Gardens to visit in Cornwall - Top 5

Gardens in Cornwall are impacted by the Gulf Stream which plays an important part in the weather we get in the region. It’s warming influence means that rare and unusual plants can thrive here where they can’t in the rest of the British Isles. There are many interesting gardens in Cornwall to visit but here’s a list of our top five, chosen because they all offer something very different:

Trebah GardenTrebah Garden, a glorious place to explore and enjoy.

The beautiful garden near Falmouth runs down a lush valley to a private beach. It has a stunning coastal backdrop and is open all year round. It is a family and dog-friendly, sub-tropical garden that has about four miles of footpaths including special children’s trails. It is home to the Chusan Palm and at 50 foot is recognised as the tallest in the UK. Its award winning café serves a range of home cooked, seasonal food. Three motorised buggies are available free of charge which can cover about 80 per cent of the garden.

Bonython Estate GardensBonython Manor Gardens are perfect for exploring

Bonython Estate is open Monday to Friday from April through to September (closed on bank holidays) this garden has a South African twist to it. The estate on the Lizard Peninsula and the 20 acres of garden includes an orchard, woodland, a lake, a tree fern and rhododendron dell as well as a herb garden. The whole garden is accessible by wheelchairs and a thatched summerhouse overlooks the lake where tea and homemade cakes are the order of the day.

Eden ProjectThe Eden Biomes are world famous

Probably the best known garden in the South West, the Eden Project is open all year round and is located near St Austell. It includes the rainforest and the Mediterranean Biomes, the world’s largest greenhouses. It explores how people can work with nature and make changes to preserve our planet. There is always lots to do for the children and the site is easily accessible for all. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas and there are plenty of food and drink options around the site.

TregothnanA look around the private Tregothnan estate, near Truro, will be a day to remember as it is home to England’s only tea plantation. It’s micro-climate, on the banks of the River Fal, has enable many extraordinary fruit trees and rare plants to thrive including Camelllia sinensis, the tea bushes. Private garden visits can be arranged or book onto one of the monthly tours through the website www.tregothnan.co.uk

The Lost Gardens of HeliganA fern filled grotto in The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

After decades of neglect the Lost Gardens of Heligan were unveiled in 1992. See the towering bamboo, giant rhubarb, ancient woodlands, sub-tropical jungle and banana plantations. Heligan is open all year round and to see everything would take up to two days! Dogs on short leads are welcome and there is disabled access. Produce grown at Heligan is delivered to the Heligan Kitchen where it is used in the daily lunchtime menu.

Whatever the season there are gardens to visit in Cornwall. Please share your favourites with us and help other people have a great day out in one of Cornwall’s gardens.