Gardens & Stately Houses

• The Eden Project (21 miles from Tom’s Cottage) – the biomes in a redundant china clay pit that house various tropical/sub-tropical mini-forests, complete with horticulturally landscaped outside areas. A great ethos of working with nature, famed for the ‘world’s largest greenhouses’ and its ‘global garden’.
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan (29 miles from Tom’s Cottage) – this Victorian garden was rediscovered in 1992 and has subsequently been renovated to its former glory. The estate covers 200 acres and has a fascinating history. Wonderful walled gardens, formal grounds and woodland.

The National Garden Scheme operates its Open Garden Scheme in Cornwall, providing a range of gardens to explore that may not otherwise be open to the public. In 2023 there are 61 gardens across Cornwall to visit, find their flier in the kitchen at Tom’s Cottage.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust run a summer series of wildlife-friendly open gardens across Cornwall, some by appointment only but in the main: on specific dates. A great opportunity to wonder around some private gardens, reconnect with nature and explore hidden corners of Cornwall. Tea and cake optional.

• Pencarrow House and Gardens (6¾ miles from Tom’s Cottage) is our local ‘stately home’. Unusual in that it is still in the private ownership of the family that has resided there for 500 years, the house and 50 acres of gardens are worth visiting for the more intermate ambience. Pencarrow hosts various events throughout the year – check out their website.
• Lanhydrock House and Gardens (16 miles from Tom’s Cottage) – our nearest National Trust property. A day long adventure could be taken here: looking round the house and gardens followed by walking (or cycling) the parkland.