Our guests love our gardens and grounds, but when they’re looking for even more floral beauty, there are some great attractions in the area. All the gardens in the South-West that are open are showing off their finest springtime flowers this season, and there are some truly breath-taking spots. Of course, major gardens like Heligan and the Eden Project can all pull their weight when it comes to fantastic flora, but here are our Top 5 springtime garden experiences that you might otherwise miss. Have we left out your favourite? Leave it in the comments below.
5 – Docton Mill, Hartland, Devon
A quiet spot often overlooked by visitors, this charming little garden is formed around a working water mill. Pay them a visit to see their stunning array of daffodils, bluebells, magnolias and a superb bog garden with masses of candelabra primulas in late spring. With a great café and just 1km from the stunning Devon coast, Docton Mill is well worth a look. Opens March 15th.
4 – Pencarrow House & Gardens, Bodmin, Cornwall
Pencarrow’s display of bluebells and wild garlic in late spring (May/June) is one of the South-West’s best, but it’s also worth a visit earlier in March when their beautiful display of camellias and rhododendrons can be seen and if you’re early enough, the lush carpet of snowdrops. With a variety of walks from woodland to formal gardening, incorporating great features like a genuine Iron age hill fort and an ice-house, there is a wide range of garden experiences – and of course, there’s always the Georgian mansion itself to explore. Gardens open already – house opens 20th March.
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3 – RHS Rosemoor Spring Flower Show
It’s hard to find a time of year when the highly ornamental gardens at Rosemoor don’t look stunning. With separate areas such as the woodland garden and fruit and vegetable patches, there is plenty of variety to keep visitors interested. However, if you’re around this spring you may want to time your visit to hit the annual Spring Flower Show. This year they’ll be focusing on camellias, early magnolias and rhododendrons. Taking place on 12th – 13th March 2016.
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2 – Cotehele, Saltash, Cornwall
This atmosphere medieval house is a top visitor attraction in its own right with its labyrinthine rooms, armory and intricate tapestries, but the gardens alone are worth the visit. With 12 different areas to explore including a wild valley garden, orchards and ponds, it’s an easy way to spend an afternoon – and of course, the dazzling daffodils in the acre of meadow let you know spring is here!
1 – Boconnoc Spring Flower Show,
Lostwithiel, Cornwall
One of the major highlights of the South-West’s garden calendar, Cornwall’s Spring Flower Show is a big draw to the region and has to take our top spot. Taking place in the grounds of Boconnoc House, the event aims to showcase the very best of Cornish gardens and produce. There are hundreds of trade stands, stalls, gardening experts on hand, and show gardens to explore – it’s even dog-friendly! This year, the dates are Saturday the 2nd and Sunday 3rd of April. Not to be missed!
Tamar Valley Cottages
Our cottages are set in the extensive grounds of a Victorian rectory. Maintained lawns, flower beds and mature trees create the perfect atmosphere of rural tranquillity, within reach of the Cornish coast and Dartmoor. With fresh flowers in all our cottages and famous gardens to explore nearby, we’re a great base for garden lovers.
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