Caerhays Castle Spring Gardens

Visit Caerhays Castle Spring Gardens

Open from 17th Feb

10:00 – 17:00 (until 14th June)

Last tickets 1 hrs before closing.

For groups, prior booking is essential, please phone for details.

Private beach open to the public all year round.

Contact

Caerhays Castle Gardens
Estate Office
Caerhays
Gorran
St Austell
Cornwall

t:01872 501310
e:enquiries@caerhays.co.uk
w:https://visit.caerhays.co.uk/

Facilities

Dogs Allowed
Plants or Shrubs for sale
Whole or partial disabled access
Toilets on site or nearby
Special party rates.
Refreshments
Car or coach park

Prices

Adult £9.00
Children (5 – 16) £4.50
Children (Under 5) Free
£2 discount to GARDENS ONLY tickets on production of proof of address in TR1 TR2 PL25 PL26 postcode area.

Tours

The castle is also open (weekdays only) from the 16th March – 12th June for guided tours only please telephone for more information and to make a reservation as numbers are restricted.

Group tours can also be arranged out of season

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About Caerhays Castle Spring Gardens

Caerhays, an informal woodland garden overlooking the sea and extending to over 140 acres is owned by the Williams family. The origins of the garden can be traced back to the work of the Chinese plant hunters at the turn of the Century and many of their new plant introductions can still be seen in maturity in the garden today.

Caerhays is home to the x williamsii camellia hybrids but is perhaps best known for its huge, Asiatic magnolias which are usually in their prime in March and April. Caerhays hosts the Plant Heritage National Collection of Magnolias with over 600 different varieties on show. There are also over 80 UK record sized trees in the gardens as measured by height and girth.

The garden at Caerhays has a unique microclimate. The prevailing and frequently westerly gales rage over the top of the sheltered garden. Sea mists bathe the woodland in moisture and humidity which is very suited to the Chinese mountain habitats from which so many magnolias and rhododendrons originate.

In addition the rich acidic soil is ideal for growing ericaceous plants. Just as many would regard the castle as an ugly building without its setting in the Luney valley, so the gardens themselves would also be impossible to replicate if set in a less favourable environment.

The Caerhays Garden Diary

A Cornish Garden Diary from Caerhays Estate over 100 years

Transcribed entries from The Caerhays Garden Diary dating back to 1897, tracing noteworthy events from the garden over the generations.

Read the diary

FAQ’s

Is there coach access?

Yes, please visit website or telephone for details. Coaches can come up the drive from the Beach Car Park using the emergency vehicle access gate to drop off their passengers. Limited parking is available here, or there is parking in the Beach Car Park. www.caerhays.co.uk for more details.

Is the castle open?

The castle is open for guided tours from 20th March – 16th June 2017 please check website for more details. Reservations advised as numbers for tours are limited. The castle tour includes several exhibitions of artefacts covering the many interests of the Williams family and estate over the past 150 years. Our experienced and knowledgeable guides will help you enjoy your tour around this unique property.

Are you suitable for wheelchairs?

The garden is set on a steep hill but many of the lower areas are accessible. Please telephone for more information prior to your visit. The house, shop and tearooms are totally accessible and there are disabled toilets in the courtyard. Disabled parking is available by the entrance or in some cases in castle yard. Please ask on arrival or telephone prior to your visit.

Is there parking?

Yes, at the beach or disabled parking by the entrance. A large car park at the beach is available for normal use, the 5 minute walk up to the entrance gives time to admire both the castle and the sweep of gardens behind it as well as the parkland in front. There is more limited car parking space at the entrance to the garden for elderly or disabled visitors. All car parking for garden and castle visitors is free when house and gardens are open in the spring.

Do you do weddings?

Yes, along with many other types of corporate events and celebrations. The Vean, our luxury 5* country house set in the heart of the estate, is licensed for civil ceremonies and is the perfect place for your special day. Receptions of up to 120 can be catered for at The Vean or, alternatively, larger parties can be accommodated in a marquee in the park beside the castle itself. www.thevean.co.uk

Is there accommodation available?

Caerhays Estate has a number of self catering 5* holiday cottages both in the gardens and in the nearby villages of Caerhays, East and West Portholland. In addition bed and breakfast can be arranged for individuals or groups at The Vean, our luxury 5* country house in the heart of the estate. For more information please telephone 01872 501310 or visit www.caerhays.co.uk www.thevean.co.uk

What is the link between Caerhays and Burncoose Nurseries?

Burncoose and Caerhays are in the same Williams family ownership although about 25 miles apart. For full details of the Burncoose Nurseries mail order plant catalogue featuring over 3500 ornamental trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants please visit www.burncoose.co.uk

Can I bring my dog?

Yes you can, please keep them on leads, but they are welcome to explore the gardens with you, and there are water bowls in the cafe for them. They are not allowed in the castle.