Four Great Cornish Gardens

A milder than average climate and a rich history means Cornwall has a wealth of intriguing gardens, many of which are open to visitors throughout the year. Here’s our top picks.

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Eden Project

The award-winning Eden Project has consistently been voted one of the UK’s best attractions. Acres of flowers and herb-scented pathways lead down to two huge biomes housing plants from Mediterranean climates and the world’s largest indoor living Rainforest. Enjoy the vivid blooms and aromas of South Africa, California and the Mediterranean then make your way to the waterfall and sights and sounds of the Rainforest. Climb the steps to the Canopy Walk for a treetop view and discover a Malaysian hut with its paddy field.

The Eden Project aims to inspire and educate. Head to ‘The Core’ for hands-on activities and find out about the Project’s eco-friendly attributes. Year-round activities and café’s, restaurant areas and kiosks offer a full day out for all.

Opening Times

Usually open every day except Christmas Day.

The last tickets sold half an hour before the biomes close. Please check opening times before your visit as biomes may close early to maintain the health of plants.

There are also many seasonal activities.

Eden Project Gallery

flags outside the Eden Project — Flags outside the Eden Project entrance

Exterior of biomes at Eden — Gardens and biomes at the Eden Project

bridge in biome — Walkway in the biomes at the Eden Project

cafe at Eden — Cafe at the Eden Project in Cornwall

viewing platform at Eden — Viewing platform above the Eden Project rainforest.

The Core at Eden — The Core learning centre at the Eden Project

Eden Land Train — Eden Project Land Train

sunflowers in biomes — Walking through the biomes at the Eden Project

Images courtesy of Hufton + Crow and Visit Cornwall.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Winding pathways and intriguing sculptures give these gardens a mysterious and intriguing air. Lying in ruins since the outbreak of the First World War, the Heligan Estate Gardens were rediscovered and restored to include a Victorian Kitchen Garden, Jungle area, Lost Valley, Ancient Woodland, wildlife area and farm.

For plant lovers, a nursery and gift shop are on site. There’s also a kitchen and bakery with a tearoom serving fresh seasonal dishes.

Opening Times

With the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the gardens are usually open every day.

Spring & Summer: 10:00am – 6:00pm. The last entry is at 4:30pm.

Later opening until 7:30pm during Theatre month, late July – August.
The last tickets are sold at 6:00pm.

Autumn & Winter: 10:00am – 5:00pm. The last entry is at 3:30pm.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan Gallery

couple walking through apple arches — Apple arches, The Lost Gardens of Heligan

view of the Italian Garden — Italian Garden, The Lost Gardens of Heligan

young person walking along the jungle rope bridge — Jungle rope bridge, The Lost Gardens of Heligan

People strolling in the Lost Valley — Lost Valley, The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Close up of Giants Head — Giants Head, The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Parent with small child on their shoulders looking into the Flower garden — Looking into the Flower Garden, The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Inside view of Victorian Greenhouse — Victorian Greenhouse, The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Images courtesy The Lost Gardens of Heligan & Visit Cornwall.

Trebah Gardens

Discover exotic blooms and sub-tropical plants in Trebah’s highly regarded Cornish valley gardens which wind down to a private beach by the Helford River. Seasonal blooms include 100-year-old rhododendrons which come alive in spring or the Hydrangea Valley which casts soft clouds of blue and white in autumn. By winter champion trees reign high over the valley.

For plant lovers, there is a shop, plant centre and visitor centre to take care of every need. There’s also Planters Café for year-round seasonal dishes and The Boathouse Café, situated on the beach.

Opening Times

The gardens are usually open every day, all year round.

10:00am – 4:00pm

The last entry is at 3:30pm.

Trebah Gardens Gallery

house at Trebah — House at Trebah Garden

People performing in amphitheatre at Trebah — Amphitheatre, Trebah Garden

Jungle view at Trebah — Jungle view, Trebah Garden

Trebah beach — Private beach, Trebah Garden

water garden at Trebah — Water garden, Trebah Garden

Woman on blue bridge at Trebah — Blue bridge, Trebah Garden

gardens at Trebah — Gardens, Trebah Garden

Chusan Palms at Trebah — Chusan Palms, Trebah Garden

Images courtesy of Visit Cornwall.

Pinetum Gardens

With 12 gardens and over 6,000 labelled plants, Pinetum Gardens is a definite must-see for any avid or would-be horticulturist. Each habitat, with its own unique flora in different environs, join to make for some extraordinary, eye-catching moments.

From the intimacy and seclusion of the Japanese Garden to the amphitheatre arrangement of the pines and conifers in the wide open “Pinetum”, paths and gardens are laid out with themes. There’s also an on-site shop and tea rooms.

Opening Times

The gardens are usually open every day, all year round.

10:00am – 6:00pm

The last tickets are sold at 4:30pm.

Pinetum Gardens

Bridge covered in Wisteria — Wisteria Bridge, Pinetum Park & Pine Lodge Gardens

Japanese Garden at Pinetum Park & Pine Lodge Gardens — Japanese Garden, Pinetum Park & Pine Lodge Gardens

Stag sculpture, Pinetum Park & Pine Lodge Gardens

seats at cottage garden — Cottage garden, Pinetum Park & Pine Lodge Gardens

exterior of cafe and shop at Pinetum Park & Pine Lodge Gardens — Cafe and shop, Pinetum Park & Pine Lodge Gardens

Geese swimming on the duck pond — Duck pond, Pinetum Park & Pine Lodge Gardens

beautiful pond at Pinetum — Pond, Pinetum Park & Pine Lodge Gardens

Images courtesy of Pinetum Gardens.