01/01/2006Described by the The Times newspaper, as
“The best excuse anyone could possibly want to go to Cornwall”, Trevarno Estate and Gardens, together with the National Museum of Gardening, is a must for anyone interested in gardens and gardening.
Set in the very heart of a 750-acre estate, these splendid Victorian and Georgian gardens are a plantsman’s paradise with an extensive collection of trees, shrubs and exotic plants. There are formal gardens and informal areas; a vast lake with a romantic Victorian boathouse; a Walled Garden; sculptures at every turn and even peacocks on the lawn in front of the house.
In the late spring, the Bluebell Valley is a stunning haze of shimmering blue while in the summer, the sunken Italian Garden with its profusion of roses and lilies provides a wealth of colour and beauty. It is a rare and very special part of Cornwall with a fascinating history dating back to 1246 when Randolphus de Trevarno first gave the Estate its name. Privately owned since then by a succession of notable families, the magnificent gardens and grounds have been developed and extended over the centuries to become one of the finest in the county. Now open throughout the year for the first time, the enchanting combination of mature woodland landscapes and many inspired garden features, creates a magical and memorable experience.
Acknowledged as a remarkable celebration of gardening heritage, the National Museum of Gardening is the culmination of ten years planning and research. Housed in a purpose designed building, the museum features the country’s largest and most comprehensive collection of gardening antiques, implements, memorabilia and ephemera, creatively displayed in ten different areas, each with their own theme.
In addition to the woodland walks, including a unique yew tree tunnel, restoration work is currently being carried out on the original carriageway which has remained hidden for over 120 years! There is also an opportunity to visit one of the hand made craft workshops – all using material from the Estate – and including a Hand Made Soap Workshop, an organic Herbal Workshop and a Bee Centre featuring various products from the estate’s own bee hives.
Refreshments are always available in the Fountain Garden Conservatory with a choice of fresh home made cakes plus a Tea Room with an open log fire in the winter months.
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