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The 15 best houses, castles, and gardens in Cornwall
Discover Britain's most spectacular scenery, historic houses with beautiful gardens, and stately homes in Cornwall. If you want some help along the way, you’ll likely find local guides that enrich your visit with deep insights about the stunning county!
St Michaels Mount
You can discover historic houses like Trewithen House in Truro, Cornwall's gardens including the famous Eden Project, and castles like St Michael’s Mount range from woodland escapes to rolling parklands. With sub-tropical temperatures and sheltered valleys, these gardens thrive, but so do the beautiful castles and stately homes in Cornwall! And what makes them even better is that they’re close to our amazing holiday parks, that provide you with a sweet retreat after all of your explorations! What more could you want?
The best stately homes in Cornwall
Let’s begin with the best stately homes in Cornwall that offer both beautiful sights and a rich history that you can discover within them and their grounds…
Trerice, Newquay
1. Trerice, Newquay
Trerice is an intimate Elizabethan manor and Cornish gem, that remains largely unchanged due to long periods of absentee ownership. Open seasonally, visitors can explore its history and collection, with daily talks providing additional insight. Surrounded by a small but varied garden, enjoy the renowned stillness and tranquillity while taking in the views from the parade ground, only around a 15-minute drive from Newquay Bay Holiday Resort!
Location: Kestle Mill, Newquay, TR8 4PG
2. Lanhydrock, Bodmin
The quintessential country house and estate, Lanhydrock embodies the charm of a wealthy yet unpretentious family home. After an 1881 fire, the Jacobean house was refurbished in high-Victorian style, showcasing the best in country house design and modern amenities. Explore Victorian life and see the mansion as never before during a major conservation project. Stroll through the gardens with year-round colour, and discover ancient woodlands, tranquil riverside paths, off-road cycle trails for families, and more!
Location: Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AB
3. Trewithen House and Gardens, Truro
If you want the best of both worlds, Trewithen is an early Georgian house and privately owned home set in 30 acres of subtropical gardens. Between the house and gardens, there are so many beautiful sights to behold. Even when the house isn’t open, you can still behold its beauty and visit the stunning gardens instead! Remember to check the opening times before planning your visit.
Location: Grampound Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 4DD
4. Godolphin House, Helston
Discover Godolphin House, one of the best stately homes in Cornwall, a treasure trove of archaeology and wildlife, where you can wander through one of Europe's most significant historic gardens. Explore the wider estate, featuring the Leeds engine house and the remains of the Godolphin family mine. Don't forget Godolphin Hill, offering stunning views of St Ives Bay to the north – so it’s about a 20-minute drive from St Ives Bay Holiday Park – and St Michael’s Mount to the south. Why not venture into the tranquil, mysterious woodland, shaped by years of mining, and experience its unique landscape?
Location: Godolphin Cross, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9RE
5. Pencarrow House and Gardens, Bodmin
Pencarrow House and Gardens is a unique Georgian gem on the edge of Bodmin Moor and has been the Molesworth-St Aubyn family home for almost 500 years. Unlike National Trust properties, Pencarrow offers a personal touch with its Grade II listed garden, Iron Age fort, children's play area, café, and gift shop – meaning it’s perfect for the whole family. Even dogs are welcome, and your pooch can explore Pencarrow's 50 acres for exploration and enjoyment, making for one of the best stately home experiences in Cornwall. Plus, it’s been used in the filming of Doc Martin, Fisherman’s Friends, and more, so you certainly don’t want to miss out on this piece of history!
Location: Washaway, Bodmin, PL30 3AG
The best castles in Cornwall
Now, let’s have a look at the grandeur of the best castles in Cornwall that are must-visits during your next Cornish holiday…
Tintagel Castle
6. St Michael’s Mount
One of the most famous sights in Cornwall, St Michael’s Mount is a magical place that features medieval pathways and an iconic castle atop the rocky island. The castle, owned by the St Aubyn family, has a rich history as a priory, fort, and family home. Once a bustling community of over 300 involved in the tin industry, the island now has around 30 residents, but if you want to find out more about the history, guided tours of the village and harbour are available. If you’re arranging a summer holiday, events include free rock pooling around the causeway, and for a romantic getaway view the sunrise over the Mount from Marazion or nearby.
Location: Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS
7. Pendennis Castle
For an action-packed day in Falmouth, visit Pendennis Castle, one of Henry VIII's finest seaside fortresses. Explore the wonders of Conrwall’s Tudor era, discover wartime tales, and enjoy acres of green space. Located on a coastal headland, this is the perfect seaside adventure with a family trail, exciting events, exhibitions, and a soft play room near the café.
Location: Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP
8. St Catherine’s Castle
St Catherine's Castle, built by Henry VIII in the 1530s to defend Fowey Harbour, has been modified over the centuries. Enhanced with a two-gun battery during the Crimean War in 1855 and further adapted in WWII to house an anti-aircraft gun and ammunition store, it exemplifies the evolution of military architecture and defensive tactics over 400 years. Why not take a step back into some of the most interesting Cornish military history?
Location: St Catherines Cove, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1JH
9. Launceston Castle
Get ready to climb to the top of Launceston Castle for remarkable views. Once the capital of Cornwall, this Norman stronghold controlled the main entry into the county. Discover its 1000-year history, from a great medieval fortress to a bleak prison, and a WWII hospital. Another amazing feature that you can’t miss is the castle grounds which are perfect for a family picnic or a leisurely dog walk, offering stunning views of the surrounding valley.
