Best gardens in Cornwall

Places to visit Wednesday 23rd August 2023

Blessed with sprawling countryside, wooded valleys, gently winding estuaries and a coast so beautiful that only the most outrageous hyperbole can accurately describe its wonder, Cornwall’s natural beauty never ceases to amaze. But it’s not just the wild and wonderful that’s on offer here…

Enjoying its own microclimates – not to mention the world’s first indoor rainforest – Cornwall boasts a rather impressive selection of gardens, which are sure to inspire everyone, whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a lover of the natural world and all its beauty.

We’ve got tropical tangles full of magic and wonder, Japanese displays that promise peace and tranquillity, and even the odd maze for those that enjoy a good challenge!

Ready to explore the many incredible gardens of Cornwall? These vibrant displays are sure to get a big green thumbs up from all who wander their winding paths…

Trebah Gardens

A beautiful pond with a bridge surrounded by foliage at Trebah Gardens in Cornwall

Best for: Riverside views

Mawnan Smith, Falmouth TR11 5JZ
trebahgarden.co.uk

Falmouth might be known for its spectacular beaches, but the vibrant harbourside town also boasts close proximity to some of the county’s best gardens. Trebah’s colourful wealth of tropical flowers spills to a private beach on the Helford River, where water and land collide to soul-stirring effect. With over 4 miles of dog-friendly footpaths, there’s oodles of scenic space to roam, while adventure play areas and children’s trails make it an idyllic location for family friendly fun. Continue the pup-approved day out with a woof-worthy refuel at one of Falmouth’s many welcoming dog-friendly eateries – guaranteed to get those tails wagging!

Eden Project

Two people walking through the Mediterranean Biome at the Eden Project surrounded by plants

Best for: A world view of nature

Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG
edenproject.com

Boasting the largest greenhouses in the world, which are home to a massive collection of plant life from across the globe, the Eden Project’s biomes need to be seen to be believed. The former clay-pit-turned-ecological-phenomenon offers you the chance to walk through luscious rainforest and balmy Mediterranean foothills without leaving Cornwall. The biomes and surrounding tiered gardens are also jam-packed with things to see and do, from the canopy walkway to the Hangloose Adventure Glide, which gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the scenery. One of Cornwall’s best days out for good reason, the Eden Project is an unforgettable experience that’s sure to inspire the senses.

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

Clean cut lawns, a wooden building, and St Michael's Mount in the distance at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Cornwall

Best for: Art and inspiration

Nr Gulval, Penzance TR20 8YL
tremenheere.co.uk

Art gallery, ancient woodland, mouth-watering kitchen with sea views… Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens has many strings to its bow and that’s before you even reach the beautifully curated tiered gardens! With reaching views across Mount’s Bay, this exotic Cornish garden makes the most of its southerly aspect. A unique assortment of plants flourish here thanks to its sheltered position and mild Cornish climate, providing a garden that looks just as mesmerising in the depths of winter as it does in the height of summer. Spend your day out wandering through the shrubs, spotting amazing art installations as you go, before stopping by the Tremenheere Kitchen for one of the best meals in Penzance.

Glendurgan Garden

Looking down a flowery bank at a hut at Glendurgan Garden in Cornwall

Best for: Family fun

Mawnan Smith, Falmouth TR11 5JZ
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/glendurgan-garden

Another of Falmouth’s beautiful gardens, Glendurgan promises a visual cacophony of magical plant-life. The standout feature of this particularly jungle-like garden has to be its labyrinthine 200-year-old cherry laurel maze, where you can lose yourself to nature in the most enchanting way. Feast your eyes on everything from giant rhubarb to massive tulip trees located alongside the beautiful beachside hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River. A part of the National Trust’s impressive offering, you’ll also find a superb café here, promising all the usual moreish treats, from cream teas to delicious light lunches.

Lost Gardens of Heligan

A giant sleeping statue covered in ivy at the Lost Gardens of Heligan

Best for: An enchanting time

B3273, Pentewan, St Austell PL26 6EN
heligan.com

Spread over 200-acres near Mevagissey, memories of the sensational Lost Gardens of Heligan will stay with you long after you bid adieu. Immerse yourself in a stunning array of habitats for an otherworldly and wonderfully wild journey through some of the world’s most magnificent flora as you step from jungle to woodland for an utterly enchanting day out. Part of the largest garden restoration project Europe had ever seen, the gardens here were unearthed from a cloak of brambles in 1990, where they had been left to their own devices since the first World War. Today, this wild wonderland still promises lots of magic, whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a great explorer – the outdoor jungle is where imagination takes root!

