Due to the warmth of the Gulf Stream, Cornwall provides the perfect setting for many rare and stunning plants to flourish. Because of this, there are a wide variety of beautiful gardens to explore across the county, here are just a few of our favourites.
Lost under a tangle of weeds for many years, The Lost Gardens of Heligan were rediscovered in 1990 and restored to the stunning spectacle they are today. Explore the 200 acre gardens and discover the Victorian Productive Gardens, bamboo tunnels, giant rhubarb and more.
A true horticultural spectacle, the Eden Project has over a million plants spread across 35 acres. Explore the Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes, before making your way through the Outdoor Garden where you’ll find some of the oldest and rarest plants.
Glendurgan Garden is made up of three sheltered valleys that lead down to the beautiful Helford River. Here you’ll find a variety of intriguing exotic plants as well as carpets of wild flowers to discover. Wind your way down through the pathways under the lush canopies until you meet the water’s edge.
A sub-tropical paradise just waiting to be explored – Trebah Garden is rated among the 80 finest gardens in the world. Whatever time of year you choose to visit you’ll find plenty to discover, from the colourful array of 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias in spring, to the giant gunnera in summer or the Hydrangeas in autumn. During the winter months the champion trees take the spot light.
Surrounded by woods, streams and dramatic vistas, Tremenheere is an exotic, sub-tropical garden that is home to a wide selection of exotic and half hardy plants – providing the perfect backdrop to contemplative and inspiring art. As you explore you’ll find a variety of spectacular works by renowned artists such as James Turrell RA, Kishio Suga and David Nash RA to name just a few.
From the main lawn with its sweeping views and exotic borders, to the Cornish Orchard that holds a number of local apple varieties, or the tennis lawn where you’ll find incredible views looking out over the countryside and water – there are plenty of stunning blooms to enjoy as you wind your way through the gardens at Trelissick.
A stunning 15-acre garden, Trewidden offers a magnificent collection of over 300 Camellias and Magnolias as well as one of the largest tree fern dells in Europe. Wind your way through the maze of plants and discover some species that are rarely seen in this country.
Ok, so we might be a little biased but we think our own gardens here at the Penryn Campus are a little bit special. Having recently been awarded a Green Flag and described as a “wonderful, unique” place and a “horticultural wonder” by judges – the gardens are well worth exploring during a stay with us. Take a look at our guide to the Tremough gardens on the Penryn Campus.
