Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith
Peaceful solitude or outdoor family adventure – there’s something for all visitors at the beautiful sub-tropical gardens of Trebah on the banks of the Helford River near Falmouth.
One of Cornwall’s Great Gardens, Trebah is a magical year-round delight. This sub-tropical Cornish garden, steeped in heritage, creativity and the spirit of innovation, is also home to a private beach, with many secret garden corners waiting to be discovered, and even a unique outdoor theatre. Spring comes early to Trebah, with champion rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias flowering from February. In summer, the giant gunnera is a must see for young and old, and then in autumn, Hydrangea Valley casts clouds of china blue and soft white across Mallard Pond. In winter, the spectacular champion trees dominate the landscape, whilst plants from the southern hemisphere start to flower.
Four miles of footpaths wind through dazzling exotic planting down to the shores of the Helford River offering the perfect escape for all ages. Little ones will enjoy the dedicated play space, older visitors the plant shop, and everyone the programme of events across the year, including family adventures and peaceful solitude. Dogs are welcome on leads, and although the steep valley isn’t ideal for manual wheelchairs, Tramper mobility vehicles are available to hire from 10am for all day use when pre-booked.
All visitors enjoy free entry to Trebah Kitchen, as well as the new walled Court Garden, the plant centre and shop and with admission don’t miss the Boathouse Beach Café down on the shore of the Helford.
Trebah has a fascinating history – highlights include the initial creation by Charles Fox (part of the Fox family of Falmouth) who bought the house, garden and Polgwidden Cove at the foot of the valley for £4,375 in 1838, who pioneered Trebah as a 26-acre pleasure garden. Intriguing planting continued over the intervening years until the Second World War when Trebah played a key role in D-Day. The beach was an embarkation point for the 29th US Infantry Division destined for the assault landing on Omaha beach. Between 1961 and 1971 Trebah was owned by the racing driver and car designer Donald Healey (of Austin Healey fame) who removed most of the concrete from the beach, built the boathouse and restored the ponds.
Need to Know
Address:
Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith, Nr. Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5JZ
Website:
trebahgarden.co.uk
Email:
mail@trebah-garden.co.uk
Telephone:
01326 252200
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