Hidden Valley Gardens

CORNWALL TOURISM AWARDS 2010 - Small Visitor Attraction of the Year - Silver Award

An intimate four-acre plantation nestled in a secluded valley.

Escape to this hidden garden where small is beautiful, but size doesn't limit the number and diversity of species sprouting within this little paradise. The garden has many themes including a Mediterranean area, colourful herbaceous and cottage garden beds, a 'hot' border and an iris garden.

Witness the scorching colours of the hot border that are the centrepiece in summer - its sizzling red and orange dahlias and sunflowers mingling with rich purple foliage plants, rubra grass and many phoriums. And as if the psychedelic horticultural offerings weren't enough, there is also pond wildlife and dancing butterflies adding to the mêlée of colourful sights.

Raised beds using old stone from the barn have been used to grow plants that crave drier conditions, such as Dianthus and herbs. Sat here, if it wasn't for the view from the gazebo spread out across the Cornish countryside, you might feel as if you were in a true Mediterranean garden. Recently a small orchard has been added where you can catch the fruits of the seasons. Alongside the fruit trees you can come and pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants and Tay berries - a tasty treat for all the family.

It's a well-labelled garden, so even horticultural amateurs can find their way through the smorgasbord of radiant blooms, and you are welcome to bring four-legged friends to this dog friendly site. Whether you fancy relaxing in the courtyard, taking part in a tour or escaping for some peace and quiet, this is a beautiful spot to choose. If you're feeling inspired to create your own hidden garden, the nursery sells both unusual and traditional plant species, most of which are propagated on-site and many from seeds collected in the garden.

10 mins by car from the Eden Project.