Gardens in Cornwall
Cornwall is often described as the 'garden capital of the world' as the lush vegetation and colour give garden lovers a feast for the eyes all year round.
Whether you are a serious horticulturalist, specialist gardener, enthusiastic amateur, holidaymaker or a day-tripper, Cornwall's magnificent gardens can show you everything from wild woodland to neatly manicured lawns, the small and unusual, those with eccentric features, to the large and famous - whose plants, flowers, palms and trees thrive in Cornwall's mild coastal climate. Below are just a few of the highlights.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Heligan, the seat of the Tremayne family for more than 400 years, is one of the most mysterious estates in England. At the end of the nineteenth century its thousand acres were at their zenith, but only a few years after the Great War of 1914 bramble and ivy were already drawing a green veil over this 'Sleeping Beauty'. Today "the nation's favourite garden" offers over 200 acres for exploration, from Victorian Productive Gardens and the surrounding Pleasure Grounds to a sub-tropical Jungle valley brimming with exotic foliage; woodland and farm walks through beautiful Cornish countryside, where sustainable management practices promote habitat conservation and a pioneering Wildlife Project offering visitors a close-up view of native wildlife.
The Eden Project
A dramatic global garden the size of thirty football pitches nestling like a lost world in an old china clay pit overlooking St Austell Bay. Its 50 metre deep crater has become home to thousands of important and beautiful plants. Three of the world's climate zones have been chosen for interpretation. The Humid Tropics and the Warm Temperate regions are contained within the two giant geodesic conservatories which have already captured the public imagination.
However, Eden is so much more than the awesome geodesic structures that are the world's largest greenhouses. It is a global garden for the 21st century and beyond, a gateway to a sustainable future, and a dramatic setting in which to tell the fascinating story of man's dependence upon plants.
Trebah
This beautiful 26 acre garden is listed among the 80 finest in the world. The steeply wooded ravine descends to a secluded beach on the Helford River (from which the 29th US Infantry Division embarked for the assault landing on Omaha beach on D-Day in 1944). A stream cascades over waterfalls and water gardens with ponds full of Koi carp and through two acres of massed blue and white hydrangeas. Huge 100 year old tree-ferns mingle with a forest of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias under a canopy of ancient oaks and beeches. Truly a garden for all seasons.
Lanhydrock
One of the most fascinating and complete late 19th-century houses in England, Lanhydrock is full of period atmosphere. The gatehouse and north wing (with impressive 32yd-long gallery with plaster ceiling) survive intact from the 17th century, while the rest of the house was restored in 1881 to include the latest advances in country house planning, design and technology. The garden has a stunning collection of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias, and offers fine colours right through into autumn. All this is set in a glorious estate of 364 hectares (900 acres) of woods and parkland running down to the River Fowey, with numerous footpaths.
Trerice
Experience the hidden delights of this secluded valley garden surrounding a grand Elizabethan manor house. The house itself is a former Domesday manor that was updated to be the Elizabethan house that now stands in around 1570. With so much to explore inside and out, this family friendly spot is bound to keep lively imaginations gripped as you pass from the historical journey into a garden wonderland. The forecourt is edged with vibrant borders, from where you can climb the steps to the bowling green. Keep the kids busy with a game of Kayles (Cornish skittles) on the parade ground, and fill their sights and senses with the kaleidoscopic offerings of the herbaceous borders and the beautiful, fruit-filled orchards. Small is Beautiful, but in the case of these six acres it's not too small to find plenty of space and seclusion, be it in summer or winter. Just three miles from Newquay, Trerice is ideally located for a whole host of other attractions.
Pencarrow
There's a surprise round every corner at Pencarrow. From the 2000 year old Iron Age fort to the mile long carriage drive, the Victorian Ice House and Grotto, the restored lake and formal Italian gardens with ornate fountain, there's something for everyone including the dog! Look out for drifts of spring snowdrops, primroses and bluebells through our 50 acres of woodland, highlighted by gigantic rhododendrons, amazing azaleas, picture-perfect camellias, magnificent magnolias and superb specimen conifers from around the world. There's a craft and plant shop, licensed tearoom, plenty of free parking and PYO soft fruit in season. Gardens open daily from March 1st to October 31st, 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Trevarno
An unforgettable gardening experience comprising seventy acres of beautiful Victorian Gardens and grounds and includes one of the countries largest and most diverse plant collections. Explore tranquil woodland walks, including the 2km Estate Walk, rockery and grotto and the more formal areas including the Serpentine Yew Tunnel and Italian Garden. Relax in the Fountain Garden Conservatory and enjoy the homemade refreshments. Visit the unique National Museum of Gardening, Vintage Soap Collection, Toy Museum and shop. Open daily 10.30am - 5pm except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
PLEASE TELEPHONE THE HOTELS DIRECTLY TO BOOK ACCOMMODATION:
The Bay Hotel 01637 852221
The Esplanade Hotel 01637 873333
*Photos from Visit Cornwall
