Explore Gardens in Cornwall
Cornwall’s climate makes it the perfect place for plants to grow, so there are some fantastic gardens to explore in the area.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a beautifully restored garden offering a glimpse into Victorian horticulture, featuring a mix of ornamental and productive gardens. There are 200 acres of gardens and estate to explore!
Highlights:
The Jungle – The UK’s only outdoor jungle! A subtropical valley with giant rhubarb, tree ferns, and bamboo tunnels.
Walled Gardens – Historic vegetable and flower gardens.
Woodland Walks – Ancient woodlands and wildlife habitats.
Sculptures – iconic Heligan sculptures, including The Giant’s Head, Mud Maid and Grey Lady.
Visitor Information:
Location: Pentewan, St Austell, PL26 6EN
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) (some dates have earlier opening hours, so check for the day of your visit )
Admission: Ticketed entry; discounts for children and families
Facilities: Seated and takeaway food options, farm shop, plant centre, play area, toilets, wheelchair and mobility scooter loan.
Dog friendly: Yes, dogs on leads are allowed.
Website: The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Eden Project
The Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most iconic attractions, famous for its impressive biomes and extensive outdoor gardens. Explore one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests and relax in the calm of the Mediterranean Biome.
Highlights:
Biomes – The Rainforest Biome houses tropical plants, waterfalls, and a canopy walkway. The Mediterranean Biome features plants from warm temperate regions, including olive trees and vines.
Outdoor Gardens – Diverse landscapes with wildflowers, allotments, and sculptures.
Educational Exhibits – Interactive displays on sustainability, biodiversity, and climate change.
Visitor Information:
Location: Bodelva, St Austell, PL24 2SG
Opening Hours: Vary by season; typically 9:30 AM – 6 PM from 27 Jul – 1 Sep
Admission: Ticketed entry; prices vary for adults, children, and families
Facilities: Restaurants, cafes, gift shops, and mobility scooter hire
Dog friendly: Dogs are allowed in all Outdoor Gardens but are are not allowed in the indoor Biomes or children’s play areas. Dogs must be kept on lead at all times.
Website: Eden Project
Trebah Garden
Trebah Garden is a subtropical paradise that descends to a private beach on the Helford River, offering a mix of exotic and native plants.
Highlights:
Valley Garden – Featuring giant gunnera, hydrangeas, and camellias.
Private Beach – Polgwidden Cove, perfect for picnics and relaxation.
Seasonal Blooms – Rhododendrons and magnolias in spring, lush foliage in summer.
Visitor Information:
Location: Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5JZ
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM (last entry at 4 PM)
Admission: Ticketed entry; family tickets available
Facilities: Cafe, plant sales, gift shop, Tramper mobility vehicle hire
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome in the garden and on the beach all year round, keep on a short lead.
Website: Trebah Garden
Image Credit: Fred James / Trelissick House and grounds / CC BY-SA 2.0
Trelissick Garden
Trelissick Garden, managed by the National Trust, offers spectacular views of the Fal estuary, diverse plant collections, and woodland walks.
Highlights:
Panoramic Views – Stunning vistas over the Fal River.
Garden Rooms – Formal gardens, borders, and exotic plantings.
Woodland Walks – Trails through ancient woodlands and along the river.
Visitor Information:
Location: Near Truro, TR3 6QL
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (seasonal variations)
Admission: National Trust members free; tickets required for non-members
Facilities: Cafe, gift shop, book shop, plant sales and toilets
Dog friendly: Assistance dogs only in the garden and house. Dogs welcome in the parkland, woodland walks, shop, bookshop, gallery and cafe courtyard
Website: Trelissick Garden
Glendurgan Garden
Glendurgan Garden, also under the care of the National Trust, is a valley garden with subtropical plants and a historic maze.
Highlights:
Maze – Cherry laurel maze dating back to the 1830s.
Valley Walks – Paths leading to the Helford River and a beach.
Exotic Plants – Palms, bamboos, and tree ferns.
Visitor Information:
Location: Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5JZ
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 5 PM (seasonal variations)
Admission: National Trust members free; tickets required for non-members
Facilities: Tea room, book shop, and toilets
Dog friendly: Assistance dogs only
Website: Glendurgan Garden
Image Credit: ukgardenphotos under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Lamorran House Gardens
Lamorran House Gardens offers an Italian-inspired garden with Mediterranean plants, sculptures, and coastal views.
Highlights:
Italian Design – Terraced gardens with water features and sculptures.
Exotic Plants – Mediterranean flora, palms, and tree ferns.
Sea Views – Panoramic views over St Mawes and Falmouth Bay.
Visitor Information:
Location: Upper Castle Road, St Mawes, TR2 5BZ
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Friday, April to September, 10 AM – 5 PM
Admission: Ticketed entry, £13.00 per adult, under-16s free
Facilities: Cafe, toilets, plant sales
Dog friendly: Dogs on leads allowed
Website: Lamorran House Gardens
Caerhays Castle Gardens
A castellated country house built in 1808 set within impressive gardens, renowned for an extensive collection of magnolias and camellias.
