Cornwall has some of the most beautiful gardens in the country, which is thanks to the warming gulf stream keeping our county relatively mild all year. Gardens spring into life much earlier in the season than you would’ve thought possible and the array of exotic plants will also surprise you — some gardens will make you feel you’ve been transported to South Africa, Chile, Australia or the Balearics! For you green-fingered people out there, here is a list of our 10 favourite gardens in Cornwall.
Glendurgan Garden
Nestled near the Helford River, this National Trust garden is peaceful and exotic, with a valley that leads to a sheltered beach at the bottom. As well as being a great day out for grown-ups, the kids will love getting lost in the planted maze and the dizzying rotating rope swing. For extra exploration, you can seamlessly join walking routes up and down the Helford River.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Arguably one of the great gardens in Cornwall, these gardens were rediscovered 25 years ago and brought to glory again. Over 200 acres of gardens and estate can be explored, ranging from kitchen gardens and pleasure grounds to ancient woodland and tropical plants. It’s a botanist’s dream!
Trelissick Garden
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Set on its own peninsula in the Fal estuary, Trelissick is a country house and garden run by the National Trust. The size of this place means children, dogs and energetic grown-ups have plenty of space blow off some steam. Due to the position of the gardens and parkland, you have stunning River Fal views, where you can see all manners of different watercraft and even Falmouth town in the distance.
The Eden Project
Once an old clay pit, the Eden Project is a great story of how a ruined landscape can be completely transformed. The famous domed biomes transport you across the world; presenting an unfathomable array of plants from humid tropical rainforests to arid Mediterranean-style climes. There is also an extensive list of things to see and learn in the wider park, as well as lots of events in the year ranging from live music to ice skating.
Trebah Garden
Another little micro-climate by the Helford, Trebah is an astonishing example of the tropical plants you can grow in Cornwall. Wandering around Trebah you can find century-old rhododendrons, over 50 species of bamboo, monstrous gunneras and a water garden built around a natural spring. If you fancy a dip, they also have a private beach on the Helford.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Tremenheere is a truly unique space, just outside of Penzance. The sculpture gardens, gallery, restaurant and shop are easy to spend a day at, whatever the weather. The gallery showcases the work of local and international artists, as do the subtropical gardens.
Trengwainton Garden
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Another National Trust beauty, Trengwainton is an estate near Mount’s Bay with 30 acres of wooded gardens. Like the rest, these sheltered gardens are bursting with exotic colours, as well as the familiar sights of native woodland, fern glades and a kitchen garden. On a clear day, you have great views from the top of the garden of Mount’s Bay and the Lizard beyond.
Hepworth Sculpture Gardens
Perhaps the smallest of the gardens on this list, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens should not be left out on your itinerary. The museum is actually Hepworth’s old studio – and the garden is a real hidden gem. Amongst the luscious plants, you have the artist’s world-renowned work, and you just can’t help be inspired by the gorgeous views over St Ives Bay.
Potager Garden
A visit to Potager is one of our favourite ways to spend the day. This little kitchen-come-subtropical garden near Falmouth has sprung up to become a social and environmental project, clearing away the brambles from an abandoned plant nursery and restoring it back to its former glory. The food is outstanding, and they also host a range of workshops and themed food nights.
Caerhays Castle Gardens
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A visit to these distinguished castle grounds in spring is a must. Take a stroll down towards the sea and look back at the impressive castle, framed with a backdrop of breathtaking rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias. The gardens are only open from mid-February to early-June, as things start to come to life – including the National Magnolia Collection that Caerhays is home to.
