National Trust Gardens in Cornwall

Cornwall isn’t just about the sandy beaches and sweeping coastlines, it’s also a gardener’s paradise with a large number of breath-taking gardens across the county. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just someone who appreciates nature, these National Trust gardens in Cornwall make for the perfect day out on your Cornish holiday.

Trerice Gardens, Kestle Mill

Trerice House by Alistair Campbell is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Set in the grounds of a charming Elizabethan manor house unchanged by time or fashion, these gardens are treasured by visitors for their tranquillity. With beautiful informal gardens and a serene Cornish orchard to explore, Trerice Gardens are a peaceful haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. The stillness is only broken by the occasional soft lilt of Tudor music.

Prices: From £7.65 for adults and from £3.80 for children. Free for members. Discounts available for families and groups. Vouchers available for food and drink for those arriving by public transport or bicycle.

Address: Kestle Mill, near Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4PG

Contact: 01637 875404; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trerice

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Trengwainton Garden, Madron

Pink Light by Martin Stone is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

This family-friendly garden spans over five acres and is best known for its extensive collection of exotic plants. Discover plants that are not grown anywhere else in the UK, fascinating hybrids and British favourites such as rhododendrons and magnolias. As well as a wealth of stunning natural beauty, Trengwainton also boasts panoramic views across Mount’s Bay, children’s trails and a lovely tea room. Don’t forget the dog either as dogs are welcome on leads everywhere within the garden.

Prices: From £7.10 for adults and £3.55 for children. Free for members. Discounts available for families and groups.

Address: Madron, near Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8RZ

Contact: 01736 363148; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trengwainton-garden

Cotehele Gardens, St Dominick

Cotehele Gardens by Jono Taylor is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

These gardens make for a wonderful day out at any time of year; from spring flowers to snow drops, Cotehele Gardens offer spectacular horticultural activity throughout the seasons. Cotehele itself is absolutely fascinating as it’s one of the least altered Tudor properties in Britain and the gardens are equally striking with features including a medieval stew pond, orchards with cherries and apples, and terraces full of brightly coloured flowers.

Prices: For the whole property, adults from £9.50 and children from £4.75. For just the garden and mill, adults from £6.00 and children from £3.00. Free for members. Discounts available for families and groups. Vouchers available for those arriving by public transport or bicycle.

Address: St Dominick, near Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA

Contact: 01579 351346; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele

Glendurgan Garden, Mawnan Smith

The Maze at Glendurgan by Tim Green is licensed under CC BY 2.0

One of Britain’s best subtropical gardens, Glendurgan is not to be missed on your next trip to Cornwall. With three valleys of gardens filled with exotic plants, lush canopies and picturesque orchards, Glendurgan is beautiful at any time of year. However, it is especially beautiful in spring when it offers a dazzling display of magnolias and camellias. Take a wander through the cherry laurel maze, which dates back to 1833, or download one of the National Trust’s walking routes to explore the area surrounding Glendurgan and the Helford River.

Prices: From £7.20 for adults and from £3.60 for children. Free for members. Discounts available for families and groups. Car park charged at £2.00. Shopping/food vouchers available for visitors arriving by public transport or on foot.

Address: Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5JZ

Contact: 01326 252020; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glendurgan-garden

Trelissick Gardens, Feock

Terrace Garden by Martin Stone is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Set on its own peninsula, Trelissick Gardens overlooks the Fal River Estuary, boasting some of the best views in Cornwall. These 40 acre gardens are striking and varied with features including a sensory garden growing vegetables, herbs and flowers; carcaddon bursting with daffodils and magnolias; and a hydrangea walk with flowering cherries. These gardens are perfect for strolling around and soaking up the natural beauty but there’s also a further 375 acres of woodland to explore within the estate if you fancy a longer walk.

Prices: From £8.60 for adults and £4.30 for children. Free for members. Discounts available for families and groups. £4.00 car park charge.

Address: Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6QL

Contact: 01872 862090; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick

Godolphin, Godolphin Cross

Garden, Godolphin House by Tim Green is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Goldolphin’s garden dates back to the sixteenth century and is recognised as one of the most historically important gardens in Europe, having barely changed since it was created. Located within the grounds of Godolphin House, these gardens offer an impressive display of historical horticulture with a medieval layout, colourful perennial borders, lavender, medieval fishpond and even its own secret garden, accessible only from the house or the folly. The garden is also dog friendly- dogs on leads are welcome in all outdoor areas of the Godolphin estate.

Prices: For the whole property, from £7.70 for adults and from £3.85 for children. For the gardens and outbuildings only, from £6.00 for adults and from £3.00 for children. Free for members. Discounts available for families and groups. Discounts also available during winter months.

Address: Godolphin Cross, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9RE

Contact: 01736 763194; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/godolphin

Lanhydrock, Bodmin

Gardens and Lanhydrock Church by Derek Winterburn is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Nestled in the grounds of a grand Victorian country house, Lanhydrock Garden dates back to 1857. There are 30 acres of garden and woodland to explore, with colourful year-round displays and a stunning formal parterre. Stop off at the delightful café for a cream tea, browse the gift shop for souvenirs and purchase a few of your own plants from the plant centre. The rest of the estate is also well worth exploring too, opening out on to a network of walking and cycling routes that travels through the stunning Cornish countryside.

Prices: For the whole property, adults from £11.70 and children from £5.85. Discounted tickets available for families and groups. For the garden only, adults from £7.20 and children from £3.60. Free for members. 10% discount at the shop and restaurant for those arriving by public transport or bicycle.

Address: Lanhydrock, Cornwall, PL30 5AD

Contact: 01208 265950; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock