Cornwall Gardens to visit

Cornwall Gardens From Trevarno's enchanting lake with its Victorian boathouse to the sub-tropical delights of Trebah to the landscaped grounds of Anthony House there are over 60 great gardens to explore. Here are a few suggestions......

Trevarno Estate and Gardens ,- off the beaten track but well worth exploring. Over 40 acres of Victorian and Georgian Garden mature woodland. A lake with a enchanting boathouse, streams and cascades superb conservatory with fountain.

A rockery, pinetum and walled Victorian gardens awaiting restoration. Not forgetting the National Museum of Gardening with a collection of the most watering cans you are likely to see anywhere in one place. "A unique and unforgettable gardening experience for all ages". Open all year except Christmas Day. Getting there. 3 miles west of Helston.

Trebah 'Garden of Dreams' or so the publicity leaflets say, on the Helford River. Steeply wooded and sub tropical in a stunning setting on the Helford River. Even more magical if you catch a glimpse of a yacht gliding down the river on an outgoing tide. Sub tropical tree ferns, magnolias, camellias, and chusan palms.

Originally planted in the mid 19th Century, since the 1980's restored to its former glory. A delight of ever changing colour from the camellias of late winter and early spring to the late autumn glows of the surrounding oak and beach woods. A stream and koi carp ponds.

With an eye catching visitors centre and plant shop. A paradise for the plantsman, artist and family. Opening every day of the year including Christmas Day.

Caerhays Castle and it's 100 acre woodland garden. Plant hunters will enjoy looking at the rhododendron hybrids, magnolias and camelia williamsii. The whole garden covers some sixty acres and even in March and April at the height of the Cornish spring flowering season it has a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. Curving paths lead off in different directions, wild bird song abounds and occasionally the mewing call of a male peacock echoes up the valley, as like some park warden on patrol he struts around the castle walls. The higher you climb the more open the planting becomes.

Great Gardens in the care of the National Trust

Six of the finest Cornish gardens are in the care of the National Trust - Antony | Cotehele, Lanhydrock | Glendurgan Trelissick, and Trengwainton – covering between them a huge variety of plants, styles, features and moods.

Towan Camellias Nr Truro Though a strictly speaking a Nursery specialising in Camellias, the informal garden setting with wandering paths and lawns make it a joy to visit. Open February to May.

Penberth nr St Buryan As well as being an unspoilt fishing cove, where men still put to see in open boats to fish for crab and mackerel, the Penberth Valley is home to a spectacular privately owned garden. Camellias and many other unusual shrubs fight for space amongst granite boulders. All to the sound of a dappling brook and the whir of dragonflies wings. The garden is only open on charity days or by appointment. Getting there. Near St Buryan, Penzance

Please check opening days and times before setting out

lanhydrock