Visit to Trebah in Cornwall - among best gardens in world

We paid a visit to Trebah Garden, on the Helford River, to see whether placing eighth, alongside the likes of the National Orchid Garden in Singapore and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, was justified.

It’s been shamefully long since I last visited Trebah. Although a firm favourite with tourists (one person only this week told me ‘Oh yes, we always go to Trebah whenever we’re in Cornwall) as locals it’s as if we almost become complacent with what’s on our doorstep – and how lucky we are to have it there.

So when a new list by travel insurance experts insureandgo.com placed Trebah Garden joint eighth best in the word - based on 96.5 per cent of reviews being four stars or higher – it was high time for a return visit.

One of the stunning views across the garden (Image: Falmouth Packet)

Close to the village of Mawnan Smith, Trebah covers an expanse of 26 acres, with four miles of paths to explore.

With blue skies and sunshine above, we exited the visitor centre (complete with café and gift shop) and were hit immediately by the sweet fragrance of jasmine.

This treat for the nose was soon joined by a treat for the eyes when, turning the corner, we were met with a stunning view down the valley to the sea in the distance.

At this point it must be noted that The Nine-Year-Old was (initially) a somewhat reluctant participant in this adventure. "I don't want to look round someone's garden," she wailed.

Let the records show that within three minutes of stepping foot into the grounds she was exclaiming: "I love this place!"

The garden has a cafe with seating indoors and outside (Image: Falmouth Packet)

It's hard not to be beguiled by Trebah, with its Hydrangea Valley, giant bamboo and stunning Water Garden.

The hydrangeas are in full bloom currently, and the expanse of frilly pink and purple balls are a real highlight at the moment.

On a warm day there were plenty of welcome shaded areas to give respite - Gunnera Passage (not actually giant rhubarb, despite appearances) a particular family favourite.

Gunnera Passage provided welcome shade (Image: Falmouth Packet)

There are also lots of benches, placed at regular intervals, where you can sit and catch your breath, or simply relax in the stillness.

For those with a love of horticulture, frequent information boards list which plants you are looking at.

Crossing picturesque Mallard Bridge (a perfect spot for that photo for Facebook or the 'Gram) we paused at a small jetty area to admire the view across the lake - and came face to face with a giant koi carp. Focusing our eyes to the water we discovered it was filled with carp and other smaller fish that appear happy to come up and say hello.

Hydrangeas are in full bloom currently (Image: Falmouth Packet)

We continued down to the end of the garden where, to the far left, is a short passageway onto the private beach, Polgwidden Cove - a launching point for the US 29th Infantry Division in the Second World War, who used Trebah as a top-secret base ahead of D-Day and from where around 7,000 troops left for the Normandy landings.

Concreted over as part of the war effort, today the fully restored shingle beach is a tranquil spot for paddling and stopping for a Roskilly's ice cream.

Ice cream at the beach (Image: Falmouth Packet)

Slowly we looped our way back up the hill, stopping off at the children's adventure playground ‘Tarzan’s Camp’, which includes a slide, monkey bars and an especially fun netted area for jumping on.

It should be noted that not all paths in every direction are fully accessible - there are some steps, and occasionally a small amount of surface water underfoot. However, there is a route suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and those wanting a flatter surface that leads right down through the garden and to the beach.

Looking back up the valley towards the house (Image: Falmouth Packet)

I'm still not sure whether we took the 'correct' route, although it worked well for us.

We turned right out of the door, but investigating upon our return we found that, had we turned left, we would have instead hit 'Camellia Walk', which also sounds beautiful and a real must-see come the autumn when they are in bloom.

Rhododendron Valley sounds as though it would have been similarly stunning back in the spring – meaning there really is something to see at Trebah whatever the season.

However, time, dogs and the football (!) were all calling so we bid a reluctant farewell, vowing not to leave it so long next time.