A double beech avenue climbs through the parkland to the grey granite Lanhydrock House, tucked into the wooded ridge behind.
There has been a garden here since the 17th century, but the present framework was established only in the Victorian period, and few of the plants are more than 80 years old. Formal parterres are spread out under the east front.
On the slopes above , paths wander through a woodland landscape, planted in in a semi-formal, Cornish fashion with stands of rhododendrons and Himalayan magnolias, wreathed in green lichen, that have grown to their full size.
From here there are superb views down over the garden and the Fowey valley landscape.
Lanhydrock lies 8 miles inland and the grounds rise to 130 metres above sea level meaning that plants have to cope with a harsher climate than south Cornwall's famous coastal gardens, however, it still puts on a dazzling sping show of magnolias, camelias and rhododendrons along with a carpet of wild blooms in the woodland.
Here are the different areas of the garden you can explore, click on each section to find out more
The fabulous formal parterre brings a real touch of grandeur to the gardens. Take a stroll through the neat, planted beds and check out the cheeky cherubs on the urns. The complicated pattern is bedded out in spring and summer.
St Hydroc has been the patron saint of Lanhydrock’s church since a visit in 1478 by William Worcester to the Bodmin priory of St Petroc’s. Built in the mid 15th century the church may have incorporated an earlier small church or chapel. It was remodelled during the 1620’s when John Robartes extended Lanhydrock house. The Robartes family crypt lies beneath the old family pews situated to the east end of the south side (nearest the house).
If you're interested in birds then this stream in the higher garden is the spot to look for nuthatches building their nests, as they collect mud from the banks of this stream in spring.
Lanhydrock is famous for its fabulous magnolia trees which are found all around the higher garden. We've even got a magnolia arch by the thatched cottage, which you can walk through to explore the higher garden.
Our garden team work throughout the year to maintain our herbaceous borders and keep them filled with flowers and fragrant plants. Take the weight off your feet in the seating area and enjoy the results of our labour.