The Best Gardens in Cornwall | My favourite Cornish Gardens

Glendurgan Gardens, near Falmouth

Glendurgan Gardens, nestled along the picturesque Helford River near Falmouth, is a charming hamlet that captivates visitors with its natural allure. Positioned to the right of Glendurgan, one can discover the enchanting Trebah Gardens. While both gardens boast breathtaking beauty, Glendurgan beckons those seeking a tranquil escape, setting itself apart from Trebah's more child-oriented ambience. Undeniably, both places are equally stunning in their own right.

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Japanese Gardens, near Newquay

Situated in St. Mawgan, gracing the outskirts of Newquay, the Japanese Garden stands as a unique gem within the county. This extraordinary garden, unlike any other, offers an awe-inspiring sanctuary for those seeking a moment to unwind, relax, and connect with nature. A visit to this one-of-a-kind garden promises a serene escape where visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of its carefully curated beauty. Indeed, amidst the verdant landscapes of Cornwall, the Japanese Garden presents an enchanting and extraordinary experience that sets it apart from the ordinary.

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Trelissick Gardens, Feock

Cornwall is a treasure trove of remarkable National Trust spots. One of my personal favourites is Trelissick Gardens, nestled on the banks of the Feock River. Explore flourishing gardens and an elegant historical house, brimming with stories of the past.

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St Michael’s Mount Gardens

St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall is located in Marazion, just outside of Penzance. St Michael’s Mount is easily one of the most magical places to see in Cornwall. When the tide is low enough, the causeway becomes visible, meaning that islanders and visitors can walk over to the island rather than wait for a traditional way of transport. One of the main attractions (apart from the castle, obviously!) are the sub-tropical gardens that flourish around the island.

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Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

During the 1200s, the ownership of Tremenheere fell into the hands of the monks of St. Michael Mount. These diligent custodians took great care in nurturing the landscape, transforming it into a flourishing oasis of natural beauty.

Now, 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.

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Trebah Garens, near Falmouth

Trebah Gardens, gracefully situated just outside of Falmouth, finds its tranquil haven nestled along the meandering banks of the Helford River, offering a secluded retreat complete with its own private beach. Embracing Cornwall's subtropical climate, this enchanting paradise is a sanctuary for an astonishing variety of magnificent flowers and plants, some of which pleasantly surprise visitors with their unexpected presence.

Regarded as one of the Great Gardens, Trebah has earned its rightful place among the world's 80 finest gardens, and it's not hard to fathom why. A captivating journey unfolds within its two acres of hydrangeas, gracefully lining the serene Mallard Pond, while the Gunnera Passage beckons you into a mystical green twilight world, evoking a sense of wonder and escape.

lost Gardens of Heligan

Heligan stands as one of England's most enigmatic estates, concealed within the thorny embrace of time since the onset of World War I. This dormant beauty stirred from its slumber in 1990, embarking on a remarkable journey to reclaim its status as Europe's grandest garden restoration undertaking. Nowadays, Heligan's sprawling 200 acres beckon explorers, wildlife enthusiasts, botanical lovers, and dreamers of idyllic gardens alike. The estate offers a year-round schedule full of events and seasonal festivities.

Where are your favourite Cornish gardens? Join the conversation over on Instagram @frankiethomas.