
Discover more at Trengwainton Garden
Find out when Trengwainton Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Find out when Trengwainton Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
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