Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5JZ
Tel: (01326) 252200
Email: mail@trebah-garden.co.uk
Web: www.trebahgarden.co.uk
The Enchanted Garden
This is no pampered, pristine, prissy garden with rows of clipped hedges, close-mown striped lawns and daily raked paths. At Trebah, you will find a magnificent old Cornish garden, the wild and magical product of 100 years of inspired and dedicated creation, followed by forty years of neglect and ten years of loving restoration. Planted in the 1830's by Charles Fox, Trebah became a collection of the rarest and most exotic plants and trees gathered from all over the world. In 1907 Trebah was bought by Charles Hawkins Hext and inherited on his death in 1917 by his wife, Alice, who died in 1939. By the 1930's it was regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in England. Sadly, in 1939 the estate was sold and split up, and over the next forty years the garden was neglected and almost lost. In 1980 Trebah was bought by the Hibbert family who began massive restoration work on the garden and opened it to the public in 1987. In 1990, the Hibbert's donated Trebah House, Lodge and Garden to the Trebah Garden Trust which is a registered charity. This was created to provide the security of tenure which all great gardens need and to ensure that it will remain open to everyone for ever. The Trust is managed by an independent Council of Management elected by the Members of the Trust, of which there are over 500. In 2000 visitor numbers had exceeded 105,000 and a £1.94 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Objective One allowed Trebah to build the new 'Hibbert Centre', to rebuild Alice Hext's seat, restore the nursery and carry out major landscaping and garden improvements.
Trebah is a steeply wooded ravine garden of 25 acres which falls 200 feet from the 18th-century house down to a private beach on the Helford River. A stream cascading over waterfalls, through ponds full of giant Koi carp and exotic water plants, winds through two acres of blue and white hydrangeas and spills out over the beach. Glades of huge subtropical tree ferns and palms mingle with a multitude of trees and shrubs of ever-changing colours and scent beneath an over-arching canopy of 100 year old rhododendrons. A paradise for the plants-man, artist and family.
The Beach
The peaceful and secluded haven of Polgwiddon Cove is open to visitors to the garden. It has superb views over the mouth of the Helford River and is ideal for swimming and picnics. In 1944 7,500 of the 29th US Infantry Division embarked from here bound for the D-Day assault on Omaha Beach. The Boathouse is situated on the beach, this was originally built by the racing driver and designer of Healey cars, Donald Healey, to store his boats when he lived at Trebah in the 1960's. Donald Healey was also responsible for removing the infrastructure and concrete installed during world war two and undertaking improvements to the lower lakes. The Boathouse Cafe serves fresh coffee, a range of teas and the famous Roskilly's Cornish ice-cream in crunchy wafer cones.
Coffee Shop
Sit in splendour surrounded by flowers and indulge in a selection of home-made lunches, cream teas and snacks. Seated picnic area also available
Gift Shop
A variety of beautiful ideas, mementoes, books and gifts for everyone.
Plant Sales
A large collection of hardy outdoor and conservatory plants for sale.
Group Visits
Special rates for parties of twelve or more. Free entry for group leader and driver. Pre-booked group menus available in the Coffee Shop. Free driver meal and discounts in the Gift Shop and Plant Sales. Ample free coach parking. Booking recommended.
Guided Tours
Guided tours can be arranged for parties of twelve or more and last one and a half hours. Standard admission rates apply. Free introductory talk lasting ten minutes is also available for groups. Booking essential call 01326 252202.
Special Events
A special events programme including children's activities is available.
Children
Discover Tarzan's Camp adventure playground enclosed within a giant tree canopy and take a ride on the Paraglide for the over fives. Garden Trails run all year and a children's holiday activity events list is available. We can also cater for children's parties with special menus and trails.
Location
One mile south west of Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth. Truronian bus T4 from Falmouth or Helston.
Opening TimesEvery day of the year Admission Charged |
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