Welcome to the Great Gardens of Cornwall
The Great Gardens of Cornwall (GGOC) are a group of 14 of the most historically and horticulturally important gardens in Cornwall. Our members are private owners and garden businesses with a worldwide reputation for innovation and excellence.
Enjoying the warmth of the Gulf Stream, these magical Cornish gardens are home to some of the most exciting, rare and beautiful plants and trees in the British Isles.
Choosing a Garden
From the formal to the informal, woodland retreats to historic rolling-parkland, our gardens are all very different and all very unique. We have modern gardens; ancient gardens; gardens with Mediterranean, sub-tropical or South African themes, and all housing a stunningly diverse collection of plants and sculptures from around the World.
About Us
The Great Gardens of Cornwall represents fourteen of the county’s most significant gardens. They range from historic to contemporary, from woodland to coastal and from large public estates to private homes. Each is independent and unique but share the organisation’s commitment to excellence. The Great Gardens of Cornwall not only connects these gardens through shared values but also visitor initiatives including garden tours, publications, and other joint ventures.
Our Gardens
Browse each of The Great Gardens of Cornwall using their chapters below, for a taster of each location and of what each garden can offer. It’s then easy to put together a fantastic full day out by exploring two or three gardens together which are either nearby or which suit your needs. Alternatively, and depending on the season, a special interest in, for example, historic magnolias at Caerhays, sun-baked coastal planting at the Minack or formal woodland at Antony could lead you to a specific destination.
Whichever garden you choose you’ll be assured of a warm welcome and the opportunity to experience some of Cornwall’s horticultural richness which has captivated gardeners and growers for years.
Behind The Gardens
Behind The Gardens is a collection of stories written to celebrate the individuality and horticultural identity of the 14 Great Gardens of Cornwall. Read on, and let us take you on a journey Behind The Gardens…
Map & Garden Opening
Explore our map to find each garden location and when each garden is open to the public during the year.
Garden Open
Check with the garden for more details
Garden Closed
Amazing Experiences
“There was den-building, stilts and juggling, clay sculpting, slingshots, relaxing hammocks and reading books, a lovely cafe to enjoy a bit to eat, a nice gift shop… oh, and animals! Horses, goats, pigs, sheep… the children loved it. The gardens were fantastic – such an incredible array of plants (some very unusual) and the rope bridge was super-cool. Definitely recommend it for families or couples, young or old! You won’t be disappointed :)”
“We have visited in summer and spring. The magnolias are world class. The guided tour of the Castle is most enjoyable and enlightening. The gem stone/rocks are well worth a closer look. The nearby sandy beach is perfect.”
“Beautiful gardens with a different vista around every turn, friendly staff, lovely restaurant with good food and a beach with ice cream. Very did friendly unlike the national trust garden next door. The dogs were even given biscuits on arrival and were welcome in parts of the restaurant.”
“We were lucky to be in Cornwall on the one weekend a year Tregothnan opens its garden to the public. The camellia trees towered above the paths and were full of blossoms. The cool weather made the plants about one week delayed, so we didn’t see the full extent of blooms, but the garden was impressive for its size and variety of plants. The estate had music and food for visitors. We enjoyed the whole experience.”