Worth a visit. Think Du Maurier creek, secret path, exotic plants, unique history. Lovely owners... read more
Worth a visit. Think Du Maurier creek, secret path, exotic plants, unique history. Lovely owners... read more
Think this must be my third visit - breathtaking views of the cove in the calm of a lush tropical... read more
Tim Mowl writes perceptively in his book "Historic Houses of Cornwall" of how the vast majority of Cornish gardens ignore the county's greatest asset - viz, the sea. Chygurno is an exemplum of this. Less than a few hundred yards from the roaring Atlantic you get merely the most fleeting of glimpses of the glorious cornish coastline; an opportunity missed. What you do get is the undeniable impression of two people hewing a garden literally out of the hillside; an undertaking of enormous labour which has taken the best part of twenty years to achieve. It should be mentioned that sensible footwear and strong leg muscles is a must for seeing this garden. Precipitous steps lead down a series of terraces in what resembles a game of gardening snakes and ladders. Moreover, Health & Safety would have a fit at the number of buckets, hoses and other garden detritus which is strewn on the paths where a moment of distraction could send the inattentive visitor sprawling. No refreshments or toilets. An honesty box policy is operated.
Every garden we visited this Spring (2018) was a little behind with blossoming due to to the tough weather late into Spring. This garden is however always inspiring and interesting to visit. Wander along and look at the views, clamber up and down and see how things are developing. Have lunch first at the wonderful Wink then up the hill for an hour or so of pure gardeners pleasure.
Lovely valley garden spread over about 5 acres. Many steps so not really for wheelchairs or people unsteady on their feet. Excellent views and collection of flora. Appreciate the hard work that has gone into setting up these gardens. Reasonable £5.00 entrance fee. Usually open only two days a week, but if you ring them they will usually let you in if they are about.
Our neighbours Robert and Carol have created an astonishing Cornish maritime garden on the edge of a cliff.
It is a joy and not to be missed
We visited this private garden in the village of Lamorna while on holiday in Cornwall. The entrance fee goes towards a nationwide scheme which raises funds for a number of good causes, such as Macmillan Cancer Support.
This wonderful waterside house and garden was built in 1908 and was originally a refuge for female prisoners to recuperate after serving their sentences. It is now owned by Robert and Carol Moule, who bought the house in 1998 after being unoccupied for over twenty years. The garden was little more than a cliff-edge jungle when they started working on it in 1998 and the results of their determination and hard work can be seen today.
The present 3-acre cliff-side garden overlooking Lamorna Cove has been planted into a maze of steep pathways, steps and terraces that have been carved into the rocks. There are no hand rails on the steps, so care is needed. There are plenty of benches for visitors to sit and rest and enjoy the spectacular sea views.
If you enjoy walking, there are many more coastal paths to explore. There are no refreshments available on site, so it is advisable to take your own food.
Chygurno Garden is just four miles south of Penzance on the B3315. Follow the signs for Lamorna Cove and Chygurno is tucked away at the top of the hill just past The Lamorna Cove Hotel and Restaurant. It is open from April to September on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2-5pm. Any other time or date is by arrangement.
This garden reflects a level of dedication to detail and engineering that make it worth a visit from any keene gardener.