Not only do Falmouth’s coastal offerings provide a wealth of eye candy during your visit, such as its gorgeous beaches and impressive walks along the coast, as well as a host of other things to see and do, the plethora of gardens in and around Falmouth are equally sought after by anyone keen to immerse themselves in all things green.
Benefitting from a fertile climate due to its prime south coast position, the rich land of Falmouth and its surrounds is home to a stunning collection of parks and gardens, perfectly supporting a host of sub-tropical species of plants – enough to make any Monty Don wannabe envious.
Warmed by the Gulf Stream and enjoying a mild maritime climate, Falmouth’s award-winning gardens combine artistically landscaped sites with natural open spaces for an awe-inspiring experience, while the less green-fingered can enjoy the cafés, majestic views, shops and family friendly entertainment on offer as well.
Here, we’ve shared the best, must-visit green hotspots to visit in the area – sure to add a touch of botanical bliss to any holiday in Cornwall.
Gyllyngdune Gardens
Best for: Families and Edwardian formal gardens
falmouth.co.uk/see-and-do/parks/gyllyngdune-gardens/
Gyllyngdune Gardens is a botanical jewel in the heart of Falmouth. The newly restored heritage gardens are located next to the Princess Pavilion, home to swathes of lawn and formal gardens. You’ll find a gorgeous original Edwardian bandstand and greenhouse, the perfect setting for garden fetes and band concerts, while a short stroll through the rose garden and monolithic arch delivers you on to the seafront. In addition there’s a former quarry-turned-Victorian fernery, a shell cave and a chapel. With an adventure playground and natural play area complete with shell grottos and a dragon, it’s a fabulously family-friendly choice too.
Trebah Garden
Best for: Spectacular displays in spring and autumn, and a private beach
Grove Hill Road, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth TR11 5JZ
trebahgarden.co.uk
Situated on the scenic Helford River, dog friendly Trebah has a dazzling display of gardens whose exotic, brightly coloured blooms flow down to their private Helford River beach. Open every day of the year and with four miles of footpath set over 26 acres, Trebah’s vibrant mix of things to see and do makes it a popular day out. Highlights include the magnificent 100-year old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias which bloom in spring, and the striking clouds of white and blue hydrangeas in autumn.
Trebah is fantastic for families, who can enjoy adventure play areas Tarzan’s Camp, Fort Stuart and The Paraglide, alongside seasonally changing children’s trails.
With eateries Trebah Kitchen and the Boathouse Beach Café available, hungry tums will be satisfied, whether it’s for Sunday lunch or a tasty ice cream, while a host of performances take place in the amphitheatre and across the garden throughout the year.
Enys Gardens
Best for: Beautiful bluebells and restored 19th century buildings
St Gluvias, Penryn TR10 9LB
enysgardens.org.uk
Set within the grounds of a 19th century mansion, peaceful Enys is thought to be the oldest garden in Cornwall. Abandoned in 1950, it’s slowly being restored by its current owners who took it on in 2010. Surrounding the mansion are a host of natural gardens, woodland and ancient buildings which are beautiful throughout the year, but particularly in May when a jaw-dropping bluebell meadow carpets Parc Lye to almost otherworldly effect. Set over 30 acres, there are plenty of footpaths to explore amongst the towering mature trees, plus a small café for refreshments and a lovely cream tea.
Glendurgan Garden
Best for: The incredible living maze and exotic plants
Mawnan Smith, Falmouth TR11 5JZ
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/glendurgan-garden
A tranquil, jungle-like garden made up of three valleys, as well as a stunning sheltered beach, will wow visitors to Glendurgan Garden. A stunning mix of exotic and native plants, there’s plenty to explore here, from the almost 200-year old year-old cherry laurel maze and the Camellia Walk, to the Holy Bank and vast selection of incredible plants – from giant rhubarb to huge tulip trees all fringing the beautiful beachside town of Durgan on the Helford River. Interestingly, there’s also a School Room where the original owners’ 12 children were taught!
