Cornwall Gardens: Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
With the lockdown easing, it was finally time to enjoy an afternoon a little further a-field. Tremenheere Sculpture Garden is located on the outskirts of Penzance in a quiet, sheltered valley overlooking St Michael’s Mount. If you’re looking for a garden in Cornwall to visit, then I would definitely recommend Tremenheere.
It felt like a lifetime ago since I visited somewhere new. Freedom. Mum and I decided to visit the gardens on a sunny Wednesday afternoon. Instantly, our senses were unleashed - the wholesome sound of rushing water and birds calling, combined with people laughing and socialising. Magic.
In the 1200s the garden was owned by the monks of St Michael Mount. It was said that the 22 acres of land at Tremenheere was a vineyard for the mount in the 15th century. Later in the 1800’s the land was used as a strawberry growing area with products being exported to various different countries. The land is still particularly good for growing foods and plants due to the combination of good soil, mild microclimate, and shelter. That’s why Tremenheere Kitchen has got such a fantastic reputation (open in May!)
In the late ’90s, the Armstrong family worked tirelessly to turn the land into sculpture gardens. When you visit the gardens; you’ll notice an array of terrains, from flowing streams, mature woodland, ponds, and slopes. With outstanding views across to St Michael’s Mount, the gardens feel like a world away from the one that we’ve lived in for the last 4 months.
Interwoven within the landscape is an evolving programme of contemporary artwork by internationally renowned artists. My favourite sculpture is James Turrell’s, ‘Twilight in Cornwall’ - an elliptical domed chamber that has a huge space in the ceiling where you can view the sky. The sculptures are fascinating - I’d suggest picking up one of the maps at the main entrance so you can read about each sculpture as you walk around the garden.
I fell in love with Tremenheere Gardens. It was wonderful to spend an afternoon doing something different - I finally received the culture kick that I had been craving.
The garden is now open for the public to visit, alongside the cafe & shop. Tremenheere Kitchen will re-open in May.