Gardens of Cornwall
From the intimate cottage gardens to sprawling estates and parks, there are many beautiful gardens to visit in Cornwall and in the summer they're alive with vibrant colours and interesting species; often found in stunning locations themselves.
We've been talking about gardens in the office and put together a list of our top 5 favourites:
Trebah Garden Near Falmouth
A sub-tropical paradise with a picture perfect coastal backdrop. As you wander through tunnels of vibrant colour and exotic blooms you'll reach the private beach on the Helford River.
Set in a wooded valley, there's 4 miles of footpaths to explore the 5,000 plants from around the world with streams and ponds to see along the way too.
All year round there's an ever changing display of colour and scent. Experience glades of ferns, bamboos, 4 acres of blue hydrangeas in spring, a rolling canopy of 100 year old rhododendrons and magnolias.
Website: http://www.trebahgarden.co.uk
Lanhydrock Near Bodmin
It's not just the house at Lanhydrock that's 'listed', the gardens are as well and there's a display showing the development of the gardens from the 17th century onwards.
They offer free guided tours with volunteer guides who lead people around the formal gardens twice a day on most weekdays, sharing their knowledge and answering your questions.
Our favourite feature at Lanhydrock is the fabulous formal parterre, a neatly planted garden of beds, which brings a real touch of grandeur to the gardens.
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
Trelissick Near Truro
A beautiful house and garden set in a countryside estate with stunning maritime views and lovely walks.
On its own peninsula, there's panoramic views over the Fal estuary. Trelissick house provides the perfect setting to enjoy the ever changing seascape and countryside steeped in Cornish history.
Visitors can explore the meandering paths through the woodland garden, leading to exotic plants and herbaceous borders bursting with colour.
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick
Godolphin Near Helston
This ancient and atmospheric estate has a medieval garden and historic house to visit.
Rich in archaeology and wildlife, travel back in time as you wander around the 16th-century garden; one of the most important historic gardens in Europe.
The wider estate, features an engine house and stack - the remains of the Godolphin family mine. Take a walk to Godolphin Hill on the south-westerly reaches of the estate where there are some of the best views in Cornwall, looking out over St Ives Bay to the north and the famous St Michael’s Mount to the south.
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/godolphin
The Lost Gardens of Heligan Near St Austell
A world of romance, nostalgia and adventure awaits at Europe's largest garden restoration.
Twenty five years ago, The Lost Gardens of Heligan were rediscovered and today, remain one of the most loved and romantic gardens in the UK. Appreciated as much for its beauty and mystery as for the ground breaking restoration project.
Over 200 acres are now a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic. Along winding paths laid out over two centuries ago, the estate also reveals a lost world of traditional and rare breeds and ancient woodlands.
Website: http://heligan.com
As popular attractions most gardens will have parking facilities, coffee shops and plants/shrubs for sale. Many also welcome dogs but please check before visiting.
Click here to visit a more comprehensive list of Cornish gardens.
