3 must-see gardens in Cornwall

Many tourists flock to Cornwall every summer to try their hand at surfing or other high-octane activities. For others, holidays are a chance to relax and take in some beautiful scenery.

One of the best ways to unwind is to take a stroll around one of the many gardens in Cornwall. Here we’ve picked the 3 gardens you shouldn’t miss - and all were good enough to be included in our Cornwall insiders' list of the top things to do in Cornwall.

The Eden Project

The most famous of garden in Cornwall (and perhaps all of the UK) is the Eden Project. Made distinctive by its large round biomes, it is visited by approximately a million people per year! New features and installations provide a high standard of education and entertainment. We recommend trying the treetop walkway in the Rainforest Biome, whose introduction in 2013 was combined with the release of 19 species of tropical butterfly. These stunning insects will flutter past as you while on their way to sip nectar from one of the many exotic plants in the world’s largest indoor rainforest.

The Eden Project is suitable for the whole family, with seasonal events including den building in summer and ice skating in winter. The whole site is buggy friendly so you don’t need to worry about access, plus children under five get in for free!

Tickets for all those over five are on the expensive end of the scale ranging from £10.50 to £23.50 for adults, but the project makes sure their profits are reinvested into the charity’s educational projects. Also you can get reduced prices on evening tickets when they are open until 8pm – see the website’s admission price section for more details.

In truly eco-friendly style, they offer a discount for those who walk or take public transport to the site. There are campsites within walking distance which make this a viable option for you and your family.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan (pictured above) have a fascinating history. Reclaimed and brought back to life in the early 1990s, they have been lovingly restored to become the stunning gardens you can see today. Over 200 years old, the Victorian Pleasure Grounds are filled with beautiful romantic structures and unexpected features, perfect for a relaxing stroll. The productive gardens feature over 200 varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs. These are lovingly grown to provide the Heligan Tearoom with fresh, seasonal produce all year round.

The park itself is open all year round and adult tickets are very reasonable at only £11. Dogs are allowed in the gardens, provided you keep them on a lead. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are located close to Mevagissey, a traditional Cornish fishing village. By staying at campsites close to Mevagissey, you’ll be near the gardens as well as only a 15 minute drive from the Eden Project.

Trebah

Trebah is a valley garden with year round beauty provided by plants carefully chosen to bloom in different seasons. Go in the spring to see the 100 year old rhododendrons in full bloom, or in autumn to see the Hydrangea Valley come to life along the banks of the Mallard Pond. The garden also boasts its own secluded, private beach on the Helford River!

Approximately 80% of garden is accessible to motorised wheelchairs. Entry rates for registered disabled people and for their carers are half the standard adult admission rate, which is normally £8.50.

If you’re staying near Falmouth whilst you visit Trebah, you could also take a look around Glendurgan Gardens. Only a short drive away from the valley garden, Glendurgan is a National Trust site where adult tickets cost as little as £6.80. Here you can enjoy views right down to the Helford River.

Cornwall is best known for its golden sand beaches which attract surfers year after year. But if surfing isn’t your cup of tea, then the county’s gardens can provide you with more than enough entertainment. After enjoying the natural beauty of the gardens, stop in one of their cafés to rest your feet and enjoy a cup of tea!