About Trengwainton Garden
Trengwainton Garden is a historic garden located in Madron, near Penzance in Cornwall. The garden spans 25 acres and features a diverse range of plants from around the world, including exotic trees, shrubs, and flowers.
The garden was originally created in the early 19th century by Sir Rose Price, a wealthy merchant and avid plant collector who was passionate about horticulture. Price used the garden to showcase his extensive collection of exotic plants, many of which he had acquired on his travels to far-flung corners of the globe.
Over the years, subsequent owners of Trengwainton Garden have continued to maintain and expand the garden, adding new features and plants to its already impressive collection. Today, the garden is home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the Australian tree fern and the Chilean fire bush. It is now owned by the National Trust.
There is an impressive house on the estate, but this is not open to the public. It is owned by the Bolitho estate.
One of the most notable features of Trengwainton Garden is its collection of magnolias. The garden is home to over 20 species of magnolia, making it one of the largest collections in the UK. Other notable plants include the towering rhododendrons and the fragrant camellias, which bloom in abundance during the spring months.
There are a variety of different areas to explore, including a walled garden, a woodland walk, and a formal lawn and terrance.
The garden also features a tearoom, where visitors can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a selection of homemade cakes and pastries.
One of our favourite places in the garden is the terrace, which is a real sun trap. There are several benches to sit on and admire the view to the sea. There are also 2 gazebos to sit under if it rains. It is simply lovely to sit up there, surrounded by stunning plants and so many bees and butterflies. The view out to Mounts Bay and the Lizard is lovely.
There is a huge dial in the centre of the lawn, pointing to the different places in the area (St Ives!).
The walk back takes you down a wide road, lined by a river. My children find this fascinating and love to poddle about there. They also love the little house up on the green. During the Autumn the falling leaves on here are sensational.
Getting There
LOCATION MAP: Boscathnoe Ln, Madron, Penzance TR20 8RZ
It is about a 20 minute drive from St Ives. Head towards Penzance and turn off towards Madron on the A30 flyover. It is signposted from there.
Tickets To Visit Trengwainton Garden
As Trengwainton is owned by the National Trust, members can visit for free as part of their membership. You no longer need to book a timed entry - just turn up and show your passes in the lodge.
Do note that the gardens close over the dead of Winter (Nov to March) and are closed every Friday and Saturday too.
Parking
There are 2 good sized car parks. It does get busy in the height of Summer, but there is usually a spot to park in. Parking is free with entry.
Things To Take And Wear
You will need decent footwear and a rain mac, unless it is glorious sunshine! The footpaths are good, but there is gravel and so sandals are a pain to wear.
We always take drinks and snacks. There is a cafe, but we prefer to have a snack on the terrace, far away from the cafe!
How Long Do You Need For A Visit?
A lovely walk through the entire gardens combined with a nice sit on the terrace with a cup of tea usually takes us about 2 hours.
Things To Do There
- 25 acre garden
- Walled garden
- Woodland walk
- Stream and pond
- Bookshop
- Cafe
- National Trust gift shop
- Trails and activies for children during the school holidays
