Trewithen Gardens

By The Cornwall Guide. Last updated 12 Jan 2022

Gardens

Internationally renowned for its magnificent collection of rare trees and shrubs, the gardens at Trewithen are both stunningly beautiful and magically intriguing. Wander the gravelled paths, marvel at the astonishing array of colours, and breathe in the sensuous smells.

Whether you are a gardening expert, an enthusiastic amateur or someone simply in search of escape and tranquillity, Trewithen’s gardens – one of only two in Cornwall to be awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide to the South West – cannot fail to impress.

Trewithen means ‘house of the trees’ and with 30 acres of surrounding woodland gardens and more than two thousand acres of surrounding parkland, the name couldn’t be more apt. Set deep in the heart of Cornwall, stepping into Trewithen estate is like stepping back in time.

Historic House

A visitor’s first sight of the house at Trewithen is breathtaking.

Unlike many historic estates, it hasn’t significantly changed its outward appearance since 1715 when Philip Hawkins first bought it. Equally unusual, it has remained a much cherished family home ever since.

Passed down through generations of Philip Hawkins’ descendants, the house opens its doors to the public for guided tours on selected days during the summer season.

Nursery and Plant Centre

Revered as a masterpiece of landscape gardening, Trewithen’s south-facing great glade was developed at the time of the great plant hunting expeditions between 1910 and 1932. Astonishing seed collections were sent back to England and, thanks to the expertise of horticulturalist George Johnstone, many were successfully cultivated at the Cornish manor – ensuring a botanical reputation that endures to this day.

Trewithen Nursery propagates more than 1500 varieties of top quality, and often rare, shrubs, trees and plants. These are available for sale throughout the year and delivery can be arranged to anywhere in the UK.