The Nare Hotel, Cornwall - surely the most beautifully situated hotel in the British Isles

Trelissick Estate - Feock, Truro (National Trust)
Seasonal 10.30am - 5.30pm
(Just across the river via the King Harry Ferry)
As well as a stunning garden you can let your dog walk you on the extensive parkland and woodland paths. There is also a gallery with top quality Cornish crafts for sale and a large shop that stocks first class Cornish produce.
Caerhays Castle Gardens - Gorran, St. Austell
Seasonal Mon-Fri 10.00am - 4.00pm
(Open now and then)
Famous for its Williams specie plants, many of which originate from plant hunting expeditions by J. C. Williams. Holds the national collection of Magnolias. Private tours available.
Tregothnan Estate - St Michael Penkevil, Nr. Tresillian
By private appointment only
(An exclusive garden)
An opportunity to visit Lord Falmouth's lovely botanic garden and arboretum, which is not generally open to the public. It is purported to be the largest private botanic garden in the country.
Creed Garden - Grampound, near St. Austell
Seasonal 10.00am - 5.30pm
(Small is beautiful)
A tranquil five-acre garden around a Georgian rectory. Delightful and well worth an amble. Private appointments available.
Probus Garden - Probus near St. Austell (an RHS garden)
Seasonal 10.00am - 5.00pm
(A really useful garden)
A unique demonstration garden in Cornwall and one to get realistic ideas from. It has different areas, desert, winter, summer, fruit and vegetable trials, planting combinations, plus a geological map of Cornwall.
Trewithen Estate - Grampound Road, Nr Probus (an RHS garden)
Seasonal 10.00am - 4.30pm
(Yet another Tree-garden)
Not only a lovely garden but it has a great plant sales area too. Many plants are hybridised and propagated at Trewithen. Private tours can be arranged.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan - Pentewan, St. Austell
Open Daily 10.00am - 6.00pm
(Frequently found)
Diverse award winning gardens. See many things from pineapple pits in the two-acre working kitchen garden to a sub tropical jungle. 80 acres in total. Tickets available from reception.
The Eden Project - Bodelva, St. Austell
Open Daily 10.00am - 6.00pm
(The newest and busiest)
Innovative and new. The biggest greenhouses in the world, with a steamy tropical biome and a warm Mediterranean zone and much more. Best to go mid to late pm to avoid queuing. You can obtain your tickets in advance from reception.
Chyverton - Zelah, Truro
Open all year by appointment
(You could crick your neck)
A Georgian landscape, which boasts a new Millennium herbaceous garden and Europe's tallest Rhododendron.
Glendurgan Mawnan Smith - near Falmouth (National Trust)
Seasonal Tuesday to Saturday
(You will be aMAZEd)
A steep valley garden, which leads to the pretty Durgan village on the Helford River. The garden contains a wonderful laurel maze and a giant stride for the more active. Great for children.
Trebah Garden Trust - Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth (an RHS garden)
Open daily 10.30am - 5.00pm
Spectacular sub-tropical 26 acre ravine garden sweeping down to a secluded beach on the Helford estuary. Giant tree ferns and palms mingle with trees and shrubs in ever changing colours. A wild and magical playground for all ages. A new visitor centre was opened in 2003 with an Art gallery, garden cafe, plant and gift shop. Tickets available at reception.
Lanhydrock House and Garden - Bodmin (National Trust) (Best of both worlds)
Step back in time when you tour the house, viewing both upstairs and downstairs, plus a stroll in the lovely gardens, which are a mix of formal, informal and woodland.
Pencarrow - Bodmin
Seasonal 10.00am - 5.00pm
(Something a little different)
A formal Italian garden. A huge granite rockery and lake add something extra to this 50 acre garden. Should you feel peckish, you can even pick your own fruit in season.
Lamorran House Gardens - St. Mawes
Open 10.00am - 5.00pm April - Sept. Weds, Fri & 1st Sat of month
A 4½ acre garden overlooking the Bay of Falmouth designed by the owner in an Italianate style. An extensive collection of sub-tropical plants reflects both the design and extremely mild climate, water features.