The Cornwall Blog

Cornwall may be renowned for its spring gardens, but for summer colour I think we still shine brightly. For truly stunning displays of flower and foliage check out these few favourite places...  Lamorran is a garden that feels like a holiday. Italian inspired with epic views of the coast beyond, you will find this little gem near St Mawes on the Roseland.  Cotehele House and Gardens is actually one of my favourite in Cornwall, down Plymouth way. A lovely one to visit in winter time as well, as they display dried flowers in a giant garland in the great hall. In the summer time there is still plenty to interest, with tranquil walks down to the river (and a cool manor house to explore, a bonus in the heat!)  Glendurgan may be famed for its wiggly maze but the gardens near Falmouth are also a joy for their summer florals. Splashes of colour abound with hydrangeas and foxgloves dappled here and there, plus there is a beach at the bottom - what's not to like!  Hidden Va...

One of the best things about being in Cornwall is Spring, the flowers tend to open here first and the stunning gardens we have dotted around are full of rhododendrons and magnolia. A sight to behold!  It really is lovely after the destruction of the recent storms seeing these beautiful gardens recover. Pencarrow House and Gardens , just outside Wadebridge, lost a massive 50 mature trees in storm Eunice, so tragic as the gardens are wrapped in ancient woodland and a joy to explore. With a slightly delayed opening, 21st March, the team at Pencarrow are busily getting the gardens ready again for the public to enjoy. Pencarrow really is a Cornish gem, still family-owned the estate is full of ancient history and worthy of an explore. The gardens are a wonderful mix of woodland (where you can just make out an Iron Age fort), the Italian formal gardens which are so peaceful and there's even a secret grotto thought to be a romantic meeting spot! There is a garden trail for the kids and chi...

It's Monday morning and as with each time I sit to write our monthly update, everything has changed again! From today in England we can meet in groups of six or two households outside. Such a welcome development as we move into Spring. My mind turns to alfresco dining, open fires and the good old barbecue. So I have taken a look around at some great Cornish inspired ways to commune outdoors this Spring. I've not yet had my first barbecue of the year yet, an oversight I am sure! Cornwall is positively bursting with brilliant suppliers, from The Cornish Food Box Company who have a fine selection of meats for all budgets to lovely local butcher James Kittows showcasing a truly carnivorous box packed to the brim. Fresh fish from The Cornish Fish Monger looks particularly good. For those who prefer something a little more elegant, how about an afternoon tea? We are spoilt for choice  in the county with our favourite venues diversifying brilliantly and sending delicious treats to ...

We have just had a beautiful October half term with warm sun and golden leaves. Sadly this can't always be guaranteed in Cornwall! There is still plenty to see and do in November. I think the real benefit to living in somewhere as picturesque as Cornwall isn't just those balmy summer days, but the rogue and surprising sunny moments gifted to us out of season. Walking on the beach as the sun dips behind the gently bobby horizon is truly special. Or exploring the ancient woodlands and wild moorland with those slightly hilarious long-haired cows, not a soul in sight.  As well as Cornwall's natural benefits, the cultivated ones are a treat in November too. True, many of our gardens are at their finest in spring or early summer, but Pinetum gardens in St Austell was actually designed as a winter garden and well worth a visit. With leaves a blaze with autumnal colour, bright berries, stunning bark, colourful foliage and sweet smelling...

I love the Lost Gardens of Heligan ! I need to plan another trip, it has been too long. I would normally travel by car but recently I realised there is another way. If you are a keen cyclist then there is a cycle route from St Austell or Mevagissey, and if you call in at the beautiful coastal village of Pentewan then you can hire a bike. What caught my eye recently is that they now offer electric bikes, and considering the hilly climb to these majestic gardens, that is a real temptation! For Cornwall bike hire Pentewan is pretty perfect, the friendly new owners have made a few changes, such as the addition of a great coffee machine. With ice-creams too, whether the weather is hot or cold the hire hut is welcoming and has a lovely picnic area by the river. There are a few different trails in Cornwall, the famous Camel Trail which although beautiful can be a bit busy. Further south you can travel around the old tram ways and see a more industrial but equally interesting...

That seems a fair exchange! On the edge of Cornwall, just a ferry ride away from Plymouth is a little known haven, the Antony Woodland Garden. This month the garden a running a fun scheme, collect a Monterey pine cone and swap it for one of their delicious homemade scones! Next to the National Trust property of Antony House, this woodland and garden is an unspoilt paradise. Known as a 'International Camellia Garden of Excellence', one of only four in the country. This time of year the autumn fiery colours are a sight to behold. Nearly 100 acres and thousands of different trees, plants and shrubs to enjoy. The tea room is lovely too! With a vintage feel and exquisite bakery treats, the perfect place to indulge after a bracing walk. Children are free and the Autumn ' Scone for a Cone ' offer is a bargain - just quote 'AUTUMN18' and you'll get a ticket for 2 adults for £10. See their website for more details.