The garden at Trengwainton

A view over the fields at Trengwainton Garden, Cornwall — Sea view from the Terrace at Trengwainton Garden | © National Trust Images / Hugh Mothersole

Trengwainton is a garden of contrasts with winding wooded paths that open onto wide grassy lawns and sea views. It’s celebrated for the collection of award-winning rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias within its 25 acres, some of which flowered here for the first time in Britain.

Top things to see

The view from the Terrace

On a clear day the view from the Terrace at the top of the garden stretches for 25 miles across Mount’s Bay to the Lizard peninsula beyond.

To reach it, choose either the shady path of the tree-lined Long Walk or the Carriage Drive which opens onto a colourful stream border and meadows.

The walled gardens

In the lower half of the garden are 10 sections of walled gardens. Five of these are crammed with tender exotic plants from around the world, and five more are a kitchen garden with unique sloping beds.

Home of springs

One translation for Trengwainton is ‘home of springs’ and water is certainly a feature here with two ponds and a gentle stream running through the centre of the garden. There are also two giant tree fern glades which give a Jurassic jungle feel as their huge fronds tower overhead.

What's in bloom

The garden is now closed for the 2023 season but check back at the beginning of February to plan your visit for the start of the 2024 season when we reopen on 11 February.

A row of pumpkins beside a gravel path. — Pumpkins in the walled kitchen garden at Trengwainton | © National Trust/Marina Rule

Walking with your dog

The garden is half a mile long and on a steady incline, so whether you choose a gentle stroll or a brisk walk, it’s a great place to stretch your legs. You can bring along your four-legged friend too as dogs on leads are very welcome everywhere except inside the cafe and the second-hand bookshop (assistance dogs only in these buildings).

Picnic spots

If you’re looking for somewhere to picnic, the orchard is a large grassy area with dappled shade from the apple trees, while the Terrace at the top of the garden has sea views stretching away across Mount's Bay. Halfway up the Carriage Drive there’s the Royal Meadow, complete with fairytale Edwardian summerhouse.

Dicksonia antarctica (tree fern) around the pond at Trengwainton Garden, Cornwall — The pond at Trengwainton Garden, Cornwall | © National Trust Images / Andrew Butler

Family activities at Trengwainton Garden

During school holidays there are seasonal family trails and activities, including some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’, such as birdwatching and cloud watching.

Silent spaces

If you’re looking for somewhere to sit quietly without the distraction of electronic devices, we’ve partnered with the national Silent Space charity (Registered charity no. 1190013) and set aside two areas in the garden for quiet contemplation; on the Terrace at the top of the garden is a summerhouse offering a sheltered spot to sit and silently gaze across 25 miles of sea to the Lizard peninsula beyond.

At the lower end of the garden is a secluded spot called the Laurel Circle, with its circular metal bench and surrounded by the evergreen leaves of laurels.