To See & Do
A Guide to Cornwall's Gardens
Spring comes early to Cornwall due to the mild climate and influence of the gulf stream. Each year, six champion magnolia trees in the Great Gardens of Cornwall are monitored to determine when spring has officially arrived. We've created a guide to some of Cornwall's wonderful gardens, so get ready to explore.
Cornwall’s unique microcosm jutting out into the Atlantic surrounded on almost all sides by water means that Cornwall has plenty of interesting gardens to visit. Cornish weather tends towards the milder (and on average, wetter too, so always best to pack your waterproof jacket just in case) and the 400-miles of coastline brings plenty of prevailing wind and salt.
Frosts are few and far between, and snow rare so Spring comes to Cornwall earlier than the rest of the UK. Daffodils start poking their heads out as early as January in sheltered spaces, and the champion magnolia, camellia and rhododendron in full bloom from mid-late February onwards, so there is plenty of interest in gardens practically all year-round.
In the 1800s many families in Cornwall developed an interest in exotic plantings, using their shipping connections to import specimens and species from all round the world. Many of those gardens that were set out in the nineteenth century are still visitable today, with non-native species thriving in the milder climate, so it is usual to see plants such as palm trees and gunnera. Even rhododendrons, which range from bush varieties to the tall woodlands, are not native and were once imported.
Here are some of our favourite gardens to visit across the Duchy.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The gardens at Heligan were once lost to the passage of time after the Second World War, but rediscovered during the 1990s. The 200-acre garden and estate has something for all visitors - from the formal walled gardens, productive kitchen gardens (complete with pineapple pit) to the rare-breed animals, wild flower meadows, bird hides, and more. Or, walk in the estate, and explore the Jungle (with the longest Burmese Rope Bridge in Britain, not just for little kids) and spot the sculptures on the Woodland Walk. There are also plenty of play areas for children of all sizes, and daily themed events during the school holidays. Food of all kinds is served across the estate, from formal sit down ‘Lost Suppers’ each month using produce grown and reared on site, to Sunday roasts, sandwiches, hot takeaways and tea, coffee and cakes in the cafés.
Our friends at The Lost Gardens of Heligan have created a special offer to all guests that book and stay at a Duchy of Cornwall Holiday Cottage. Book a holiday with us and you and your guests will receive 20% off normal garden admission charges to Heligan, for one visit, during your stay. Details of how to claim your discount and make a booking will be sent to you in your pre-arrival information email.
The Story of Emily
The main attraction here is the Victorian Rectory and the War Rooms, both inside, and exploring Emily Hobhouse, but The Story of Emily is also worth visiting for the Victorian gardens and the Restaurant, where the deep ties between South Africa and the late 1800s are celebrated with thoughtfully re-imagined heritage dishes.
As a guest of the Duchy of Cornwall holiday cottages, you’re eligible for an exclusive Day Pass rate of just £15 per person. To enjoy this offer, simply show your Duchy of Cornwall Holiday Cottages booking confirmation to our hosts at the Welcome Desk and provide photo ID.
The Great Gardens of Cornwall
The Great Gardens of Cornwall (GGOC) are a group of 14 of the most historically and horticulturally important gardens in Cornwall - of which Heligan is one. The remainder are a mix of privately owned gardens ranging from small and specialist, like the gardens at The Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, to the vast, like The Eden Project. There are informal woodland gardens, coastal gardens and historic rolling parkland. If you sign up to their newsletter, each month they email a discount code to use for entry to their gardens. In 2025, the Great Gardens of Cornwall celebrate 30 years, with a series of events planned in celebration.
Cornwall Open Gardens
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to 70 of the best private gardens in Cornwall. Some of these gardens are also part of The Great Gardens of Cornwall, or have public access, but others are individually owned gardens that would be otherwise unable to be visited.
Trevilley, for example, is home to the westernmost walled rose garden in England and is part-owned by novelist Patrick Gale (open 15 June and in June and July by arrangement).
Near to Lostwithiel is Bocconoc, usually only open for private hire, or for specific events, but on 18 April 2025, the 20 acres of parkland and garden is open to all visitors (pay on the day).
National Trust Gardens
Cornwall’s National Trust gardens are plentiful and many also benefit from Cornwall’s 19th century planting that created a lasting legacy, including formal gardens, mazes and exotic plants, as well as private beaches. From Cotehele near Plymouth to Glendurgan, Trengwainton and Godolphin further down in the Lizard and Penzance, Trelissick near Truro, Lanhydrock near Bodmin, and Trerice near Newquay, there’s a NT garden to choose from right across Cornwall
Public Gardens in Cornwall
Smaller but also impressive, town centre plantings should not be overlooked. At Fowey, The Old Grammar School Gardens is currently a peaceful place to sit and admire the sea view - although from June onwards they will be closing. In Truro, Victoria Gardens are a great example of 19th century planting, with a band stand and café. In Falmouth, the Fox Rosehill Gardens are just off Melvill Road, and have been awarded national Green Flag Award status.
