Trevarno Estate and Gardens
Enjoy a relaxing and restorative experience in this 35-acre Victorian garden.
A true hidden gem nestled in a valley just three miles form Helston, this horticultural hotspot ahs only been open to the public since 1998. When the Bickford-Smith family took over the estate in the 1870s they developed the planting with many unusual species being brought back from worldwide plant hunting missions. In 1883 alone over 30,000 different species were planted! Stretch your horticultural knowledge and see if you can name some of the mysterious shrubs and trees that remain unidentified due to the loss of the original documentation.
This historical garden is home to a beautiful Victorian boathouse that sits on the tranquil lake, but it also boasts many more features from the past such as a century-old Yew tunnel. However, the jewel in its historical crown is its fascinating National Museum of Gardening. Those of you with a nose for history and horticulture can build up your knowledge of all things green, whilst finding some incredible ephemera and antiques from centuries spanning the culture of gardening.
Even young imaginations will be captivated by the intriguing museum, but there is much more on offer that makes Trevarno a family friendly garden. From mid-April to May let the kids roam through the beautiful carpets of bluebells, or let them hunt for insects and play hide and seek in over 70 acres of woodland (that’s if you really want to lose them for a while!) before finally heading for the Adventure Play area to let off more steam!
As if the scents from the garden aren’t enough, there is as potent whiff of lavender rising from the courtyard where the Trevarno Organic Soaps are made. Here you will find even more history in the Vintage Soap Collection – a display of soap from yesteryear, washing machines and washboards and toys from times past.
Take a little more time out to visit the National Daffodil Collection Showgarden (flowering mid December – May), the Trevarno reindeer relaxing after Christmas or have look at the Helston Steam railway restoration Project.
With various restoration projects being undertaken, this magnificent horticultural paradise looks set to become even more enticing in the future.
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