Tag: heligan gardens
5 of the Best Gardens in Cornwall
April 23rd, 2018
Cornwall is renowned for its gorgeous landscapes, especially the incredible coast paths, beaches and cliffs. While known for the stunning seaside, Cornwall is also home to a number of gardens, each with a wide range of different plants, styles and interesting interactive qualities. We take a look at five of our favourite Cornish gardens for you to visit!
The Japanese Garden
While the garden may only be set in an acre of land, the Japanese Garden more than makes use of this space, with a Zen Garden, Water Garden and Stroll Garden packed into the gorgeous grounds. In the spring, the garden comes to life, with cherry blossom in full bloom. Transitioning into the summer months an abundance of flowers can be found, with a fascinating fusion of traditional and exotic blooms, including bonsai trees, bamboo, Japanese maples and succulents. From the tranquillity of the Zen garden to the calming sounds of the waterfall, and the colourful Koi carp swirling in the water, you’ll feel completely relaxed here!
Trebah
This award-winning garden is a sub-tropical paradise, complete with Mediterranean plants, Australian tree ferns and a natural spring. The spring water drops into the Koi pool and flows through the whole garden before forming a large duck pond at the opposite end of the grounds. Trebah is a garden perfect for plant lovers and family’s alike, with plenty to see and experience. Alongside the exciting play areas, the gardens host an impressive bamboo tunnel, a passage of giant rhubarb leaves and amphitheatre. At the edge of the grounds, you can also find the private beach, where the crystal clear waters of the Helford Estuary lap at the coast, making for a picture-perfect view!
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Having been ‘lost’ to years of overgrown plants and no maintenance, the Gardens were finally restored and unveiled in 1992 as the ‘garden restoration of the century’. Get lost in the winding paths and exotic jungle plants that decorate the 200-acre estate, including towering bamboo tunnels, banana plantations and giant rhubarb. Experience the wonderful wildlife on the woodland walk, with fantastic flora and fauna, as well as the Giant’s Head, Grey Lady and Mud Maid providing some exciting sights on the way!
Glendurgan
Looking stunning year round, the waterside garden of Glendurgan is luscious and exotic. In the spring, the magnolias and camellias come to life, with the beautiful blooms adding a touch of colour to the grounds. Glendurgan is perfect for families, with the cherry laurel maze, created in 1833, providing an exciting activity for children and adults alike! Children also love the ‘Giant’s Stride’ swing – swirling you through the air – if you hold on tight!
Trelissick
With stunning views out over the Fal Estuary, Trelissick sits on the water’s edge, boasting 40-acres of equally breath-taking gardens. The gardens truly come to life in the spring, with incredible displays of colour from the camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons. The tranquil gardens lead to the main feature of the area; Trelissick house, which is open for the public to explore and learn about the rich history. If that wasn’t enough, Trelissick is also framed by a whopping 375-acres of woodland, with oak, beech and conifer trees lining the riverside slopes; perfect for a day of exploring!
If you’re a nature lover and want to explore all that these Cornish gardens have to offer, then why not come and stay with us at the best family resort in Cornwall!? We’re perfectly located to visit these fantastic gardens, as well as the Roseland Peninsula and Cornwall’s amazing coast.
Celebrating the Daffodil in Cornwall
March 16th, 2018
As one of the clearest signs of spring, the bright and bold daffodil has long held a connection with Cornwall. With spring on the way, daffodils have burst into bloom in fields and gardens. To celebrate the much-loved flower, there are a number of daffodil themed events taking place throughout Cornwall.
Daffodil Weekend, Trelissick, 17th-18th March
Each year Trelissick plays host to the annual Daffodil Show, celebrating the beautiful blooms lovingly grown by the finest growers in Cornwall. The stables are exploding with colour, where the delightful displays of daffodils are on show. Over a hundred different varieties will be exhibited. There is also a children’s daffodil trail throughout the gardens to entertain the little ones.
Now that Spring is here, the gardens at Trelissick are bursting to life with buds blossoming into vibrant blooms. While there, wander through the winding paths and enjoy the gorgeous camellias, magnolias, bluebells, wildflowers, and wisteria that come to life at this time of year.
Heligan Daffodil Fair, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, 10th-24th March
Over the past couple of years, over 50,000 Cornish Daffodils have been planted at the Lost Gardens of Heligan; so you can expect vast expanses of vibrant yellows and dainty white blooms dotted throughout the estate. If that isn’t enough daffodil for you, then there is also the fair area, where heritage varieties will be put on display in flower show style. There will be over 120 types of the plant on show here.
Daffodil Gold Rush, Falmouth, 2nd-31st March
A celebration of the daffodil heritage in Cornwall, this exhibition explores the history of Cornwall in relation to the nation’s favourite spring flower. With archive photography, botanical paintings and evocative artwork, the Daffodil Gold Rush will detail the relationship between Cornwall and these vivid flowers, with stunning creativity.
For those unaware of this connection, Cornwall has been key in the growth and distribution of this springtime flower for many years, with the Great Western Railway constructing a line to transport the so-called ‘golden harvest’ of daffodils from the Isles of Scilly, Tamar Valley and West Penwith to awaiting flower markets across Britain. Percival Dacres Williams, a daffodil breeder in the early 20th century, was known as the ‘Daffodil King’ in Cornwall, where he grew over 500 varieties of daffodil. These bulbs were bought by collectors and transported worldwide; some bulbs even being bought for the equivalent of £460 each in today’s money!
Join in the springtime celebrations in Cornwall with our child-friendly holidays in Falmouth!
Lose yourself in The Lost Gardens of Heligan
April 12th, 2017
A majestic garden adventure in the heart of Cornwall awaits you on your retreat. Spend the day marvelling the plant life, spotting the animals and encountering the magical sculptures. Discover more about the critically-acclaimed gardens, located in Pentewan, close to St Austell, in this feature and why you should don your walking boots and explore this must-see place:
