Tropical Gardens and Parks

On the Lizard peninsular, the gardens offer and excitement and surprises with colour and interest in all seasons.
Set in the grandeur of the Georgian manor there is much to explore - an eighteenth century walled garden with colour-themed herbaceous borders, a Potager with picking flowers, ornamental vegetables and orchard and through parkland you come to a series of lakes in a valley.
Vibrant colours from the hot, South African summer garden, an exotic mysterious quarry lake, Bonython Estate Gardens is a great visit in spring with tulips, traditional rhododendrons, azaleas and many spring bulbs

Open between March and September but check for opening times www.bonythonmanor.co.uk

(19 miles from Penzance)

National Trust Gardens – this is a an ancient and atmospheric estate with a medieval garden and historic house. This is a great visit – rich in archaeology and wildlife, you can travel back in time as you wander around the the 16th Century garden, one of the most important historic gardens in Europe.

(21 miles from Penzance)

Trebah is a beautiful sub tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. Explore under canopies bursting with exotic blooms and follow vibrant tunnels down to a private beach on the Helford River.

Set in a wooded valley and first planted 175 years ago, Trebah has over 5,000 plants from around the world. There are 4 miles of footpath and interspersed with meandering streams and peaceful ponds.

Visitor centre, gift and garden shops and Cafe
Open all year round

(26 miles from Penzance)

A National Trust garden set across three valleys to lose yourself in. Big leaves and exotic flowers survive in the jungle like lower valley and sun loving specimens enjoy the upper banks. This is a must visit in Spring where thousands of wild-flowers carpet the sloping sides of the steep valley.

Wandering through the garden leads down to the unspoilt hamlet of Durgan on the Helford river- a place to watch birds and boats, skim stones and build sandcastles.

(27 miles from Penzance)