Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are a mecca for groups of garden lovers and plant enthusiasts. With sparkling seas, bright light and rocky coves Cornwall is a region that benefits from the Gulf Stream. Many of the gardens here are sub-tropical as they are rarely troubled by hard frosts. There is a far wider range of plants grown in Cornwall than in other parts of the UK
At Cornwall DMC we cater to private groups and tour operators from the UK and around the world to offer a complete service of ground arrangements from hotels, coaching to local guides fluent in all major languages. We use our local knowledge to create an individual itinerary including behind the scenes tours with head gardeners and access to private gardens. We are also experienced in incorporating Cornwall into wider tours across Southern England and around the UK.
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Here is a selection of our favourite gardens to include on your tour of Cornwall…
Trelissick, near Truro – over 16 ha of woodland, formal lawns and mixed herbaceous borders with wonderful views of the River Fal. The gardens are at their best in the spring when the superb collection of Camellias flower. There are also flowering cherries, rhododendrons and magnolias and a wonderful collection of spring bulbs.
Trewidden Garden, Penzance – is a beautiful garden of over 6ha in the West of Cornwall. It is full of colour all year, but it is especially splendid during the spring months when the rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias are in full bloom
Tresco Abbey Gardens, Isles of Scilly – a sub-tropical paradise 45km off the coast of Cornwall on the island of Tresco. The beautiful garden was built in the 19th C around the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey and is home to many species of plants from around the world.
Glendurgan Garden near Falmouth – a sub-tropical valley garden which runs down to the Helford River and a sheltered beach. It is a splendid garden to visit throughout the year but is a great garden to visit for a group visit in the summer, with its famous maze, and lovely beach.
Cotehele House and Gardens – which stands high above the River Tamar is full of autumn colour when the foliage on the trees turns beautiful shades of red, orange, gold and silver. This 5ha garden on the edge of Dartmoor is a delightful place to explore on a crisp autumn day. As well as the famous gardens, Cornwall has plenty of gardens that are less well known which can be included on any Garden Tour of Cornwall.
Enys Gardens – situated between Truro and Falmouth, they are said to be Cornwall’s oldest gardens and the house and gardens have been owned by the Enys family since the 13thC. Within the 30 acre garden is a meadow known as Parc Lye where in the spring there is a magnificent show of bluebells which have grown undisturbed since ancient times. The formal gardens where created by JD Enys in the Victorian era with plants being brought from New Zealand and Patagonia, the micro climate of the garden and the mild temperature allow such plants to flourish.
Potager Garden – found between Falmouth and Constantine. The gardens have been created on the site of a market garden which had been left neglected for years, today they are delightful mix of herbaceous planting along with fruit and vegetables. You can relax in hammocks, play games on the lawn or enjoy some delicious food in the Cafe, which is a converted glasshouse. There are also studios where local artists and craftsmen work.
Lamorran House Gardens – set in 4 acres overlooking St Mawes Bay. These Mediterranean style gardens have streams, bridges and water features including a Koi Carp pond. It is home to an enormous collection of sub-tropical trees and plants, and is said to have the most northerly Palm Garden in the world which has over 35 species of palms and over 200 specimens. There are also rhododendrons and evergreen azaleas all set on a delightful south facing hillside with the sea as a backcloth.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens – situated in a beautiful valley near Penzance with stunning views of St Michael’s Mount. This 20 acre garden is sub-tropical, with woodland, streams and ponds a haven for wildlife. There is a notable collection of palms, grass trees, agaves; succulents and bamboo, interwoven amongst the plants are sculptures and art from internationally renowned artists.
