Gardens to Visit in Cornwall

This fine 16th-c. house is surrounded by lovely a 'Repton' landscape. Including a formal garden with modern sculptures, and grounds that sweep from a terrace through parkland to areas of woodland. The woodland gardens, contain mulberry, walnut and oak, plus many lovely shrubs, rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias. Home to the National Collection of Day lilies (Hemerocallis).

A series of enclosed garden rooms and walled gardens, planted with perennials and shrubs that provide good foliage effect. Best seen in summer when The Hot Garden is riot of yellows, reds, oranges and purples, set against a framework of dark foliage. The Woodland Walk, through Beech and Sycamore, is underplanted with a rich carpet of early spring flowers and bulbs.

An early 19th-c. Gothic Revival castle built by John Nash. The surrounding gardens spread towards the coast and up a steep hillside, covering extensive woodland, rich with tree ferns, rare conifers and acers. The National Plant Collection of Magnolias is at its best in spring. Early flowering species include M. sargentiana and M campbellii, followed by Caerhays own hybrids.

A tranquil, peaceful garden set in a sheltered valley just south of Falmouth. Holds one of the most magnificent collections of bamboo in Britain, with over 200 varieties on show. Spread over 12 acres, the grounds are full of winding pathways, through tall trees, with wild flowers, rhododendron, hydrangeas, ferns, ancient tree ferns and giant Gunnera.

Built in an old China clay pit, the Eden Project is dominated by its huge futuristic Tropical Biomes, home to exotic species from all over the world. Zones include a humid rainforest, Mediterranean zone and a Californian landscape. There is lots to see and explore, with hundreds of plants inside and outside the biomes. Plus a wide variety of children's events and workshops.

Woodland valley garden that slopes down to a beach on the Helford River. Best known for its lovely spring displays of rhododendrons, camellias and Magnolias. The gardens are informally landscaped with a selection of exotic trees and shrubs from all over the world, including palm trees, bananas and tree ferns. Highlights include a large Laurel Maze and a walled garden.

This fine granite mansion stands amid magnificent landscaped gardens that are simply beautiful all year round. The gardens contain many fine trees and shrubs, yew topiary, formal gardens and a great avenue of beeches and sycamores. The extensive parkland runs down to the river valley, affording many splendid woodland walks.

Enormous ancient plants and moss covered sleeping giants (made from mud and stones) are hidden in this 200 acre luscious landscape. Includes a walled garden, Italianate garden, mini Jungle with tree ferns, towering bamboo and a banana plantation. The gardens fell into ruin following the two world wars but have now been authentically and painstakingly restored.

The 18th-c. house boasts a lovely mix of French, Italian, American and English gardens, with pavilions and a shell grotto. Home to the National Camellia Collection. The Grade I accredited gardens are surrounding by a 865 acre Country Park on the Rame Peninsula. Battery view point with spectacular views over the River Tamar.

Morrab Gardens (Penzance) were designed by Reginald Upcher Morrab in the 19th-c. Purchased by the local council in 1888, it is now a public park, with fountains and an ornate bandstand. Many exotic species flourish here in the mild Cornish climate, including tree ferns and New Zealand cabbage palms along with camellias and magnolias.

A sub-tropical paradise set against a stunning coastal backdrop. Giant bamboo and subtropical palms thrive, alongside azaleas, camellias and magnolias. The 25 acre plot descends dramatically down a steep valley, which is lavishly planted with jungle plants and large leaved exotics. Steps lead down at the end to a lovely sandy beach on the Helford Estuary.

Exotic woodland landscape, overlooking the Falmouth estuary, surrounding a classical house (not open). Noted for its azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias and hydrangeas. The garden's sheltered location enables many exotic, aromatic and rare plants to thrive. Woodland walks alongside the River Fal. Art and craft gallery. Musical & theatre events in summer.

Superb woodland garden with flowering shrubs, rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias that have grown to tree-like proportions. Especially good from early spring to early summer. A true plantman's garden, famed for its rare shrubs grown from seed collected in Asia in the 1920s. You will also find sunken and walled gardens. The early Georgian house is often open for tours.

A unique stream fed Garden, rich in luscious exotic flora. With many moisture loving plants, tree ferns, Japanese magnolias and Himalayan plants. There is also an extensive collection of rhododendrons and azaleas from around the world. Particularly noted for its dramatic display of camellias in March. Special events held throughout the season.

Several public parks in Falmouth were created by the Fox family in the 19th-c. Including the Fox Rosehill Gardens, a two-acre site packed with tender shrubs, acacias, magnolias and rhododendrons, as well as exotic palms.

The Gyllyngdune Gardens (circa 1907) has an original Edwardian bandstand, which is still used for garden fetes and band concerts.