Gardens of Cornwall Tour
5 Days Starting and ending in Truro, England
Visiting: Truro, Cornwall
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 39
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Gardens of Cornwall Tour and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of some of the UK's most stunning gardens. Stay at the charming four-star Alverton Hotel in Truro, a Grade II listed building with character and comfort. Explore the magical Lost Gardens of Heligan, the extraordinary Eden Project, and the coastal Caerhays Castle. Wander through the lush Trebah Garden, the serene Penjerrick Garden, and the historic Trewithen Gardens. Conclude your journey at the picturesque Trelissick Gardens. Enjoy guided tours, talks, and the expertise of tour manager David Hurrion, making this a truly unforgettable experience for garden enthusiasts.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Independently At The Alverton Hotel From 15:00
Location: Truro
Accommodation Name: Alverton Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and talk by David Hurrion.
Day 2: Marsh Villa And The Eden Project
Location: Cornwall
Accommodation Name: Alverton Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our first visit on this inspiring tour is to the Marsh Villa Gardens, a magical three-acre water and woodland garden, which lies in a former tidal creek and is rich in variety and conservation significance. From here to the extraordinary Eden Project, opened in 2001 and described by The Guardian as “a mind-boggling feat of architecture and biological engineering”. Its eye-catching “Biomes” house one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests and a Mediterranean garden with cacti, gnarled olive trees, fruits and herbs. Plenty of time for lunch (not included) and to explore will be allowed here before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: The Lost Gardens Of Heligan And Caerhays Castle
Location: Cornwall
Accommodation Name: Alverton Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our day begins with a visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. These award-winning gardens, asleep for more than seventy years, are the scene of the largest garden restoration project in Europe. In the spring of 1991, the Gardens of Heligan lay under a blanket of bramble, ivy, rampant laurel and fallen timber. A year later the restoration team opened the gardens to enable the public to share in the excitement of their discovery, which thousands have been doing ever since. Time for lunch here (not included) before heading to the Caerhays Estate, bordered by the Southwest Coastal Path. Caerhays has an international reputation for camellias and rhododendrons and is home to a world-famous National Magnolia Collection, whilst the castle itself was designed by renowned architect, John Nash around 200 years ago and both the building and its occupants have played significant roles in the history of Cornwall. We enjoy a guided tour of the gardens. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Trebah Garden And Penjerrick Garden
Location: Cornwall
Accommodation Name: Alverton Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Two splendid gardens on the agenda today, starting with Trebah - a wild and colourful Cornish garden with something for everyone. When the tour was being planned, David Hurrion simply described this garden as “wow – just wow!”, high praise indeed from someone who has visited literally thousands of gardens in his time. The garden was laid out originally in the 1840s and flourished to become one of England’s great gardens by the 1930s. The garden was sadly neglected for many years following the death of the original owner, until it was taken over by the Hibbert family, who still run it today. Wander down the “Zig-Zag”, a slope where a rare collection of exotic Mediterranean plants was recently planted. You will also see Rhododendron Valley, a huge amphitheatre of sixty-foot-high rhododendrons, many of which were imported as seed in the 1890s. Time for lunch here (not included) before heading to garden number two of the day. Garden number two today is Penjerrick, often referred to as “Cornwall’s true jungle garden, established in the 19th century by Robert Were Fox, whose brother was responsible for Trebah so a family connection between todays’ two sights. This peaceful 15 acre, sub-tropical, spring-flowering garden has considerable historical and botanical interest. Rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, magnificent trees all grow in this sub tropical valley, in which ponds, bamboos, gunnera and immense tree ferns abound. Wildlife and birds take full advantage of the semi wild garden. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Trewithen Gardens And Trelissick Gardens
Location: Cornwall
Meals Included: Breakfast
Alas our time in the far southwest must come to an end but note before two final – and wonderful – gardens, starting with the gardens at Trewithen. Trewithen means “house of the trees” and the name truly describes this early Georgian house in its wood and parkland setting. The 30-acre garden is an International Camellia Society Garden of Excellence (1 of only 5 in the UK) and is also renowned for its rhododendrons, magnolias and Champion Trees. It is truly a beautiful place to visit, with something to discover at every turn of its level gravelled pathways. Time for lunch here (not included) before heading to the National Trust’s Trelissick, a woodland garden with formal lawns, herbaceous borders, exotic planting, an orchard and views over the River Fal. The 1750s house operates as a delightful place to sit and take in the view with refreshments from the house tearoom. Return to the hotel for approx. 17.00.
