Cornwall is famed for its beautiful gardens and the best season in which to visit them is spring, without a doubt. They are exceptionally beautiful at this time of year and quieter before the summer rush
Whether you're an expert gardener or someone who can't keep a pot plant alive, there are few things more tranquil or inspiring than visiting a really spectacular garden.
Treworgey makes an ideal base for garden lovers - you'll be surrounded by beautiful plants (including the abundant wildflowers) and have your own private cottage garden, and from here there are numerous spectacular gardens you can visit. Below are our picks of the best.
Click here to see our spring offers or here to see all remaining spring availability.
Lanhydrock House and Gardens
Description: There has been a garden at Lanhydrock since the 17th century, but most was established within the Victorian period. The formal parterre brings a touch of grandeur to the garden. The planting design was inspired by the original planting scheme from the early 20th century. There is also a higher garden which is a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet, within the gardeners thatched cottage there’s a display about how the garden developed. Lanhydrock is also famous for it’s magnolia trees which are also located in the higher gardens including a magnolia arch by the thatched cottage.
Time from Treworgey: 30 minutes (PL30 5AD)
Dogs: Welcome in the parkland but not in the Gardens
Parking: National trust carpark with payment stations if you are not a member
Pencarrow House and Gardens
Description: The gardens at pencarrow range from formal landscaping to ancient woodlands. In March there are dazzling displays of camellias and rhododendrons which include more than 400 varieties. The gardens were designed and laid out between 1831-1855 by sir William Molesworth with his head gardener Thomas Corbett. Pencarrow also boasts having the first Victorian rock garden in England, the great granite stone were carted to Pencarrow by Bodmin moor farmers.
Time from Treworgey: 40 minutes (PL30 3AG)
Dogs: Welcome
Parking: Free parking on site
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Description: Heligan is Europe’s largest garden restoration, being rediscovered from the bambles. There are over 200 acres to explore, being a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic. Heligan is a garden for all seasons, areas include the victorian productive gardens, pleasure grounds and the Jungle.
Time from Treworgey: 55 minutes (PL26 6EN)
Dogs: Welcome all year round on a lead
Parking: Free onsite parking
Caerhays castle and gardens
Description: Spring is the best time to visit the gardens at Caerhays, their plants will be in full flower and seeing the 100 year old Magnolia tree in flower is not to be missed. Many of their plants are huge, old, spectacularin colour, shape and perfume. Caerhays are also holders of the UK’s national Magnolia collections aswell as being famous for its camellias and Rhododendrons. There are structured walks around the garden giving views over the estate and grounds, the lake, and out to sea.
Time from Treworgey: 1 hour (PL26 6LY)
Dogs: Are welcome in the Gardens on leads.
Parking: You will need to purchase a £7.50 all-day parking, this will then be refunded at the entrance to the gardens when you present your ticket. If you book in advance online you do not need to purchase a parking ticket.
Trebah Garden
Description: Trebah is renowned as being a sub-tropical Cornish garden, steeped in heritage and creativity. There are four miles of footpaths that wind through exotic planting. Trebah also has its own private beach offering the perfect escape for all ages. Trebah is the perfect destination for both family adventures and peaceful solitude all year round.
Time from Treworgey: 1 hour 20 minutes (TR11 5JZ) quite a distance from Treworgey but may be worth a visit if combined with Glendurgan garden
Dogs: Welcome on lead in all areas including the gardens and beach. The Trebah kitchen also has designated dog area so dog lovers can sit together.
Parking: Free Parking onsite.
Glendurgan
Description: Glendurgan is a historic and exotic wooded valley garden leading down to the river Helford. It has an intriguing collection of horticultural specimens interspersed with wildflower meadows. There is a cherry laurel maze which is based on a design taken from the Sydney gardens in Bath which were planted in 1833. Within the grounds is Durgan beach, a small pebbly sheltered beach on the banks of the Helford River. For little ones they have installed a simple rotating rope swing.
Time from Treworgey: 1 hour 20 minutes (TR11 5JZ) quite a distance from Treworgey but may be worth a visit if combined with Trebah garden
Dogs: Assistance dogs only
Parking: Car parking and entry charges for non National trust members.
