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Trelissick Gardens

The River Fal and Carrick Roads make up one of the most attractive and unspoilt estuaries in the country. The estate is renowned for its glorious position at the head of Carrick Roads, with panoramic views down the estuary towards Falmouth and the sea, and intriguing glimpses of boats moored in tidal creeks and small hamlets that have changed little over the last hundred years.

Trelissick is a truly impressive National Trust property; one of Cornwall's premier gardens. Landscaped on many levels the garden has a superb collection of tender and exotic plants with displays of colour throughout the year.

The rolling contours of the gardens, reach right down to the water's edge and can be enjoyed at any time of the year,though the spring blossom (March/April) is particularly delightful.

Thomas Daniell began much of the initial works on the gardens at Trelissick, planting the woodlands that run along the shores of the Fal Estuary and creating the shady drives; originally as carriage drives, but now acting as woodland walks. The Gilbert family acquired Trelissick between the years 1844 and 1913, and made many improvements throughout the grounds. The ornamental woodlands, huge oaks and conifers, where in many cases planted during this period.

In 1937, Mrs Copeland inherited Trelissick, and together with her husband, Ronald, created the garden that exists today. The Copelands planted many species that flourish in the mild Cornish air, including an abundance of the tender Asian shrubs that are so characteristic of many gardens in Cornwall - magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons - together with many rare varieties of hydrangea; a speciality of Trelissick and a feature of the garden.