Exploring Cornwall’s gardens in spring


Close up shot of the flowers on a magnolia tree

Thanks to Cornwall’s milder climate, spring comes much earlier to the far south west than the rest of the UK. Snowdrops and daffodils are the first heralds of spring, adding a welcome splash of colour after the long winter. Camellias and magnolias follow soon after, and now flowering across Cornwall.

Spring in Cornwall is, quite simply, paradise. And the magnificent blooms on display aren’t the only thing that’s special about Cornwall’s gardens – many of them have a story to tell too…

Cornwall’s Spring Story

Each year, the head gardeners from Caerhays Castle Gardens, Tregothnan, Trewithen, Trebah, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Trewidden keep a close eye on their champion Magnolia Campbellii trees. When all six trees have at least 50 blooms, it is said that spring’s arrived in Cornwall.

In 2018, spring was declared in Cornwall on 26 February – much earlier than the official arrival of spring in the UK. The huge flowers on these magnolia trees are an impressive sight, adding a welcome splash of colour. It’s hard not to look at these beautiful blooms and smile.

Visit the Great Gardens of Cornwall website to find out more about Cornwall’s spring story, or watch this short video from Visit Cornwall.


There are several magnificent gardens right on our doorstep, and more just a short drive away. Many welcome visitors all year round, while others open their doors from the beginning of March. Several of Cornwall’s gardens are dog friendly, including Trewithen, Enys, Trebah, Pencarrow and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, so if you’re holidaying with your four-legged friend, they can enjoy exploring with you.

It’s worth checking online before you visit any of these garden, as opening hours may change. You can also check what’s in bloom and get a sneak preview of what you can expect to see before you visit.

Gardens close to Bosinver

We’re lucky enough to have several magnificent gardens within 10-20 minutes’ drive from Bosinver, including:

Trewithen Gardens
An historic private estate with a wonderful collection of camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias. Don’t miss the woodland walk.

Pinetum Gardens
A plantsman’s dream. With 30 acres to explore and one of the largest plant collections in the UK, Pinetum Gardens is a beautiful, tranquil place to wander and while away a few hours.

Lost Gardens of Heligan
Heligan needs little introduction. Only a stone’s throw from Bosinver, it’s a wonderful garden to visit at any time of year, but is particularly impressive during the spring.

Caerhays
The gardens on the Caerhays Estate are something truly special. There’s a huge collection of magnolias (including rare yellow magnolias), some of which are over 150 years old.

Spring breaks at Bosinver

Spring is a magnificent time to visit Cornwall. Not only are the gardens at their best, but it’s a great time to explore everything the county has to offer – from walking the coast path, to getting out on the water or exploring some of Cornwall’s historic houses and mining heritage.

We offer short breaks from September – May in all our luxury self-catering cottages. Whether you’re looking for a long weekend away for two, or a short break with family or friends, we’ve got a cottage to suit you.

Book online or check availability >

What do you most enjoy about spring in Cornwall? Leave a message below, post on Facebook or tweet @Bosinver. We’d love to hear your thoughts! If you would like to know more about booking a holiday here at Bosinver, please email reception@bosinver.co.uk or call 01726 72128.

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Action Nan and the rest of the team are always busy writing posts that we think you’ll like – from top tips on where to take the kids, to what’s likely to be going on in the local area when you stay – we’ve got it all in our blog!