore and maintain the wonderful outside spaces within the Oldway Mansion grounds.
Formed in September 2019 after Torbay Council was unable to continue funding the gardens, we stepped in to ensure this historic treasure would not be lost. In November 2021, we achieved official charity status (Charity No. 1196635).
Our longer-term aim is to see the mansion itself restored for community use — a magnificent vision we are proud to champion.
Our volunteers contribute across a wide range of activities, ensuring the grounds are beautiful, welcoming and historically maintained.
Sustainable planting, border maintenance, the Rose Garden and much more.
Serving tea, coffee, biscuits and ice cream. Open seven days a week.
Selling plant varieties three days a week; all profits fund garden projects.
Heritage and garden tours sharing the rich history of Oldway Mansion.
Maintaining the pond, wildlife island, rockery and grotto areas.
Keeping the grounds clean and welcoming for all visitors every week.
What started as a basic shelter in 2019 has grown into a fully equipped refreshment facility — complete with electricity, running water and a lovely patio area. Run by 18 regular volunteers and 6 backups, our Tea Hut serves tea, coffee, biscuits and ice cream.
All proceeds go directly towards garden maintenance and improvements, so every cup you enjoy contributes to the grounds you love.
Our Plant Stall sells a wonderful variety of plants — and every penny of profit feeds back into the gardens. You can find us on the grounds three days a week, tended by enthusiastic volunteers who love sharing their horticultural knowledge.
Buying a plant from our stall is one of the most direct ways you can help fund new planting projects and ground enhancements.
Linda maintains an annual diary documenting all of our events, projects and milestones throughout the year. Download any of the previous editions below.
Whether you can give an hour or a day, there is always something rewarding to do. All ages and abilities are welcome — we will find the right role for you.
