The 7 best gardens to visit near Falmouth
Here in Falmouth, we’re lucky to have an abundance of beautiful gardens right on our doorstep. With spring now in full swing, it’s the perfect time to explore these green spaces as they come into full bloom.
From peaceful subtropical valleys to historic landscaped estates, these gardens offer a welcome escape from the bustle of town. No matter if you’re looking to recharge, find inspiration or simply enjoy the fresh air, there’s no shortage of stunning spots to discover.
Whether you’re a student, a visitor attending an Open Day, or just looking for things to do in Falmouth, these local gardens are well worth a visit.
1. Fox Rosehill Gardens, Falmouth Campus
Have you heard that Falmouth has its own microclimate? You’ll believe it when you see the impressive array of tropical flora on display at Fox Rosehill Gardens, nestled in the heart of Falmouth Campus.
Created in the 19th century by the Fox family — who also founded the Falmouth Polytechnic Society, the catalyst for Falmouth School of Art — the garden’s exotic plants were brought from around the world via packet ships.
Donated to the people of Falmouth in 1944, the gardens are now home to giant banana plants, palms, cacti, eucalyptus, myrtle, magnolias and much more.
2. Tremough Gardens, Penryn Campus
Call us biased, but our award-winning campus gardens really are must-see. The green space at Penryn Campus has received multiple Green Flag Awards over the years, thanks in large part to a strong commitment to biodiversity.
Hedgehogs, otters, owls and woodpeckers can all be spotted here, alongside a wide variety of subtropical shrubs, orchids and other plant life.
Visitors can explore winding pathways through hedgerows, passing herbaceous beds, a fruit-producing orchard, the Italianate Garden, the Walled Garden, an 18th-century lime avenue, open parkland, native woodland and historic rhododendrons first cultivated on this site in the Victorian era.
3. Enys Gardens
Believed to be the oldest garden in Cornwall, Enys Gardens lie just outside Falmouth, a short drive from Penryn Campus. It has remained largely unchanged for over 200 years, although records suggest its origins may date back as far as the 13th century.
Spring is one of the best times to visit, when the bluebells are in full bloom. Across its 30 acres, you’ll also find open meadows, ponds, a bordered flower garden, an elegant boardwalk, a Cornish apple orchard and a developing pinetum featuring conifers from around the world.
4. Trebah Garden
The Helford River, just a 15-minute drive from Falmouth, is home to some of the area’s most beautiful scenery — and some truly spectacular gardens, including Trebah and Glendurgan.
Trebah is a 26-acre Cornish valley garden, with over four miles of footpaths to explore. Along the way, you’ll encounter a mix of native and exotic planting, all leading down to Trebah’s own secluded beach.
The garden also supports Cornwall’s vibrant arts scene, hosting music and theatre performances in its outdoor amphitheatre.
5. Glendurgan Gardens
Managed by the National Trust, Glendurgan Garden is perched above the quiet village of Durgan on the Helford River. Another creation of the Fox family, it features a laurel hedge maze originally designed to entertain the family’s children ,making it a great choice for visitors with younger companions. Be sure to look out for the Giant’s Stride, a traditional rotating rope swing that both children and adults can enjoy.
The garden is also perfectly placed for combining a visit with a scenic walk along the Helford. And what’s a good walk without a pub stop? The Ferryboat Inn is a firm favourite with both locals and visitors.
6. Trelissick
Another National Trust property, Trelissick sits between Falmouth and Truro on the banks of the Fal River.
Its extensive gardens, woodland, parkland and orchards stretch from an 18th-century manor house down to the water’s edge. Keep an eye out for the striking Japanese red cedar on the main lawn.
The wider estate offers well-marked walking trails along the river, as well as two cafés: one in the former stable yard and another in the house – the latter perfect for enjoying refreshments with a view of the Carrick Roads.
7. Trewithen
Slightly further afield but well worth the journey, the gardens at Trewithen reward those who make the trip. This varied landscape combines horticulture with sculpture, featuring striking artworks set among lawns, flowerbeds and woodland.
It’s especially renowned for its spring colour, with magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons all in bloom.
There’s year-round interest too, thanks to a mix of native Cornish planting and exotic species descended from specimens brought back by Victorian plant hunters over 150 years ago. Don’t miss the Champion Trees, recognised as some of the finest examples of their kind in the UK.
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