Glendurgan Garden is a stunning, subtropical garden located in the village of Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth, Cornwall, England. The garden was created in the early 19th century by Alfred Fox, who planted a wide variety of exotic and unusual plants from around the world. Today, Glendurgan is managed by the National Trust and is open to the public all year round, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to marvel at its beautiful plants and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
One of the most striking features of Glendurgan is its stunning collection of camellias, which bloom from December to March and provide a riot of color during the colder months of the year. The garden is also home to a wide variety of other plants, including rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas, and eucalyptus trees, which provide a lush, green canopy overhead.
In addition to its beautiful plants, Glendurgan also boasts a number of other attractions, including a treehouse, which offers visitors breathtaking views of the garden and surrounding countryside. The garden also features a network of winding paths and trails, which lead visitors through its beautiful, subtropical landscape. One of the most popular routes is the Valency Valley Walk, which takes visitors on a journey through the heart of the garden, past a number of stunning waterfalls and streams.
One of the most unique features of Glendurgan is its cherry laurel maze, which was planted in the mid-19th century and is now one of the largest and oldest mazes in the country. The maze covers an area of almost an acre and is made up of more than 2,000 cherry laurel bushes, which are trimmed and maintained to create a series of winding paths and dead ends. Visitors can enjoy the challenge of navigating their way through the maze, or simply relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the garden.
Another popular attraction at Glendurgan is the Garden Tearoom, which serves a variety of light meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the day. The tearoom is located in a beautiful, 18th-century farmhouse, which has been carefully restored to its former glory and provides a charming and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Despite its peaceful and serene atmosphere, Glendurgan is also home to a number of fascinating historical buildings and structures, including a 19th-century sawmill, which was used to process timber from the surrounding woods. Visitors can also explore the Fox family’s original home, which is now a museum and contains a number of exhibits and artifacts related to the garden’s history.
In addition to its stunning plants and beautiful scenery, Glendurgan is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. The garden is a haven for birdwatchers, who can spot a number of different species, including woodpeckers, owls, and nuthatches. Visitors can also take a stroll along the garden’s nature trail, which takes in a number of different habitats and provides an opportunity to see a range of different plant and animal species up close.
Overall, Glendurgan Garden is a truly remarkable place, which combines the beauty of a subtropical garden with a rich and fascinating history. Its stunning plants and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in gardens and the natural world.