Japanese Gardens

A moss-covered statue surrounded by moss-covered trees at the Japanese Garden in Cornwall

Best for: A tranquil wander

St Mawgan, Nr Newquay TR8 4ET
japanesegarden.co.uk

While most of Cornwall’s gardens lie in West Cornwall and along the south coast, North Cornwall isn’t without its own horticultural delights. One of the best things to do near Newquay, Cornwall’s very own Japanese Garden waits to fill your senses with soothing scents and mindful moments. Meditate with the sound of gentle waterfalls and rustling trees as your soundscape, with bonsai trees and koi ponds adding even more serene beauty to your surrounds. Find peace in the zen garden or marvel at the towering heights of bamboo grove; this unique garden is the perfect balance to busy days exploring the north coast.

Trelissick

Green lawns leading up to a stately house with a river at the bottom at Trelissick in Cornwall

Best for: History and woodland walks

Feock, Truro TR3 6QL
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trelissick

Another of the National Trust’s stately houses and gardens, Trelissick enjoys a relaxing mix of waterside views and woodland walks. The gardens here are full of exotic plants that come to life in the warmer months, as well as sweet-smelling herbaceous borders that add colour and depth to the paths. Stroll around the summerhouses or bask in the riverside surrounds as the Carrick Roads flow past. The surrounding woodlands are a great spot for a dog-friendly walk, with plenty of routes taking you past historic parks, Iron Age forts, and 18th century quays. Stop by the café for a tasty refreshment or the second-hand bookshop for your next holiday read.

Caerhays Castle and Gardens

A bird's eye view of Caerhays Castle and Gardens in Cornwall surrounded by trees and lawns

Best for: Castles and camellias

Gorran Churchtown, St Austell PL26 6LY
visit.caerhays.co.uk

Presiding over the picturesque Porthluney Cove, Caerhays is replete with exotic species of plants and flowers across 140 acres of grounds. It’s also the site of a spectacular John Nash-designed castle – Cornwall has some seriously beautiful buildings, but this ocean-side masterpiece might just take the biscuit! From the National Magnolia Collection to English Heritage Listed Grade II woodland gardens, Caerhays is a horticultural wonder to behold. Open during the spring and summer, this waterside wonderland promises a rather special backdrop for your walk, whether you want to stroll around the sweet-smelling gardens or you fancy extending your wander onto the nearby coast path.

Trewithen Gardens

A bronze water fountain in the shape of a magnelia at Trewithen Gardens in Cornwall

Best for: Rare and exotic sights

Grampound Road, Truro TR2 4DD
trewithengardens.co.uk

From the giant magnolia fountain that blends art with nature to the astounding displays of fauna from around the world, Trewithen Gardens is a botanical experience you won’t want to miss. Many of the species here have travelled from overseas to delight you, including ferns from Australia and camellias from China. In fact, Trewithen’s impressive camellia collection has led to the garden being recognised as an International Camellia Society Garden of Excellence – a simply astonishing accomplishment and one of only five gardens in the UK to reach such acclaim.

Trengwainton Gardens

A sunny walled garden at Trewithen Gardens in Cornwall

Best for: Walled gardens and cake

Boscathnoe Lane, Madron, Penzance TR20 8RZ
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trengwainton-garden

A hidden gem tucked into the countryside near Penzance, Trengwainton Gardens is a beautiful escape, featuring a suntrap walled garden, a stream garden overflowing with wonder, and a magical woodland garden – not to mention the lovely kitchen offering sweet treats and light lunches. Discover award-winning magnolias, marvel at the miscellany of pumpkins that appear in autumn, and pop into the shop for a bit of retail therapy. Dogs are welcome throughout the gardens too, making it a great dog-friendly day out with the whole pack in tow.

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden

A series of sculptures in the garden at Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in Cornwall

Best for: Sculptures and sea views

Barnoon Hill, St Ives TR26 1AD
tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives/barbara-hepworth-museum-and-sculpture-garden

Overlooking St Ives and the turquoise waters beyond, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden promises beauty in more ways than one. Once the home and studios of acclaimed artist Barbara Hepworth, the space now celebrates her life and works through a series of sculptures, which are positioned exactly where she left them decades ago. Immerse yourself fully in the era-defining work with an audio description by none other than Dame Barbara Hepworth herself - it’s the ultimate way to dive deeper between the bronze lines. The museum and garden are run by nearby Tate St Ives, another of the town’s unmissable art galleries, which means you can get in for free with a Tate members or locals pass.

Ready to experience the full botanical prowess of Cornwall? Browse our beautiful holiday cottages, many with lovely gardens of their own, and start planning your scenic stay.