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Gardens

Eden Project
The world’s largest greenhouse is just part of a thirty acre global garden. Changing all the time the Eden Project never disappoints, at any time of year.
The Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell PL24 2SG
01726 811972 / 811911
www.edenproject.com

The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Probably one of the better known gardens in the area. Lost until 1990 and now rediscovered, the BBC’s Gardeners’ World programme described it as ‘The Nation’s favourite Garden’. Open all year round and with plenty to do and see.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6EN
01726 845100
www.heligan.com

Trelissick
This large estate at the head of Carrick Roads, the deep water estuary of the Fal, offers a wide variety of different gardens with year-round appeal. From rare and exotic plants, camelias and rare hydrangeas to park, woodland and riverside walks Trelissick has something for every visitor. The converted Georgian stable block is now a gallery displaying the best of local art and crafts. Trelissick also plays host to a year long programme of events, including theatre and music.
Feock, nr Truro TR3 6QL
01872 862090
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
For a special day out visit Trelissick by river, for more details visit www.falriverlinks.co.uk

Glendurgan
A sub-tropical valley garden running down to the Helford River. This lush and sheltered valley with carpets of native wild flowers, fine trees and rare and exotic plants was created by the Fox family in the 1820s. In addition to the beautiful gardens, the valley leads down to Durgan hamlet and beach on the banks of the Helford estuary; has a foot ferry link to and from Helford village on the other side; and for children there’s the chance to go airbourne on the Giant’s Stride and get lost in the famous laurel maze.
Mawnan Smith, nr Falmouth TR11 5JZ
01326 250906 (opening hous only) or 01872 862090
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Trevarno
‘The best excuse anyone could possibly want to go to Cornwall’ is the way The Times described Trevarno. Tracing its history back to 1246 the Trevarno estate comprises: magnificent gardens, grounds and woodland walks; the remarkable National Museum of Gardening; a 2km estate walk; extensive play area for children; a fascinating Soap Museum alongside their range of organic Travarno skin care products; a Honey Bee Information Centre (about bees, not for bees, obviously) and Vintage Toy Museum. So… Mum, check. Dad, check. Children, check. Grandparents, check. Yes, there’s something for everyone, just need a people carrier and some plastic. Perhaps you can believe everything you read in the papers.
Trevarno, Crowntown, nr Helston TR13 0RU
01326 574274
www.trevarno.co.uk

Godolphin – privately owned, but if you are walking the National Trust estate, you are welcome to use their facilities
Discover the beauty of Godolphin House and gardens, which offer over 700 years of Cornish history. The privately owned Grade I mansion of c1475, complete with its Elizabethan stables, lies surrounded by very early formal gardens (1500 and earlier) and lovely grounds. Lots to see and do including a display of farm wagons; an exhibition of the restoration work to-date; American tipi, games and storytelling for the children; and an informal restaurant and shop with unusual Cornish produce. Plus, anyone who offers their facilities (loo) free to people walking the National Trust estate, is fine by us.
Godolphin Cross, Helston TR13 9RE
01736 763194
www.godolphinhouse.com

St Michael’s Mount
Described as a ‘magical rocky island crowned with medieval castle and church’ this iconic island castle is still home to the St Aubyn family and the small community that live on the island. The island has a unique and extraordinary maritime garden created in terraces just above the sea, which includes ‘sub-tropical’ species. Guided tours of the gardens by arrangement. You can walk to the island via the causeway during low tide or take a motor launch when the tide comes in.

Marzion, Penzance TR17 0EF
01736 710507
Tide information: 01736 710265
www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk

          • Galleries and museums

          • Theatres and cinemas

          • Historic houses, castles and mines