Location: Castle Lodge, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7DR
10. Tintagel Castle
Explore history, myth, and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle – the castle off the coast of Cornwall, forever intertwined with the legend of King Arthur. This dramatic site has captivated writers, artists, and royalty alike and now awaits your visit. There’s plenty to do here, including crossing the award-winning footbridge and exploring Merlin’s Cave and rock pools on the beach. Come by for great access to the castle and learn more about one of the best castles in Cornwall, so if you were unsure to begin with, Tintagel Castle is worth visiting!
Location: Castle Road, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
The best gardens in Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the most beautiful places in the UK and this includes its stunning gardens, perfect for taking in the flora and fauna in a tranquil environment…
Eden Project
11. Eden Project
Discover Cornwall's iconic Eden Project, a highlight of any visit. Explore the world’s largest greenhouses, nestled in a former clay mine sprawling over 30 acres. The impressive rainforest and Mediterranean biomes, architectural marvels themselves, provide shelter and make it an ideal rainy-day attraction. Enter the tropical heat of the rainforest biome, with rare plants and a thrilling rope bridge offering panoramic views. Alternatively, explore the Mediterranean biome for aromatic plants and Bacchanalian sculptures in a more temperate environment. There are so many options to choose from, and it’s only a 30-minute drive from the Retallack Resort!
Location: Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
12. Trebah Garden
Trebah Garden ranked among the top 80 gardens worldwide, is a true sanctuary in Cornwall. Nestled in a sub-tropical valley, it descends 200ft to the secluded Polgwidden Cove on the Helford River, complete with a lovely beachside café offering Cornish cream teas and ice cream. Explore 26 acres of footpaths winding through this lush garden, reminiscent of a Himalayan valley yet just five miles from Falmouth – you won’t believe you’re in the UK!
Location: Mawnan Smith, Near Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5JZ
13. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens near Penzance are a major attraction with a rich history dating back to the monks of St Michael’s Mount in 1295. Set in a lush, secluded valley with sub-tropical plants and dramatic landscaping, the gardens provide an ideal micro-climate for internationally renowned sculptures. Alongside this, contemporary artworks blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering breathtaking views of St Michael’s Mount. While the natural terrain limits accessibility for wheelchairs, mobility vehicles, and pushchairs, children can enjoy an adventure map to spot wildlife, so they can have a fun way of learning on holiday!
Location: Nr Gulval, Penzance, TR20 8YL
14. The Minack Theatre Garden
Although small, The Minack Theatre garden’s unique location and specialised planting have earned it recognition among the Great Gardens of Cornwall for its exceptional horticultural environment. Under the expert care of RHS Gold Medallists Claire Batten and Jeff Rowe, known for their expertise in succulents and exotic species, the garden has evolved into a dramatic showpiece that is a jaw-dropper. Each bed in the garden is named after a Shakespearean character, celebrating its theatrical context, so come and visit the beauty of one of the best gardens in Cornwall!
Location: Porthcurno, Penzance, TR19 6JU
15. Hidden Valley Gardens
Hidden Valley Gardens is a charming, award-winning three-acre garden tucked away in a secluded valley and seasonally open. Despite its size, this hidden gem boasts a diverse range of plant species across various themed areas. In summer, the hot border dazzles with dahlias, and sunflowers, complemented by pond wildlife and dancing butterflies. From the gazebo, enjoy panoramic views of the Cornish countryside, evoking the ambience of a Mediterranean garden, alongside a small orchard and pick-your-own berry patch. Well-marked for easy navigation, welcoming both gardening enthusiasts and their four-legged companions, there’s a garden exploration for all – around a 40-minute drive away from Retallack Resort.
Location: Treesmill, Par, PL24 2TU
Minack Theatre garden
The number one bonus attraction…
Even though this is an amazing list, we couldn’t leave you without a bonus attraction, so let’s look at an extra location you may be spending your next holiday in the UK…
Potager Garden Café
Combining food and greenery – two of the best things in life – is the Potager Garden Café. Housed in a converted greenhouse, the café offers wonderful homemade cakes, hearty vegetarian breakfasts, and wholesome made-to-order lunches. Head chef Flo introduces innovative vegetarian dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients straight from the garden. With a regularly changing menu to reflect the current season and garden harvests, you can even give them a call to discover this week's menu!
Location: High Cross, Constantine, Falmouth, TR11 5RF
Stately homes in Cornwall FAQs
Ready to go? Before you start packing, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about stately homes in Cornwall.
Which small Elizabethan manor house near Newquay is rich in historical interest?
Trerice House is a small Elizabethan manor house near Newquay that is rich in historical interest. It has fine interiors and lavish gardens, so add this location to your holiday itinerary to discover more about its rich history!
What is the oldest manor house in Cornwall?
Penfound Manor is the oldest inhabited manor house in Cornwall and even Britain — it’s located in Bude.
What is the most beautiful house in Cornwall?
There are so many beautiful houses in Cornwall, but one of the most beautiful options is Lanhydrock, which is one of Cornwall's standout historic houses, dating back to 1640.
Gardens in Cornwall FAQs
Now let’s have a look at the most frequently asked questions about the beautiful gardens in Cornwall.
What are the famous gardens in Cornwall?
There are many famous gardens in Cornwall to choose from, but here are our top three:
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Trebah Garden
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Eden Project
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Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Which garden in Cornwall has a beach?
One garden in Cornwall that has a beach is Trebah Garden, the stunning, wooded 26-acre sub-tropical ravine garden has its own beach on the beautiful Helford River – definitely one of the top gardens to visit in Cornwall!
How many National Trust gardens are there in Cornwall?
With its breathtaking beauty ranging from white sandy beaches to subtropical gardens, and a wealth of historic sites, Cornwall boasts over 50 National Trust destinations that showcase the county's diverse attractions. So, why not get a National Trust membership after you’ve booked the perfect Cornish holiday?