Reviews of Caerhays Castle Garden

An absolute joy in Spring, one of the great gardens of Britain.

(5.0/5)

As a walker I first viewed Caerhays many years back from the coast path. Even at a distance it stands out and in the spring it would be hard to overlook the towering pink magnolias head and shoulders above the surrounding woodland. Every year a visit to Cornwall in the spring would not be the same without a day at Caerhays. It's an absolute unique gem. The setting, the garden layout, the range, size, location and condition of the magnolias, camellias and rhodos is unsurpassed. If you are going to explore fully be prepared for a trek and a hill walk. In wet spells footware to resist some of the moist areas would be wise. Your efforts will be rewarded because when you have seen Caerhays you will have seen (in my opinion) the best garden of its type in Cornwall.

(5.0/5)

This is possibly the most significant garden in Cornwall [for my money] It oozes horticultural history.. the Willlaims family having financed many famous plant hunters. The fruits of those labours are here to see in glorious maturity. To see the mature Magnolias from the Himalayas or those bred at this place flowering in their stunning majesty is amazing. Up the drive particularly is a whole variety of fabulous pinks purples and white flowering trees in full blast colour..wow it is SO beautiful ! Now lets discuss the Camellias and Rhodos and all the other fabulous gems.... So many plants here not only look wonderful when in full flower but so many are so significant.
Should you ever get to meet Mr Williams senior while you wander in the gardens..pick up conversation with him.. he is both hugely charming but also very happy to share his encyclopaedic knowledge. Twice I have had this pleasure,the first [as a young Horticultural student] included tea in his drawing room and a look through some fascinating records of the plant-hunters exploits the Williams family had sponsored. Wonderful !!

(5.0/5)