What's Included
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Four nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Alverton Hotel, Truro, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
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Welcome reception
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First night three-course dinner with wine
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Three further dinners in the hotel restaurant
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All talks, guided tours and admissions
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Coach transfers and tour manager, David Hurrion throughout
What's Not Included
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Transport to the hotel is not included
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Double for sole use supplement
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Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
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Holiday insurance
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Meals other than those stated
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Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
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Porterage and gratuities
Mode of Transport
Transport to the hotel is not included. Coach transfers and tour manager, David Hurrion, are provided throughout the tour.
Accommodation
The four-star Alverton Hotel is located in a grade II listed building which oozes character. With its own bell tower, slate roof, arched mullion windows, ivy clad walls and curved archways, the hotel is an architectural gem housing an excellent hotel with a high standard of comfort and service. Facilities here include bar, restaurant and comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, radio, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Car parking: complimentary at the hotel.
MORE INFO
Your Guide - David Hurrion
David started gardening as a young child and has been growing plants for more than 40 years. He has worked in gardens and nurseries, growing on a range of different soils and in different types of microclimate. His extensive knowledge and practical experience of plants, crops and growing techniques is founded on a thorough botanical and scientific training, complemented by an in depth understanding of garden design, wildlife, geology and climatology. He also trained as a teacher and has taught a huge diversity of subjects from botany, soil science and plant identification, to propagation, garden design and crop production, and from City & Guilds through to Degree level. He is also a popular speaker with local gardening groups.As a journalist, David has spent more than 20 years writing for and editing the nation’s crop of garden magazines, currently as Associate Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. He has also written for a number of websites and appeared both as a regular contributor and an expert commentator on TV and radio. David is a popular figure in the horticultural world, well liked and respected for his knowledge by nurserymen, professional gardeners, journalists and the gardening public. He has designed, built and planted show gardens and display stands at most of the major garden shows in the UK, including the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show, and is now a Designate Judge for the Royal Horticultural Society.He has also travelled to every continent, with the exception of Antarctica, to discover plants and gardens, both independently and on more than 50 trips accompanying groups of gardenersPlease note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Check out our Q&As
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What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include transport to the hotel, double for sole use supplement, extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis, holiday insurance, meals other than those stated, items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc., and porterage and gratuities.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at the four-star Alverton Hotel, which is located in a grade II listed building. The hotel features a bar, restaurant, and comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, radio, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. Complimentary car parking is also available at the hotel.
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What time does the welcome reception and first evening dinner start?
The welcome reception and first evening dinner/talk will commence at about 6pm.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes four nights' bed and breakfast, a welcome reception, a first night three-course dinner with wine, and three further dinners in the hotel restaurant. Lunches are not included.
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Who will be the tour manager for this tour?
The tour manager for this tour will be David Hurrion, an experienced gardener, teacher, journalist, and popular speaker in the horticultural world.
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What are the check-in and check-out times at the Alverton Hotel?
You can check in at the Alverton Hotel from 3pm onwards. The tour ends at approximately 5pm on the last day.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Some of the highlights of the tour include visits to the Eden Project, Caerhays Castle, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Trebah Garden, Marsh Villa Gardens, Penjerrick Garden, Trewithen Gardens, and Trelissick Gardens.
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What is included in the tour package?
The tour package includes four nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Alverton Hotel, a welcome reception, a first night three-course dinner with wine, three further dinners in the hotel restaurant, all talks, guided tours and admissions, and coach transfers with tour manager David Hurrion throughout the tour.
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What should I do if I arrive at the hotel earlier than the check-in time?
If you arrive earlier than the check-in time, the hotel will be happy to store your luggage until you can check in.
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Is there a private option available for this tour?
The information provided does not specify if there is a private option available for this tour.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Sunday - Thursday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 01, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Travel Editions requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.