Ince Castle Gardens

From a striking location at the end of the peninsula overlooking the River Lynher, these gardens offer dramatic views over the water and beyond and open in aid of the charities NGS and WI.

Approach this historical garden through a tunnel of trees that that are lined with bright yellow heads of daffodils and primroses in the spring. The garden was created from 1962 onwards by Lady Patricia Boyd, but the house dates back as far as 1642. However, other than a very large turkey oak that was probably planted in the mid-to-late 18th Century, it is evident that the grounds had seen little more than a few primitive beds prior to Lady Boyd's arrival.

For the garden-enthusiast, this is a horticultural hotspot with no shortage of woodland, vibrant shrubs and formal gardens. The Summer Garden comes aglow with its fiery herbaceous plants - a burst of salvias, planted with dahlias, kniphofias and crocosmias - that stays vibrant well into November. The swimming pool, with stone obelisks standing at each corner, emphasises a tropical theme, especially when the sun shines. And to add to the potency of the theme, the interior of the shell house glistens with a mosaic of exotic shells.

There is a formal area around a sundial of dwarf rhododendrons and other spring-flowering shrubs, as well as vibrant borders that skirt the house and terrace. Venture further into the woodland and discover a stash of camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons. Come early in the year and you will find many hellebores, snowdrops and small spring bulbs including a glade of fritillaries.

Small is beautiful, but small is also plentiful in its serving of horticultural gems in the case of Ince Castle's five acres. And it's not short on space for such a tidy size - there are wide lawns where the children can run about, as well as a climbing frame in the orchard.

Garden open on selected days only for charity, call for details. Groups by arrangement.