Enjoying the warmth of the Gulf Stream, these magical Cornish gardens are home to a wealth of the most exciting, rare and beautiful plants and trees in the British Isles.  Cornwall looks superb in May, a peak time to enjoy the gardens and a chance perhaps to discover some that are not always obvious.  Stay for four nights in harbour view rooms at the historic Greenbank Hotel (4 stars) in Falmouth, ideally located for garden touring.  Also included is a visit to St Mawes, lunch in the attractive village of Porthleven, time to enjoy Falmouth and a boat cruise on the River Fal.

There will be garden visits to Bonython, a unique blend of tropical and traditional horticulture planted in the stunning gardens on the Lizard Peninsula and, further towards Penzance, the inspirational Trengwainton Garden, with plants from around the globe scattered throughout the 25 acres and a lovingly restored walled garden.  On the Roseland Peninsular, visit Lamorran where it is hard not to imagine you are on the Mediterranean coast with wonderful views, exotic planting, twisting paths and many pools and streams.  Also the unique smaller garden at Poppy Cottage, brimming with all year round plant interest.   A visit – perhaps a return for some – to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, still an enchanting place to discover with a guided tour of the Northern Gardens that gives a wonderful insight into its past and Tom Smit’s vision for its future.  Time independently to explore the valley garden.

See the lovely garden at Trelissick and, with kind permission of the Copeland family, a chance to view the Copeland China Collection in the house.  The garden is beautifully positioned at the head of the River Fal estuary, from where you will descend to the river and cruise back to Falmouth by boat.  No visit to Cornwall would be complete without including Trebah, a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. Years of inspired and dedicated creation are evident in the magic of this beautiful valley garden and in Trewithen, a rare and unique Cornish gem. One of the loveliest gardens in England and a much cherished family home, it has stunning woodland walks and a magnificent collection of camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias.

Monday 14 May – Check into the hotel.  Transport can be arranged to collect from nearby Truro or Falmouth station.  Welcome drink and dinner in the hotel
Tuesday 15 May  – Morning visit to Trengwainton, a scenic journey up the coast with lunch in the Harbour Inn at Porthleven and in the afternoon a guided tour of Bonython, given by the owner, followed by tea.
Wednesday 16 May – Garden visits to Trewithen and Poppy Cottage.  Time to find lunch and enjoy the attractive town of St Mawes.  Afternoon garden visit to Lamorran.
Thursday 17 May – Morning visit and tour of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, time to see the other parts of the gardens and purchase lunch in the restaurant. Continue to Trelissick, with a visit to the china collection and time in the garden before returning by boat to Falmouth. 

	4 nights accommodation, dinner and full English Breakfast, Harbour View Rooms
	Entries to houses and gardens
	.Lunch Harbour Inn
	Executive coaching, ferry tickets and professional tour guide