The Classic Guide

Gardens in South West Cornwall

 
The microclimate of the Lizard peninsula has created some very special gardens here, yet they are far less well-known than they deserve to be. Pick any of the following for a unique day out.
 

Trebah Garden
There's subtropical lushness around every corner at these stunning gardens on the banks of the Helford River. The views from the 18th Century house across the gardens to the river are not to be missed. Wend your way through camellia groves and chusan palms, woodlands and bamboo; meander alongside pools and streams, giant-leafed gunnera and hydrangeas, to emerge onto Trebah's private beach. Perfect for a swim and a picnic in summer. Not picnic weather? Head to the Planters Cafe (winner of the 2008 Cornwall Tourism Award for Popular Restaurant/Cafe of the Year) or have a browse in the gallery and plant shops. One of Cornwall's, if not England's, finest gardens.
www.trebahgarden.co.uk
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50.104
-5.124
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Trevarno - Country Estate Garden
Home to the National Museum of Gardening, Trevarno has 35 acres of gardens including a lake, a pretty boathouse, a walled garden, an Italian garden and a bluebell wood.
www.trevarno.co.uk
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50.127
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Glendurgan Garden
A sheltered valley garden bordering the Helford River next door to Trebah. 'A little 'peace' of heaven on earth' is how the Fox family, who donated Glendurgan to the National Trust, described the garden. With fine trees, rare and exotic plants from all over the world, carpets of wild flowers, and stunning spring displays of camellias and magnolias, it is a little slice of peace served up on the banks of the Helford. The Maze and the 'Giant's Stride' rope swing are firm favourites with the kids; the impressive Laurel Maze will baffle and delight all ages.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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50.106
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Bonython Estate Gardens
Visit in spring and take a walk through the bluebell wood.
www.bonythonmanor.co.uk
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50.046
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Bosahan Gardens
Rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias litter this valley garden on the banks of the Helford River.
www.gardensofcornwall.com
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50.091
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Carwinion Bamboo Garden
Unmanicured and tranquil, just as nature intended; relax in the gardens amid the bamboo and rare and beautiful plants. Take cream tea on the terrace or pick up some ethical bamboo apparel while you're here.
www.carwinion.co.uk
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50.113
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Poldowrian Gardens
This beautifully wild garden sits on the clifftop at Coverack, joining the South West Coast Path. Visits are by appointment only.
www.gardensofcornwall.com
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50.008
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You’re not alone if the south west of Cornwall is a bit of a mystery to you - this area is perhaps less well-trodden than other areas and tranquility is up for grabs here even at the very height of the summer. This most southerly corner of England dangles precariously into the Atlantic; the Lizard peninsula contains a raft of diminutive coves and tiny harbours that make exploring this stretch of coastline endlessly fascinating.
South West Food Fest GuideFrom spring until late autumn it's one long round of food festivals in the South West.
Days Out and Short BreaksBrowse our selection of hand-picked activities for days out and short breaks in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
Your ItineraryView your personal itinerary of things to do, places to visit and where to eat on your holiday.