Gardens and Parks in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
There are thousands of acres of gardens, parks, country parks and recreational areas throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Cornwall is famous for its beautiful gardens. Many of the major gardens are situated within reach of the sheltered south Cornish coastline but horticultural enthusiasts across Cornwall create and tend beautiful gardens, many of which are extremely well established over hundreds of years.
The Isles of Scilly is a unique environment with its own beautiful gardens, famous around the world.
The diversity of plants and trees to be found is amazing. From native flora to exotic trees and plants from all over the world which flourish in Cornwall's mild climate.
Fine examples of Camellia, Magnolia, Acer, Rhododendron, Sequoia, Bamboo, Tree Fern and Palm are just some of the rare and exotic flora that can be enjoyed in Cornwall's gardens
Many of Cornwall's parks have been recognised for their conservation and environmental protection work and awarded Green Flag status by the Civic Trust.
Some gardens have an admission charge but many of Cornwall's gardens are free admission.
Many of the smaller private gardens open on an occasional basis in aid of charities such as the RNLI, British Red Cross, National Gardens Scheme (N.G.S.) or simply for a donation to their preferred charitable cause.
Gardens
Gardens with free admission include: Morrab Gardens, Penzance, a sub tropical garden which was first opened in 1889. Plants and trees include Cordylines, Magnolias, Bamboos, Olives and several different Tree Ferns including specimens over 70 years old. Ornamental ponds, a fountain and bandstand add to the charm of this tranquil oasis within Penzance; Trenance Gardens, Newquay; Fox Rosehill Gardens, Falmouth, includes many species from South America, New Zealand and Australia including Banana, Agaves and Eucalyptus and Bamboos; Gyllyngdune Gardens host the Annual Falmouth Spring Flower Show, Queen Mary Gardens, Falmouth, were first established in 1912 and are on a site which was originally Kimberley Marshes; Victoria Gardens, Truro, named in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, stands beside the Kenwyn River with a magnificent view of Truro's imposing viaduct. The garden contain a large variety of rare and exotic trees, flowers and shrubs, as well as a bandstand where summer concerts are performed.
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park - free entry to the country park which offers walks overlooking the Tamar River. Visitors wishing to visit the house and its gardens have to pay an admission fee; Seaton Country Park.
Tehidy Country Park is a free admission country park accessed from either the Camborne Redruth Area or from the North Cliffs between Gwithian and Portreath. The park has a number of walking trails to suit all abilities and a cycle trail. Towards the south of the park is a large lake with several species of wildfowl. The squirrels are also a popular attraction here and are quite used to people. There are level access ways in a number of areas within the park, suitable for wheelchair users.
Parks
There are many parks throughout Cornwall including: Penlee Park, Penzance, has mature trees, a pond and large grassed areas. It also features sports and other recreational facilities including tennis courts, an outdoor theatre, play area and a football field; Poltair Park, St Austell, which caters for a variety of sports activities including football, basketball, tennis and bowling as well as areas of impressive floral displays; Park and Athletics Track, Par, providing excellent athletics facilities; Boscawen Park, Truro, pleasantly situated beside the Truro River, offers facilities for football, cricket and tennis as well as just relaxing, stretching out on the grass under a shady tree and enjoying the sunshine.
Opposite the park is a tree-lined duck pond with circular footpath and plenty of viewpoints and benches to sit and enjoy the sound of the birds; Coronation Park, Launceston, includes facilities for tennis; Egloshayle Park, Wadebridge, playing fields with facilities for a variety of sporting activities; Coronation Park, Wadebridge, presented to the town by the Molesworth Family and opened in 1902. It has a range of recreational activities and excellent views of Wadebridge and the distant tors of Bodmin Moor; Priory Park, Bodmin, with duck pond and many mature native trees; Coronation Lake and Park, Helston, a pleasant area to walk and enjoy the birdlife.
Playgrounds
In addition to the formal gardens and parks are designated play areas for young people. Playgrounds exist in many of the parks throughout Cornwall including: Poltair Park, St Austell; Valley Road Park, Mevagissey; Penlee Park, Penzance; Boscawen Park, Truro; Par Beach and Nature Reserve; Padstow Play Area, Priory Park, Bodmin.
Date: 25 Mar
to 16 Sep
/ Time: 11am - 4pm
-
Cotehele Garden
Formal garden, orchards and meadow. Terrace garden falling to sheltered valley with ponds, stream and unusual shrubs. Historic collection of daffodils. Fine Tudor house (one of the least altered in the country); armour, tapestries, furniture
Open: For NGS: Monday 25th March and Monday 16th September
Cotehele, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA more info...
Date: 14 Apr
to 14 Jul
/ Time: 2pm - 5pm
-
Ince Castle Garden Open Day
Romantic garden at the end of winding lanes, surrounding C17 pink brick castle on a peninsula in the R Lynher. Old apple trees with bulbs, woodland garden with fritillaries, camellias and rhododendrons. Extraordinary 1960s shell house on edge of formal garden
Open: Sunday 14th April and Sunday 14th July. In aid of the NGS.
Ince Castle, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 4RA more info...
Map of Gardens and Parks locations in Cornwall
Use the + scale on the left of the map to zoom in on an area. Click on a marker to see the name of the location and click the box to go to the information about that place. To zoom out click - on the scale. (Google Map integrated by www.choughmountain.eu)
