Trebah Garden is a uniquely beautiful, wooded 25-acre sub-tropical ravine garden that descends to its own beach on the beautiful Helford River.
It’s not just about plants and flowers though – there are also many wonderful walks through ancient woodland with some stunning views of the river. The garden was created by one man over 70 years ago, so it has an enchanting story too.
With so much to see in one place, you could easily spend hours exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful garden! There are trails winding through woodlands filled with flowers at every turn; there are even some hidden pathways that lead down into ravines where waterfalls cascade into crystal clear pools below. This truly is a magical place for all ages!
What is Trebah Garden Cornwall
Trebah Garden is a Cornwall botanical garden with a history that dates back to the nineteenth century. A typical visit to Trebah Garden will involve an exploration of the extensive gardens, several walks and trails, and various points of interest such as specialist gardens and dry stone walls.
The garden has a strong emphasis on plants that can be found in the sub-tropics and tropics, with many rare and unusual species on display. As well as the plant life, Trebah Garden is also home to a range of animals, including wallabies, snakes, and lizards.
The History of Trebah Garden Cornwall
In 1838 Trebah was purchased by Charles Fox, a wealthy Quaker, and manager of Perran Foundry, who set about creating a garden in the south-facing valley. During his 40 yrs, he planted the shelterbelts, created the framework of paths, and as a shipping agent, arranged shipments of exotic plants from around the world.
Charles’s vision for his garden was to create an arboretum with specimen trees and shrubs planted in naturalistic groups. Whilst woodland walks were created on the hillside, this style rarely featured on the valley floor where a variety of flowers and shrubs flourished under an informal planting scheme.
During World War II Trebah’s land was taken over by the Ministry of Defence who used it for a number of purposes including a tank training course and a military practice camp. Shortly after the war, the Fox family gave Trebah to Cornwall County Council as their contribution towards post-war recovery. In 1949 Trebah was opened to the public as a ‘Garden of Rest’ with paths laid out in more formal lines with geometrical flower beds. In the 1970s a large rock garden was built and some rhododendrons were planted with a variety of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants laid out in an overall planting scheme.
In 1993 Trebah’s management changed from Cornwall County Council to a charitable trust, which included establishing a Garden Management Committee made up of 11 members from the local community. Volunteers were welcomed and over the years their expertise and enthusiasm helped develop a unique garden, where traditional and modern gardening techniques work together to give visitors a pleasant experience.
The local community’s interest in Trebah has not waned since it was opened. The Friends of Trebah Garden was established in 1994 to give a public voice to members of the community who visit and care about the garden. The Friends undertake a range of activities aimed at raising funds to help with the continued development of Trebah, as well as organizing special events throughout the year to encourage others to share their enjoyment of this beautiful Cornish garden.
As a result of the hard work and dedication of all those involved, Trebah is now a wonderful place to visit and enjoy. With its mixture of formal and informal planting, woodland walks, and valley floor, there is something for everyone to explore and appreciate.
The Grounds at Trebah Garden Cornwall
The Grounds at Trebah Garden Cornwall are some of the most beautifully landscaped in the world. With a variety of different gardens, each with its own unique charm, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring everything that Trebah has to offer. From the lush forestry to the beautiful river view, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting garden.
How to get to Trebah Garden Cornwall
By car
Take the A30 through Cornwall. Journey time from London is around five-and-a-half hours.
By bus
The nearest bus stop is Truro Bus Station, off the A390. There are regular buses to Truro (every 20 mins or so) and then onward to Falmouth (Every 30 minutes). The journey time from London is 10 hours.
By train
The nearest station is Truro, which can be reached from London Paddington in less than three hours.
Opening times at Trebah Garden Cornwall
The garden is only open to those who have made a reservation.
The garden is currently open from Saturday through Wednesday, with Thursdays and Fridays being closed. It opens at 10 am, and there are pre-bookable times available throughout the day.
You are invited to spend as long as you wish in the garden, but all guests must leave by the time it shuts down in order to make way for the next visitor.
In the event of severe weather, we may have to close the garden.
Entry Prices for Trebah Garden Cornwall
- adult is £6.00,
- child (5 to 15 years old) is £3.00, and
- child (under 5 years old) is free
What to See and Do at Trebah Garden Cornwall
There are many things to see and do at Trebah Garden in Cornwall, so it is difficult to pinpoint just one. The garden has a wide selection of trails and opportunities for visitors to interact with nature in pleasing ways. For example, there is a flowing stream that cascades down the side of the mountain and into a pond where fish live. There is also an amphitheater and private beach.
Visitors can appreciate the natural beauty of the garden in various ways by reading about it in their guest book or by walking along with one of the many established paths that are available for exploring. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase plants at the plant center or have lunch at Planter’s Café which serves fresh seasonal dishes. There is also Boathouse Café located on the beach for those who want to take in the sounds and smells of the ocean while they eat. In addition, Trebah Garden offers an array of special events that vary from year to year.
The Twisted Christmas event is a favorite for many visitors. This event includes music, lights, and decorations that transform the garden into a winter wonderland. There are also special performances that take place in the amphitheater throughout the day. Classical Christmas is another popular event that celebrates the holiday season with traditional music and readings.
The Garden of Light is the newest attraction that visitors can enjoy. This garden was designed to celebrate nature and is meant to encourage people to get away from the everyday pressures of life by taking a walk through a beautiful space. The colors vary throughout the year because natural materials are used in this garden to make it look different depending on the season. It changes with the seasons and also according to how the sun hits it.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Trebah Garden Cornwall
1. Make sure you have enough time to explore the gardens
2. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather
3. Bring a picnic lunch or snacks with you so that you can enjoy your food in the garden
4. Take pictures of your favorite flowers, plants, or trees
5. Visit during different seasons to see how the garden changes over time
6. Find out when special events are happening at Trebah Garden Cornwall before visiting so that you can plan ahead accordingly
7. Bring your family and friends with you to share this special place
Other Places Nearby
Tintagel Castle
The legendary birthplace of King Arthur
Lanhydrock House and Gardens
The home of one of Cornwall’s most notable families, the Rashleigh’s.
Pentire Glamping Site
A luxurious camping experience with stunning coastal views
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
A 200-acre garden estate with stunning floral displays
The Eden Project
An international visitor attraction featuring two biomes housing thousands of plant species
Porthcurno Telegraph Museum
The world’s first museum dedicated to the history of telecommunications
Mousehole Harbour
A lovely little fishing village with a picturesque harbor
The Minack Theatre
A natural amphitheater set on the cliff face overlooking the sea
Smugglers Adventure
An outdoor activity center that recreates historic smuggling adventures
Geevor Tin Mine
The only working tin mine in England that is open to the public
Conclusion
Visiting Trebah Garden in Cornwall is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of Mother Nature. The gardens have been designed so that visitors can explore them from different angles, whether by following established trails or through independent exploration. From there, tourists have plenty of opportunities for picnics or lunch at Planter’s Café on-site (or Boathouse Cafe if you’re near the beach). If you want to take in some history too while you’re visiting this beautiful garden space, we recommend taking a tour with Smugglers Adventure where they recreate historic smuggling adventures led by actors dressed as smugglers! Whatever your plans are when exploring this lovely garden- don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather conditions!
Learn more about Trebah Garden Cornwall