Site  

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Location

Drive Time from Resthaven

Telephone

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Trevarno

Helston  

15 minutes

01326 574274

Trevarno Estate Gardens & The National Museum of Gardening

A rare and very special part of Cornwall with a fascinating history stretching back to 1246. Privately owned since then by a succession of notable families, the magnificent gardens and grounds have been developed and extended over the centuries to become what many have described as one of the ten finest in a county renowned for its great gardening tradition.

There is also an interesting gardening museum and other exhibits such as a small toy museum.  They are also rebuilding a short stretch of railway and there are some carriages and engines to view.

There is a good cafe/restaurant in a conservatory.  

Godolphin

Helston

15 minutes

01736 763194

Godolphin Cross Helston

National Trust

The house has an example of an early 13th century - 15th century side garden. Also a compartmented 4.5 acre, nine square garden with raised walk surrounding it.  

The 15th century walled King's Garden is next to the state apartments.

Carclew Garden

Truro

35 minutes

Carclew Garden, Tregavethan, Truro

A large ornamental garden with waterfall and terraces and fountains surrounded by flowers and shrubs, rhododendron species in abundance.

Carwinion

Falmouth

35 minutes

Carwinion Gardens, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth.

Sheltering in a Cornish valley which runs towards the Helford River, the ten-acre gardens of Carwinion were created in the 1800's. Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons flourish and the garden contains the finest collections of bamboos in the UK, together with tree ferns and other sub tropical plants.

Ladock House

Truro

40 minutes

Ladock, Truro.

Georgian old rectory with 4 acres of lawns, rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas with woodland garden.

Poldowrian

Coverack

20 minutes

Coverack, Helston.

Woodland garden created among natural wild plants with a spectacular cliff top views with a pre-historic museum which is opened on request.

Trellisick

Truro

35 Minutes

National Trust

Beautiful gardens, walks and views.

Just by the King Harry Ferry and looking across to the Roseland Peninsula.

Glendurgan

Nr. Falmouth

25 minutes

Mawnan Smith, nr Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5JZ
Telephone: 01326 250906

National Trust.

Superb subtropical garden, with special interest for families.

Valley garden with views over the Helford River and coastline

Warm and sheltered setting for exotic flowers, trees and shrubs

Fantastic laurel maze and 'Giant's Stride' maypole

Tranquil sandy beach and rock pools at Durgan

Trebah Garden

Nr. Falmouth

25 minutes

Very popular garden in a lovely setting.

Almost next door to Glendurgan.

26 acre Cornish ravine garden, rated among the 80 finest gardens in the world. A steeply wooded ravine descends 200 feet down to a private beach on the historic Helford River.

Lanhydrock

Near Bodmin

1 hour drive.

A major National Trust property and grounds.

Interesting country-house and large grounds.  The kitchens, nurseries and servants' quarters offer a real glimpse into life 'below stairs', while the spacious dining room and bedrooms are truly and deeply elegant. You can even play the Steinway piano in the lounge.

There is also an open theatre and children's activities during the summer.

Restaurants and cafe are good too.

It is a fair drive from Porthleven but well worth a visit.

It can be done as part of a “day trip” or on the way down or back from your holiday