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Last updated: 25 April, 2023

This delightful 40-acre National Trust garden is best known for its year-round display of colourful blooms – notably camellias, rhododendrons, photinia and azaleas – and rare plants and shrubs, in shelterbelts that were created 200 years ago.

The site takes in a water tower, four summerhouses, lawns, beds, and an additional 375 acres of parkland and woodland with extensive walking trails. Set on a peninsula, there are lovely views over the estuary and Falmouth throughout – which may be enjoyed from the tea room in the manor house.

Price from: £15
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

As it’s right on the River Fal, many visitors arrive by boat. Take a ferry from Truro, Falmouth or St Mawes – the garden has its own landing stages and the journey is lovely. If you’re driving, car parking is available, and free to National Trust members. The nearest station is Truro; it’s about 4 miles, so take a taxi or the ferry from there.

It’s possible to stay in the historic Water Tower, located within the gardens and converted into a holiday cottage, with spiral staircases and a single circular room on each of the four floors.

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Idle Rocks

St Mawes, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[6.6 miles]

A delightful, 18-room Edwardian Inn in the heart of chic St Mawes, with superb food served on the waterfront terrace.

Official star rating:

Hotel Tresanton

St Mawes, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[6.6 miles]

Elegant, waterfront family hotel offering quiet sophistication in the yacht-filled harbour town of St Mawes.  A Cornish, if not world, classic.

Official star rating:

Merchants Manor

Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[8.2 miles]

A beautifully decorated country house in buzzing Falmouth, with an outstanding restaurant and excellent spa and wellness facilities. Children 12 and over welcome.

Official star rating:

The Lugger Hotel

Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[9.9 miles]

Boutique style and fabulous seafood in a 17th-century smugglers’ inn on the Roseland Peninsula.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cornwall

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

A region of craggy cliffs, sheltered creeks, glorious sandy beaches and quintessential villages – rich in local life, pagan legend and delicious, locally-made food and drink.

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