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Cornish Gardens to Visit in 2024

Cornish Gems. January 25, 2023

Alongside our wild, untamed landscapes, Cornwall is home to some of the most beautifully and thoughtfully crafted gardens in the UK. From perfectly manicured grounds steeped in romantic history, to innovative micro-climates with the most peculiar of plant species, in this blog we reveal our favourite Gardens in Cornwall to visit in 2024.

A Secret Garden: The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewen

Lost to the brambles and Ivy at the outbreak of WW1, The Lost Gardens of Heligan was rediscovered decades later, by chance, and the once glorious gardens were brought back to life. The groundbreaking restoration project has made these 200 acres of paradise accessible to all those intrigued by its history, planting and wildlife. Within this enchanting, dog-friendly garden in Cornwall, you can explore the network of magical walkways, discover jungle areas, meet the farm animals and marvel at the luscious pond areas and pretty walled gardens.

Get Lost in Glendurgan Garden, Falmouth

Created in 1820, Glendurgan Garden in Falmouth is home to a mix of native and exotic plants. The owners made the famous cherry laurel hedge maze for their 12 children to enjoy. Get lost in the pathways and find your way to Durgan Beach on the stunning Helford River, where there are stones to be skimmed and sand castles to be built. There’s a rope swing, tea house, and in early spring, the Camellia Walk bursts with colour.

Explore The Eden Project

Of all the gardens in Cornwall, you’ll surely have heard of this one, and no time in Cornwall would be complete without a trip to Eden’s impressive biomes. Trek through the humid tropics in the worlds largest indoor rainforest, where there’s over 1,000 plant species, a crashing waterfall and a wobbly bridge that takes you through the treetops. Or perhaps you’ll unwind in paradise at the Mediterranean Biome, where sweet aromas and vibrant petals create summer holiday vibes. There are exhibitions and events on throughout 2023, perfect for keeping kids curious and entertained.

Discover The Bonython Estate, Helston

The sprawling grounds of Bonython Estate on The Lizard Peninsula offers a very Cornish combination of discovery and relaxation. It’s a soothing environment for those in need of some time out, and an enchanting green playground for children to toddle around. Lakes, woodland walks, and a 19th century walled garden provide interest throughout the seasons. Garden Cottage, one of our loveliest Gems, is settled within the Bonython Estate, and guests are offered complimentary access to the gardens.

Enys Gardens, Penryn (nr. Falmouth)

One of the oldest gardens in Cornwall, Enys Garden has a vibrant display of bluebells over the ancient grounds that are well worth a visit in the Spring. With a play burrow for the young – and young at heart – and a garden cafe, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

Enys is situated a few miles to the East of Penryn in Cornwall. Its beautiful gardens and woodlands are a haven of tranquility. Its ancient buildings have been largely abandoned since the mid-20th century, but are gradually awakening from their long slumber.

Trengwainton Garden (National Trust), nr. Penzance

Shaded with ferns, and adorned with a beautiful trickling stream fit for Cornish piksies and faeries, let imaginations run wild and shade yourselves from the strong summer sun. With an award-winning tea room, gift and garden shop, and intentionally placed “quiet spots” overlooking the south coast, inviting you to have a moment of mindfulness, Trengwainton is truly magical. Head back to the kitchen garden to find beautiful rows of native plants, the second hand bookshop, and the characters that become scarecrows every summer, created by the children at the local school.

#WhereWeGo – Cornish Gems Digital Marketing Specialist, Flo, who’s based in West Cornwall, often visits Trengwainton Gardens with her little boy.

“Trengwainton is a fabulous garden to visit especially in the summer. It can get so hot during our heatwaves and this garden provides the perfect amount of shade. The subtropical plants make the whole walk so characterful, and the kitchen garden can be very inspirational if you’re green-fingered like me. My favourite plants are the fluffy pink and white astilbe along the beautiful stream. If you’re a keen photographer, the shade provides some really dramatic light, and they have a beautiful array of hydrangea, from bright pinks and blues to soft whites and creams. I remember a particular visit where I sat on a bench by the stream with my baby in the sling, and I took my shoes off and felt the soft, spongey grass under my feet. It was a really mindful moment which are hard to come by as a mum. I’ve been bringing my little boy to Trengwainton since I was on maternity leave, he loves admiring the tall trees, collecting leaves, sticks and petals, and following the themed nature trails the National Trust often host. One of my favourite visits included the feminist icon scarecrows that were made by the local school. They had Frida Kahlo, Beatrix Potter, Jane Goodall, Amelia Earhart, Florence Nightingale and Coco Chanel – so fabulous! At Christmas, they often host a lantern walk with beautiful lanterns crafted by the local school children as well, ending with a choir performance, Santa’s grotto and hog roast. It’s simply magical!”