You don't need to jump on a plane to see towering palms, architectural agaves or Jurassic-style echiums. Across the UK, pockets of warmer microclimates and passionate gardeners are bringing tropical vibes to some unexpected places. Forget the big-name botanical gardens - here are some of the most surprising spots to see exotic and subtropical plants thriving right out in the open.
🌴 Torquay, Devon
Nicknamed the "English Riviera", Torquay lives up to the title with its coastal planting. One of the UK's most impressive displays of Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island date palm) can be found lining the seafront and promenades. So iconic is the look that the popular cultivar Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler' even carries the town's name - a nod to the subtropical aesthetic that defines the bay.
🌿 Minehead, Somerset
At first glance, Minehead may not seem especially tropical - but spend a little time here and you'll spot an unusually dense population of Echium pininana, also known as the giant viper's-bugloss. These towering, blue-flowering plants crop up in parks, front gardens, and even growing wild along the seafront, giving the town an unexpectedly exotic edge.
🌵 Tenby, Pembrokeshire
West Wales might not scream 'tropics', but Tenby has embraced bold, Mediterranean-style gardening with enthusiasm. Palms, agaves, and glossy Aeonium varieties pepper the town's public beds and coastal gardens. The town's unique microclimate, coupled with a community keen on statement planting, makes Tenby a real treat for lovers of the exotic.
🏰 Dunster, Somerset
Nestled beneath Exmoor's hills, Dunster is home to a genuinely tropical surprise. The grounds of Dunster Castle are not only dotted with huge Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan palms), but also feature a 1920s orangery brimming with tropical and subtropical plants. The combination of sheltered gardens and careful planting brings a surprising warmth to this historic site.
🌺 Cornwall (Various Locations)
Thanks to its mild winters and warm, humid summers, Cornwall's coastal towns and gardens are havens for exotic species. Even outside famous sites like the Eden Project or Trebah, you'll find Cordylines, Trachycarpus, Agaves, and more flourishing in private gardens, hotel courtyards, and roadside verges. Keep an eye out in Falmouth, Penzance, and St Ives for everyday examples of tropical planting gone wild.
🌴 Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Ventnor has carved out a reputation as one of the most subtropical-feeling spots in the UK. Thanks to its steep cliffside setting, the town is sheltered from cold northerly winds and enjoys more sunshine than many parts of the country. Ventnor Botanic Garden is the main draw, with exotic species thriving outdoors that would normally require glasshouse protection. But even outside the garden, Cordylines, Agapanthus, and succulents are common sights in gardens and public beds.
🌿 Bournemouth, Dorset
Bournemouth has long leaned into its image as a sunny seaside resort - and the planting reflects that. Along the seafront and cliffside paths, you'll find tall Cordyline australis giving a distinctly palm-like silhouette. While not true palms, they help evoke that Mediterranean feel. The town's formal gardens and promenade planting schemes have historically embraced bold, exotic-style arrangements, especially in the summer months when bedding schemes include Cannas, Banana plants (Ensete ventricosum), and Agapanthus. It's a town that's always gone the extra mile to look vibrant, lush, and inviting.