From grand historic estates to hidden valley retreats, Cornwall’s gardens are at their best this time of year. Whether you’re a keen gardener, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful stroll surrounded by blossoms, here are some of the best gardens to explore this spring.
Spring is a special time at Glendurgan. Nestled in a sheltered valley above the Helford River, this peaceful garden comes to life with colour as the season unfolds. Swathes of bluebells carpet the woodland floor, while vibrant rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas light up the slopes.
Families can enjoy the fun of the 200 year-old cherry laurel maze, while quiet corners and winding paths invite slower moments of reflection. Every visit offers something different, as the garden changes week by week with the rhythm of spring.
Whether you’re visiting for the views, the flowers or a peaceful walk, Glendurgan is a garden to return to again and again. This spring, step into a place shaped by generations, where nature and history thrive side by side.
Photocredit: ©National Trust Images/Jason Ingram
Spring at Trebah is a particularly special time. Thanks to its unique micro-climate, 100-year-old rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias burst into bloom with colourful displays that cascade down the valley to a hidden beach, Polgwidden Cove.
Copper beeches line the route too, with their vibrant pinks and reds contrasting against the new fresh green foliage, and keep an eye out for the magnificent handkerchief tree, nestled in the colourful Chilean Coomb; a sheltered area where you can see flowers spanning every colour of the rainbow.
But as the leaves return to the trees, let’s not forget the native wildflowers. The banks throughout the garden are carpeted with an array of bluebells, wild garlic, primroses and campion, their scents drifting on the breeze.
Once spring reaches its peak, you can be sure it won’t be long before Trebah’s iconic hydrangeas come into flower. Two acres of pastel blues, purples, pinks and white and cloak the lower valley and are a sight not to be missed in summer.
Awaken your senses at the Eden Project this spring and witness nature bursting into life. Wander through the Outdoor Gardens as bursts of colour and fresh greenery emerge. Inside the Biomes, the Mediterranean garden fills with fragrant blossoms, while the Rainforest Biome is lush with new growth. Enjoy guided tours that highlight the changing landscapes and explore family-friendly trails and outdoor play areas. Stop by the Eden Kitchen for fresh, locally inspired dishes. Whether taking in the sights, enjoying the fresh air, or simply unwinding in nature, the Eden Project in spring is the perfect seasonal escape.
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Spring is when Trengwainton’s historic rhododendron collection comes into its own, with towering trees giving vibrant bursts of colour throughout the garden and azaleas dazzle with their other-worldly hues. This is also the time when Trengwainton’s winding wooded paths are lined with a spread of bluebells beneath the trees.
Meanwhile, the stream garden also comes into its own with a frothy display of candelabra primulas, irises and other water-loving plants in shades of yellow, pink and purple. As the season progresses, it’s then the turn of the astilbes, crocosmia and ginger lilies to shine there. Keep an eye out too for the golden-ringed dragonflies that love to flit near the water.
Wander into Trengwainton’s walled orchard and you’ll be greeted by apple trees bursting with blossom – all essential food for the resident bees that live there in a restored Victorian bee house.
