We’re fortunate to have some really spectacular gardens down here in Cornwall. There are the beautifully landscaped gardens of the stately homes, exotic, almost jungle like spaces populated by exotic plant hunters and some really artistic or just fun gardens. Here are some gardens in Cornwall to explore with your family that kids will really enjoy exploring.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens near Penzance
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens are gardens are situated a mile or so back from the coastline between Penzance and Marazion, with glorious views of St Michael’s Mount and Mounts Bay surprising you as you wander amongst the sculptures and plants. When you first arrive you find the car park, café, plant shop and gallery and then you head up a woodland trail to explore gardens full or surprising and sculptures which often kids are allowed to touch.
The land was once owned by the monks of St Michael’s Mount and then the Tremenheere family before Dr Neil Armstrong had the idea to create this lovely garden which combines his passions for plants and sculpture. There are plants here from around the globe alongside native Cornish woodland – mostly plants being chosen for their structure, which complements the sculpture.
The sculpture installations have been created by famous artists from all over the world including James Turrell, David Nash and Kishio Suga. You can explore shady woodland trails with the music of a stream as a backdrop. Occasionally you will come across a sculpture and often, equally pleasing are the beautiful vistas of the Mount which burst into view at various points of the garden.
Due to the nature of the landscape only a few parts of the trail at Tremenheere are suitable for people with wheelchairs or babies in prams, but some individuals with limited mobility do enjoy exploring the gardens, so do contact the team if you would like more information. The café is fully accessible.
For more information visit www.tremenheere.co.uk
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
We are so lucky to have the Lost Gardens of Heligan on our doorstep. No matter whether it’s a quick walk after school or a whole day’s excursion, a visit there never disappoints us.
Over the past few years Heligan have made children’s visits a whole lot more engaging. In the school holidays there is usually a themed trail and indoor activities with help and guidance from craftspeople and volunteers to make sure that every child can leave with a precious handmade piece of craft work.
There is also a play area with some fabulous wooden play equipment, and kids will love crossing of the rope bridge down in the Jungle, which is a very exotic and lush part of the garden which feels a world away from the smooth lawns and planting areas of the upper garden areas.
There’s everything you need for a visit here with young children, space to roam with very few spots off limits, good cafes, clean toilets and a team of caring staff, always on hand with help and advice. We always come away having learned something new whilst soaking up the sights and sounds of the natural world.
You can reach the Lost Gardens of Heligan by bike, bus or car (approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Bosinver). For more information about visiting Heligan, events and admission prices, visit heligan.com
Glendurgan Garden
With its famous maze and wonderful views over the Helford River, Glendurgan is an enchanting garden where there’s always more to see.
Glendurgan is ideal for children. The Fox family who created the garden had twelve children, and it’s easy to imagine how much fun they must have had playing here.
Photogenic and enticing, the maze is surprisingly challenging! It’s made from cherry laurel, and is an astonishing 176 years old!
Once you reach the summer house in the centre, you can relax and watch everyone else trying to find their way towards you. Kids (of all ages) will probably also like to try out the Giant’s Stride, a huge pole with ropes you can swing from!
As an added enticement, at the bottom of the garden is a lovely beach where you can enjoy an ice cream from the NT cafe when it is open and also a swim in the river.
Keep wandering downwards and you will eventually reach Durgan village, a pretty, tiny fishing village on the banks of the Helford river. It’s a lovely place for a paddle, a swim or little stroll along the coast path, or perhaps a picnic on the edge of the water.
Don’t miss the cafe, which has a range of delicious homemade food on offer – not to mention ice creams…
As you wander back you can also discover some of the garden’s tucked-away treasures, like the boat-seat nestled amongst the ferns, the old school house and the invitingly-named Giant’s Stride.
Glendurgan is just outside the village of Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth, around 45 minutes’ drive from Bosinver.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glendurgan-garden
Enjoy a break in Cornwall
If you would like to enjoy a break in Cornwall, there are lots of things to do throughout the year. We’ve got a range of cottages which sleep 4-12 people and we’ve won many awards for our family-friendly accommodation – find out more and check availability.
Have you discovered any gardens that your kids have enjoyed you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you on our Facebook page, Instagram @Action_Nan or tweet @ActionNan