Glendurgan Garden was described by its creators, the Quakers Alfred and Sarah Fox, as a ‘small peace [sic] of heaven on earth’.
There are three valleys of Glendurgan to lose yourself in – full of amazing plants. Sun-loving specimens enjoy the upper banks, and plants with big leaves and exotic flowers thrive in the subtropical lower valley. In spring, an abundance of wildflowers fill the sloping sides of the valley.
Wandering through the garden leads you down to the unspoilt hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River. On the small pebble beach you’ll find refreshments in the Fish Cellar, run by a team of volunteers.
Walking up from Durgan you can find a boat seat, a gigantic tulip tree and ponds teeming with wildlife. You can also learn about the Fox family who created this valley of adventure. Visit the schoolroom and see a recreation of the first school, opened in 1829, where local children attended lessons.
The cherry laurel maze has been foxing people for nearly 200 years. Who will be first to reach the middle of the living puzzle? With many children to entertain, the Fox family installed a simple yet enjoyable rotating rope swing called the ‘Giant’s Stride’. Take your turn and join the fun.
Visit the Apple Shed in the orchard for nature-inspired activities like leaf rubbing and sketching. Seasonal trails bring nature to life and are a playful way for families to discover the garden.
Glendurgan Tea House is a cosy venue offering hot and cold drinks, light savoury snacks, a range of cakes and Callestick ice cream. Enjoy a cream tea with Cornish clotted cream and a dollop of jam.
Before you head home, make sure to visit Glendurgan’s second-hand bookshop. Stocked with a variety of pre-loved fiction and non-fiction books, including rare, collectable and vintage books, you’ll always find treasure on the shelves.
