With scenes of gold, red and green Cornwall's rich autumnal landscape is like looking at an oil painting. Here's our picks of the best places for seasonal strolls amongst the trees
Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith
Trebah is a vast and flourishing sub-tropical garden in Mawnan Smith, just 20-minutes’ drive from Falmouth.
Discover vibrant and lush planting, tallest trees, giant palms, bamboo thickets, camellia-cladded pathways, Rhododendron and Hydrangea valleys, along a Water Garden built around a natural spring that flows downhill and a beautiful Mallard Pond with a quintessential pale blue arched-bridge. Follow the gently sloping paths to Trebah’s private beach where you can enjoy refreshments to the sound of the sea. There’s also the brand-new Court Garden – a pretty space constructed on the site of a former tennis court - sheltered by warm stone walling, it’s planted more formally than other areas of the garden - a peaceful spot to take a moment's rest and soak up the riot of autumnal colour within a diverse range of trees, plants and flowers.
trebahgarden.co.uk
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, Marazion
The stunningly beautiful Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens are set in some of the most dramatic landscape, within a sheltered valley overlooking St Michael’s Mount, near Penzance in west Cornwall. An absolute dream to explore, the thriving gardens are designed with large-scale exotic plants including oversized shrubs, gigantic palms, stunning textured grasses, sky-scraping bamboo and an array of brightly coloured succulents to complement nature already there – all carrying the unifying theme of sculptural forms, textures and colours, designed to harmonise with the landscape and work in synergy with the sculptures.
tremenheere.co.uk
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Saint Austell
Due to its scale and diverse plantations of trees, Heligan in autumn offers the dreamiest scene of colour; explore the extensive grounds of this historic garden and wander through the Lost Valley, covering acres of paths carved out through jungle-esque terrain, hand-carved tree ferns of New Zealand, prettiest flora and fascinating glasshouses. These wonderful gardens had been swallowed up by neglect and completely disappeared - it took a hurricane and some intrepid explorers to reveal the beautiful bones of a classic Cornish garden, and in 1991 excavation to restore the gardens began.
heligan.com
Anthony Woodland Garden, Torpoint
Renowned for its superb collection of Camellias, Maganolias and Rhododendrons, the Anthony Woodland Garden is a haven to discover, running along the edge of the Lynher Estuary. Come October, there is a riot of autumnal colour to explore amidst 100-year-old Asiatic magnolias that tower over Westdown Valley, filled with fading rhododendrons and year-round vibrant camellias. Enjoy interesting pieces of contemporary sculpture, stunning river views – frequented with egrets, cormorants and oyster catchers – and a beautiful woodland walk that is accessible as part of the entrance to the garden.
antonywoodlandgarden.com
Potager Garden, Falmouth
Soak up autumnal hues at this pretty former-market garden whilst enjoying a wholesome vegetarian feast in the brilliantly transformed café which was converted from a greenhouse. Nestled in the enchanting Constantine countryside, Potager garden is a gorgeous space to spend time amongst the seasonal colour, surrounded by beech hedgerows and birch woodland, maple and cherry trees, plum and crab apples, along with sweetly scented grey lavender. The site was once a four and-a-half acre abandoned plant nursery before being cleverly transformed into a picturesque haven to eat, relax and enjoy the plants. The gardens are constantly evolving with a wealth of beautiful plants and flowers, making Potager a real draw to visit throughout the seasons. The kitchen team, headed up by Daisy Hillier, use organic produce from the gardens to create vibrant and delicious seasonal recipes. There’s also an outdoor pizza oven, a sunny courtyard, and several studio spaces for creative workshops.
potagergarden.org
Trelissick, Truro
Set in the sweeping countryside, National Trust-owned Trelissick is an impressive wooded-garden that comes alive with autumn colour from late September. The house and garden is set in an estate with stunning coastal views and superb woodland walks. Explore 30-acres of elevated gardens under a canopy of trees, discovering winding paths and summer houses along the way. Dotted throughout the grounds are an impressive collection of Rhododendrons and Camellias, but it’s the vibrant display of Hydrangeas that steal the show - a sea of colour that extends beyond the trees. The original house dates back to the 1750s – a statuesque building with neoclassical columns and south-facing rooms, now open for public view.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trelissick
Tresco Abbey Garden, Tresco Island, Isles of Scilly
The Abbey Garden on Isles of Scilly’s Tresco, is renowned for its sub-tropical beauty, boasting myriad exotic plants including vibrant succulents, giant shrubs and other-worldly palms; visit in the autumn and you will discover a new burst of colour within the varieties that bloom later in the year. As autumn unfurls, the garden experiences a stunning transition and during September and October, plants with origins in the southern hemisphere – Chile, Australia and New Zealand – come through, erupting in late flowers and blooming trees. There’s also an evergreen garden and gorgeous tree-lined terraces to explore – an ethereal display of texture and shape with striking South African Proteas - flowering from September/October onwards – late flowering Myrtus Luma, the beautiful Nikau Palm – both flowering and in fruit during autumn - and flourishing Yuccas with their bold-shaped leaves and bell-shaped flowers.
tresco.co.uk/enjoying/abbey-garden
Glendurgan, Mawnan Smith
Explore this historic and exotic wooded-valley garden that leads down to the river Helford. Described by its creators as ‘a small piece of heaven on earth’ with three flourishing valleys to lose yourself in, the National-Trust owned Glendurgan boasts a plethora of exotic plants. From the sun-loving varieties that enjoy the upper banks to the striking flowers that thrive in the jungle-esque lower valley. In Autumn there is an abundance of rich colour, filling the sloping sides of the valley. Wander through the gardens to the unspoilt hamlet of Durgan on the River Helford. There’s also a gigantic tulip-tree, a pond brimming with wildlife and a huge maze that has been enjoyed for almost 200 years.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/glendurgan-garden
Trewithen Gardens, Truro
Trewithen means ‘house of the trees’, the name is perfectly apt for the Georgian house with its spectacular south-facing glade, wood and parkland setting where you’re invited to explore 30-acres of gardens renowned for the display of rhododendron’s, magnolias, champion trees and classic maples, along with rare shrubs and exotic ferns. Come autumn, the woodland glades are surrounded by a sea of burnt umbers and golden hues. There are plenty of viewing platforms dotted around so you can drink in the golden glow amidst the canopy of branches and their gently falling leaves. Weave through the gravel pathways to a sycamore avenue and take in the huge variety of beautiful specimens.
trewithengardens.co.uk
