Autumn Activities: Gardens of Cornwall

With Autumn just around the corner we thought we’d share some of our favourite things to do when the weather cools down. Cornwall is known for its wonderful gardens. This is largely due to the mild climate which allows a wider range of subtropical plants to grow that can’t be seen anywhere else in the country. So when things get cold in everywhere else it stays wonderfully mild in St Ives and a five star visit to Cornwall isn’t complete without a trip to one of our many beautiful, botanical gardens...

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Only a few miles out from the village of Pentewan lies the The Lost Gardens of Heligan, one of the most popular botanical gardens in the country. It’s definitely worth the trip from our five star self catering accommodation to see this mysterious two hundred acre estate. The manor was first built in the 1200’s although the gardens weren’t started until 1766. The estate was owned by the Tremayne family for more than 400 years but during the First World War when the workforce left for the front line the gardens began to fall into disrepair. The derelict gardens were then rediscovered by Tim Smit and John Willis after the hurricane of 1990, and slowly but surely this vast estate has been restored. With subtropical jungles, ancient woodlands, Victorian Productive gardens and most strikingly the iconic Heligan sculptures, this is one of the most unique and exciting gardens in the United Kingdom. There’s so much to see that we’d recommend making a day of it, you don’t want to miss out!

 

Trengwainton Garden

If you’re looking for something a little nearer to our luxury apartments Trengwainton is a beautiful twenty five acre garden in Madron near Penzance. It’s only a thirty minute drive from our holiday cottages in St Ives so it’s perfect if you only have a few hours. Full of winding wooded paths, exotic trees, giant ferns and with a dedicated kitchen garden, this is horticultural heaven. Why not pack a picnic, enjoy it on the terrace that looks out onto breathtaking views of the bay and soak up the autumn sunshine? Or treat yourself to a scone and a cup of coffee in the tea-rooms where they not only use local produce but also source ingredients from their own kitchen garden. You can’t get much fresher than that. 

The Sail Lofts concierge service is always on hand if you need travel advice or recommendations. Just pop in any day of the week except Sunday, we’re always here to help make your sure your five star holiday is the best it can be. 

Onna x