Trevarno Estate and Gardens

Trevarno dates back to 1246 and is located in a valley approximately 2 miles from Helston. In 1874 it was purchased by the Bickford-Smiths, creators of the Miner’s Safety Fuse who developed the garden, much as is seen today. In 1994 the estate was purchased by an electronics company and after much work – still ongoing -the garden opened in 1998 to the public for the first time on a year round basis. The wonderfully relaxing 35 acre Victorian garden has a treasure trove of interesting features to enjoy, including an Italian Garden, Serpentine Yew Tunnel, Lake and Victorian Boathouse. Between April and mid May, the Beech Wood has a stunning carpet of English bluebells. A “must see” is the amazing National Museum of Gardening where tools and gardening related ephemera are displayed in ten themed areas and give all age groups insight into this aspect of “Britishness”. Restoration of various areas continues with projects which, include the Upper Walled Garden and Gothic Potting Shed.

There are also two further museums – the Toy Collection and the Soap Museum - with items dating from the 1800s.

One of the most interesting and rewarding projects is the Trevarno Organic Skincare which, was the first in the UK to be granted formal certification by the Organic Farmers and Growers Association. Handmade soaps and skincare products are produced using the purest plant oils and materials available and sold in the shop or online. Mouthwatering homemade cakes and soups are to be found in the Conservatory Tea Room. The Estate Walk, just short of 2 km and an Adventure Play area for the children, real live reindeer and the National Daffodil Collection Showgarden, now containing 2,500 different varieties, provide much for visitors of all age groups. Additional events are held throughout the year.