The ‘living puzzle’ of a maze sits at the heart of the gardens with a thatched summer house in its centre, which is also home to the Giant’s Stride – a giggle-inducing rotating rope swing that ensures a fun and activity-packed day out for all.
Penjerrick Garden
Best for: Spring flowers and a peaceful escape
Penjerrick House, Budock Water TR11 5ED
penjerrickgarden.co.uk
A relatively hidden-away secret, this tranquil, sub-tropical garden is over 200 years old, created by Robert Were Fox whose brothers Charles created the garden at Trebah and Alfred the garden at Glendurgan. Covering 15 acres, this predominantly spring flowering garden is just lovely for enthusiasts of rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas with a great selection of tree ferns and bamboo too. A refuge for wildlife and birds who take advantage of this semi-wild garden, it also boasts stunning sea views, and is at its best between April and May.
Please note there’s no toilet or café in this garden, and you’re advised to wear wellies or walking boots if it's wet.
Lamorran Gardens
Best for: Italianate gardens and sea vistas
Upper Castle Road, St Mawes, Truro TR2 5BZ
lamorrangardens.co.uk
Pop on the ferry from Falmouth across to St Mawes, where you’ll discover this tiered Italianate garden that hasn’t had a frost since 1987. South facing and set over many levels, plants are grown here from all over the world, with a special focus on southern hemisphere and sub-tropical flowers. Discover shaded woodland, a tranquil Japanese water garden and a Venetian bridge, whilst temples and archways offer welcome rest spots to gaze out over the sea. There’s a café at the top of the garden that’s ideal for a break before heading back down again.
Potager Garden
Best for: Coffee, cake, and a community feel
High Cross, Constantine, Falmouth TR11 5RF
potagergarden.org
A four and a half acre former market garden and garden centre, Potager lay untouched for 10 years, allowing the wilderness to take root. Since 2000 the garden and its impressive greenhouses have been lovingly restored, with the new owners choosing to keep the overgrown specimens rather than dig them out, while also planting fruit, vegetables and other flowers. The greenhouses serve as propagation containers, as well as growing salads, squash, beans and sweet potatoes. Today, it’s a tranquil spot to visit with an impressive veggie café set within one of its huge greenhouses, while they also offer a host of workshops such as making natural dyes and inks, weaving rush baskets and creative journaling. There are artist studios on site, as well as a dementia-friendly gardening group and a forest school for children.
Trelissick Garden
Best for: Walks and breath-taking views
Feock, Truro TR3 6QL
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trelissick
For an abundance of open space, head to Trelissick, which stakes prime position on its own peninsula overlooking the Fal estuary. The eco-friendly garden is dotted with features such as summerhouses, riverside woodland walks and pretty parkland, while the gardens themselves comprise of the main lawn, Cornish orchard and tennis lawn. Then there’s the 300 acres of surrounding countryside to explore, including parkland, archaeological sites, creeks, woodland and Trelissick Beach.
At the end of your visit, refuel at the Crofters Café and take a peek at the National Trust shop where you’ll also find a second hand bookshop and plant shop.
Falmouth’s small and spectacular gardens
Falmouth is unique in its plentiful public parks that scatter the town. Kimberley Park, dating back to 1877, is a tranquil spot at the top of town, offering a quiet oasis away from the hustle and bustle and home to a large fish pond, ornamental trees, a children’s play area, performance stage and central café.
The Queen Mary Gardens lie directly behind Gyllyngvase Beach and are formal in design, lined by Monterey Pines. Opened in 1912 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Mary, wife of George V, the gardens are home to subtropical species and offer a peaceful stroll from the Blue Flag beach just two minutes away.
Fox Rosehill Gardens is another hidden gem in the heart of the town. Situated just off Melvill Road, this is a gorgeous subtropical garden with plants from New Zealand, Australia and South America. Given to the public by the Fox family after the Second World War, it received the Green Flag Award for its environmental work and hosts an open day in June.
Are your green fingers itching to explore sub-tropical south Cornwall? Take a look at our holiday cottages in Falmouth for your next nature-inspired adventure.