Best National Trust gardens to visit in Cornwall at spring

Spring is often a great time to admire the beauty of nature, and in Cornwall, there are several National Trust gardens where you can take it in.

These gardens contain beautiful flowers and plants which make a picturesque setting to enjoy an afternoon at as the weather starts to get a bit warmer.

Here are five of the best-rated National Trust gardens to spend an afternoon at during the spring.

5 of the best National Trust gardens in Cornwall

Trelissick

Trelissick is described as a place for plant enthusiasts (Image: Tripadvisor)

Address: Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6QL

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 1,053 reviews on Tripadvisor)

Trelissick is described as a place for "plant enthusiasts" on its National Trust page as well as for those who enjoy a "gentle walk".

It adds: "Hidden paths twist through the garden to spectacular maritime views and there is plenty of space for families to enjoy and play as well."

Lanhydrock House and Garden

You can see rhododendrons and Himalayan magnolias at Lanhydrock (Image: BristolTraveler84/Tripadvisor)

Address: Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AB

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 3,291 reviews on Tripadvisor)

Herbaceous borders and sentinel yews are among the items to see at Lanhydrock House and Garden according to its National Trust page.

It adds: "On the slopes above, paths weave through a woodland landscape, planted in a semi-formal Cornish fashion with stands of rhododendrons and Himalayan magnolias wreathed in green lichen.

"From here, there are superb views over the garden and the Fowey valley landscape."

Glendurgan Garden

There are three valleys at Glendurgan to explore (Image: Ian Johnson/Tripadvisor)

Address: Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5JZ

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 1,066 reviews on Tripadvisor)

The creators of Glendurgan Garden, the Quakers Alfred and Sarah Fox, described it as a piece of 'heaven on earth' according to its National Trust page.

It adds: "There are three valleys of Glendurgan to lose yourself in - full of amazing plants. Sun-loving specimens enjoy the upper banks, and plants with big leaves and exotic flowers thrive in the subtropical lower valley.

"In Spring, an abundance of wildflowers fill the sloping sides of the valley."

Godolphin Garden

The garden at Godolphin was designed in the 16th Century (Image: Tripadvisor)

Address: Godolphin Cross, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9RE

Rating: 4/5 (from 389 reviews on Tripadvisor)

Sir Francis Godolphin designed the garden here in the 16th Century and much of the original layout still remains.

Its National Trust page adds: "Uncover the hidden parts of the garden and learn how everything is planted with wildlife in mind. Godolphin's garden also provides a special home to insects, such as the native Cornish black bee."

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Cotehele

Cotehele is home to 14 acres of gardens (Image: Tripadvisor)

Address: St Dominick, near Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 1,235 reviews on Tripadvisor)

Cotehele is home to 14 acres of gardens and 12 acres of orchards, its National Trust page states.

It adds: "The garden is unique and varied all year round. Each season offers something new and exciting for visitors, from cut flowers and herbaceous borders to grand orchards and a cider press."

There are various different parts to the estate, including The Valley Garden, The Cut Flower Garden and the Upper Garden.

Describing Cotehele's orchards in spring it says: "In spring, the trees fill with blossom, which circles like summer snow before carpeting the orchard floor.

"Meanwhile the air hums with the sound of pollinators collecting nectar and the ground underneath fills with a sea of bluebells."