RachelI recently had the pleasure of visiting Trelissick Garden in Truro, Cornwall, which is owned and managed by the National Trust. As an avid lover of gardens, I was excited to explore this stunning 300-acre estate, and I was not disappointed. Here is my Trelissick Garden Review.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the beauty and tranquillity of the gardens. The carefully curated collection of plants, trees, and flowers was a feast for the senses, and I spent hours wandering along the winding paths, taking in the stunning views of the Fal River estuary. As a National Trust property, Trelissick Garden is impeccably maintained, and I was impressed by the attention to detail and the dedication of the staff. A visit to Trelissick Garden, an AONB designation is a must for anyone looking to experience the beauty of nature in Cornwall.
Location and Accessibility
Trelissick Garden is located in Feock, a small village near Truro in Cornwall. It is situated on the banks of the River Fal, and overlooks the estuary known as Carrick Roads. It offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding countryside. The garden is easily accessible by car, foot, or ferry. They have two entrances – one down by the ferry that opens in the Spring/Summer at 10:30 am and the main entrance at the top of the hill.
Please note you don’t have to be a National Trust Member to walk the fields down to Trelissick Beach. But you need to pay for car parking. Car parking is free to National Trust Members – just scan your membership card at the ticket machines.
Getting There
If you are travelling by car, there is a couple of car parks available on site. Which can get very busy in the summer. The car park is free for National Trust members, just scan your National Trust card at the ticket machines to get your car park ticket, but a parking fee applies for non-members. The car park is open from dawn to dusk for walking down to Trelissick Beach and around the woodland walk.
From Truro, take the A39 towards Falmouth and follow the brown tourist signs to Trelissick.
Alternatively, you can take the King Harry Ferry from the Roseland Peninsula. The ferry runs every day and takes both cars and foot passengers. From the ferry landing, it is a short walk up hill and then up some steep steps to the ferry entrance of Trelissick Garden. You can also walk a short distance further up the road to the main entrance by the tower. If you are driving, it is a couple of minutes up the hill to the car park on your left.
For those travelling on foot, there are several footpaths that lead to Trelissick Garden. The South West Coast Path passes through the bottom of the garden, providing a scenic route for hiking and dog walkers.
The Gardens and House – My Thoughts
As I wandered through Trelissick Garden, I was struck by the beauty of the planted areas. The gardeners have done an excellent job of creating a diverse and colourful landscape, with a wide range of plants on display. The labelling of the plants was also very helpful, allowing me to learn more about the different species as I explored.
Thatched shelter at Trelissick Gardens
It’s worth a peek at the thatched hut in the top garden at Trelissick. The stained glass windows are simply stunning with the garden’s most prominent flowers – Magnolia and Rhododendron.
The Bridge over the Road at Trelissick Garden
There is a wooden bridge over the road at Trelissick Gardens so you can visit both sides of the gardens at your leisure.
Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit Trelissick Gardens. You will get to see the old magnolia trees and rhododendron’s in all their glory.
Trelissick House
Trelissick House in Cornwall was originally built in the 1750s and has been owned by several families over the years. It was designed by the grandfather of Humphry Davy for John Lawrence and was later remodeled in the 1820s by Thomas Daniell, who added the facade that represented wealth and status. The house has been extended several times, including in the late 19th century. Each family that has occupied it has lent their vision to its appearance and scale. (source: National Trust, Wikipedia).
South Wood Walk At Trelissick
One of my favourite parts at Trelissick was the Woodland Walk, which offered a peaceful and secluded experience. The trees provided a welcome respite from the sun, and I enjoyed the opportunity to observe the wildlife in the area. The walk also offered some stunning views of the Fal Estuary, which is a highlight of the area.
As I continued my exploration, I was struck by the beauty of the sea inlets. The water added a calming element to the garden, and I enjoyed the opportunity to take some great photographs. The colours of the sea and sky were particularly striking, and I felt very lucky to be able to experience such a beautiful natural setting.
One of the most unique parts of Trelissick Garden is the Water Tower, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area. I’m sure it gives a great panoramic view of the Roseland Peninsula. It was a great way to get a sense of the scale and beauty of the garden and the surrounding area.
The house at Trelissick is under the ownership of the National Trust, it is well worth a visit. A beautiful building with a fascinating history, and I enjoyed learning more about its past. The National Trust has done an excellent job of preserving the house and its contents, and I felt very privileged to be able to explore it. The view from it down to the Fal Estuary is outstanding.
Trelissick Beach
Facilities and Services
As I wandered through Trelissick Garden, I was impressed by the range of facilities and services available to visitors. Here are some of the highlights:
Cafe and Food
Crofters Cafe is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. You don’t have to enter the gardens to reach the cafe. They offer a range of food. Delicious cakes and pastries, as well as light meals and snacks. I particularly enjoyed their cream tea – it was the perfect treat after a morning of exploring the gardens. The tea room has a lovely outdoor seating area with plenty of seating, which is perfect for a sunny day.
Second Hand Bookshop
If you’re a book lover like me, you’ll be pleased to know that Trelissick Garden has a charming second-hand bookshop. It’s housed in a beautiful old building and is filled with a wide range of books on gardening, nature, and local history. I spent a happy hour browsing the shelves and came away with a few treasures to add to my collection!
Overall, I was impressed by the range of facilities and services on offer at Trelissick Garden. Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, a good book, or just a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, you’ll find what you need here.
Visitor Experience
As I walked through Trelissick Garden, I was struck by the sheer beauty of the whole place. The garden is expansive, with plenty of open spaces and wooded trails to explore. It’s clear that the staff takes great care to maintain the garden’s natural beauty, and it’s a joy to behold.
Garden Tour
If you’re interested in learning more about the garden, I highly recommend taking a garden tour. The horticulturalists who lead the tours are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their work, and it’s fascinating to learn about the different plants and flowers that grow in the garden. The tours are also a great way to get a deeper understanding of the garden’s history and significance.
Staff
The staff at Trelissick Garden are friendly and helpful, and they clearly take pride in their work. Whether you’re a member of the National Trust or just visiting for the day, you’ll feel welcome and well taken care of. I was particularly impressed by the staff’s attention to detail and their willingness to answer any questions I had.
What I Thought – Trelissick Garden Review Summary
As I walked through Trelissick Garden, I couldn’t help but feel amazed at the beauty and tranquillity of the place. The magnificent garden is well-cared for and presented, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts. I had the pleasure of taking a free tour with a group of volunteers and a knowledgeable guide who gave me insights into the local area and the garden’s history. The woodland walks were also a treat, and I got to see many different plants and flowers. Just be careful to stay on the main path as it has unrailed steep sides. If you have young children please be careful.
I was impressed with the customer service at Trelissick Garden. The staff was friendly, helpful, and always ready to answer any questions I had. They made my visit a pleasant one, and I can’t wait to go back again. I would recommend this Cornwall area of outstanding natural beauty to anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to spend their day.
Overall, my experience at Trelissick Garden was wonderful. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to take a walk, or you’re interested in learning more about horticulture, Trelissick Garden is definitely worth a visit. If you are local it’s a perfect place to return many times taking different paths to explore.
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