Highlights:
Woodland Gardens – Famous for spring displays of camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons.
Historic Estate – Castle and gardens with views over Porthluney Cove.
Plant Collections – National Magnolia Collection.
Visitor Information:
Location: Gorran, St Austell, PL26 6LY
Opening Hours: Open February to June, 10 AM – 5 PM (last entry at 4pm)
Admission: Ticketed entry; garden and castle tours available
Facilities: Tea rooms, gift shop, and plant sales
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome in the gardens on leads.
Website: Caerhays Castle
Pinetum Gardens
Pinetum Gardens offers ten themed garden rooms, including Japanese and water gardens, creating a diverse horticultural experience.
Highlights:
Themed Gardens – Japanese garden, woodland garden, water garden, and more.
Arboretum – Collection of trees from around the world.
Seasonal Highlights – Rhododendrons, azaleas, and seasonal blooms.
Visitor Information:
Location: Holmbush, St Austell, PL25 3RQ
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM, April – September (last entry at 4 PM), 10 AM – 4 PM October – March (last entry at 2 PM)
Admission: Ticketed entry; family tickets available
Facilities: Tea room, mobility scooters for hire
Dog friendly: Dogs on leads welcome
Website: Pinetum Gardens
Image Credit: Daderot under CC0 1.0
Trengwainton Garden
Trengwainton Garden, managed by the National Trust, features a mix of exotic and native plants, walled gardens, and beautiful views over Mount’s Bay.
Highlights:
Walled Gardens – Innovative design with exotic plants and vegetables.
Woodland Walks – Wooded paths that lead to panoramic views over Mount’s Bay.
Award-winning magnolias and rhododendrons.
Visitor Information:
Location: Madron, Penzance, TR20 8RZ
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (seasonal variations)
Admission: National Trust members free; tickets required for non-members
Facilities: Cafe, plant sales, shop, toilets
Dog friendly: Dogs welcome on short leads in garden, shop and café garden (assistance dogs only in café and bookshop)
Website: Trengwainton Garden
Image Credit: Daderot under CC0 1.0
Trewidden Garden
Trewidden Garden is renowned for its extensive collection of camellias, magnolias, and impressive tree fern dells.
Highlights:
Tree Fern Dell – One of the most extensive collections of tree ferns in the UK.
Spring Blooms – over 300 Magnolias and Camellias.
Historic Plantings – Rare plant species and champion trees, some of which were planted over 100 years ago.
Visitor Information:
Location: Buryas Bridge, Penzance, TR19 6AU
Opening Hours: February to November, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry to the Gardens at 4:30 PM)
Admission: Ticketed entry; Adults, 16 and over- £9.00, Children aged 5 to 15 – £1, includes the Children’s Trail
Facilities: Tea room, plant sales, and guided tours
Dog friendly: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Website: Trewidden Garden
Trewithen Gardens
Trewithen offers 30 acres of subtropical gardens and woodland. Trewithen means ‘house of the trees’.
Highlights:
Woodland Walks – Trails through mature trees and flowering shrubs.
Over 200 species of Camellia, Rhododendron, and Magnolia.
Historical Estate – Gardens and house with a rich history that dates to the early 1700s.
Visitor Information:
Location: Grampound Road, Truro, TR2 4DD
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4:30 PM, from 1st March to 30th September
Admission: Ticketed entry; £12.50 entry, free for under 12’s
Facilities: Tea room, plant centre, accessible toilets, and guided tours
Dog friendly: Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens
Website: Trewithen Gardens
The Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden in Cornwall offers a tranquil space inspired by traditional Japanese garden design, featuring koi ponds, bonsai, and Zen gardens.
Highlights:
Koi Ponds – Tranquil ponds with koi fish.
Bonsai Collection – Extensive collection of bonsai trees.
Zen Garden – Traditional Japanese Zen garden for meditation.
Visitor Information:
Location: St. Mawgan, Newquay, TR8 4ET
Opening Hours: March to November, 10 AM – 6 PM
Admission: Ticketed entry; £6 adult, £3 children (3 – 15)
Facilities: Gift shop and plant sales
Dog friendly: No dogs allowed.
Website: The Japanese Garden
Lanhydrock House and Garden
Lanhydrock House and Garden, managed by the National Trust, is a magnificent late Victorian country house with extensive gardens and woodlands.
Highlights:
Formal Gardens – Terraced gardens, topiary, and herbaceous borders.
Woodland Walks – Trails through ancient woodlands and along the River Fowey.
Historic House – Victorian house with original furnishings and exhibitions.
Visitor Information:
Location: Bodmin, PL30 5AD
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (seasonal variations)
Admission: National Trust members free; tickets required for non-members
Facilities: Cafe, gift shop, plant sales, toilets, and cycle hire.
Dog friendly: Assistance dogs only in the house, garden and shop. Dogs are allowed in the parkland and wider countryside.
Website: Lanhydrock
