The Gnome Reserve

Photo op for the struggling musicians limbicspin (Atlas Obscura User)

For over 35 years, these four acres of beautiful countryside have been a natural habitat for a diverse array of plants, birds, butterflies, and pond life—plus the occasional fairy, and a large community of gnomes and pixies.

Here, the pint-size woodland creatures can be seen going about their daily lives: playing chess, relaxing with a good book, getting married, and engaging in the space race.

There are more than 2,000 garden gnomes and pixie models at the Gnome Reserve in North Devon, making it the Guinness World Record holder for the largest gnome collection on the planet. The little creatures can be found hidden among the trees, relaxing by the pond and stream, or at home in the wildflower garden.

This quirky place was founded in 1979 by gnome enthusiast Ann Atkin, a former art student who was inspired to do something totally different and create a whimsical refuge for the garden gnomes of Britain to roam free. Visitors are welcome, and don’t worry: Gnome hats and fishing rods are provided free of charge so you can blend right in.

After communing with the little folk and enjoying the wildlife, a cream tea would go down a treat, and yes, you can find those here too.

Know Before You Go

The Reserve is open between March 21 and October 31. A small admission fee is payable; gnomes need to eat too. Planning your route before you go is advisable—small country lanes and patchy connectivity can make for more of an adventure than you're looking for. The Reserve is in the village West Putford (near Bradworthy) in North Devon. There is a small cafe on site—try the cream tea—and a shop with gnomes for purchase.