Glendurgan Garden
Discover a magical National Trust valley garden with exotic plants, a famous maze, and a charming path to the Helford River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoms and fewer crowds
Glendurgan Garden
Best Time
Blossoms and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a magical National Trust valley garden with exotic plants, a famous maze, and a charming path to the Helford River.
"A lovely garden to leisurely wonder around, with a quaint village and beach at the bottom."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The garden is on a steep slope; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🍦 Ice Cream Reward
Enjoy an ice cream at the hut in Durgan hamlet after your walk down. :ice_cream:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Maze
Central garden area
Navigate this iconic cherry laurel maze, a fun challenge for all ages on a picturesque slope.
Valley to River Walk
Garden paths to Durgan hamlet
Wander through exotic plants and ancient trees down to the charming hamlet of Durgan and its pebbly beach.
Giant Tulip Tree
Near the entrance
Marvel at the incredible scale of the massive tulip tree, a truly awe-inspiring sight upon arrival.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Slope
Maze Mania & Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The garden is on a steep slope; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🍦 Ice Cream Reward
Enjoy an ice cream at the hut in Durgan hamlet after your walk down. :ice_cream:
🌳 Explore the Maze
Don't miss the famous maze – it's harder than it looks and fun for everyone! :dizzy_face:
🐶 Dogs Welcome (Mostly)
Dogs on leads are allowed, but not in the maze, orchard, or schoolhouse. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The garden is on a steep slope; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🍦 Ice Cream Reward
Enjoy an ice cream at the hut in Durgan hamlet after your walk down. :ice_cream:
🌳 Explore the Maze
Don't miss the famous maze – it's harder than it looks and fun for everyone! :dizzy_face:
🐶 Dogs Welcome (Mostly)
Dogs on leads are allowed, but not in the maze, orchard, or schoolhouse. :dog:
📚 Second-hand Bookshop
Browse the second-hand bookshop, though some find prices a little high. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Glendurgan Garden for its beauty, the fun of the maze, and the charming walk down to Durgan hamlet. The exotic plants and well-maintained paths are highlights, though the steep slope can be challenging for some. The cafe and ice cream hut add to the enjoyable experience.
"Gorgeous, historic gardens. The maze was fun. Few games dotted around for children & adults alike. If you're really into gardening & plants, this is the place. We walked all the way down to the tiny hamlet next to the Helford River where we had an ice cream. Then the steep walk back up. A nice way to while away a few hours."
Debra Ritchie
"Lovely relaxing atmosphere, dogs allowed on lead except the maze, orchard and schoolhouse which is fine. Great cafe but dogs are outside - website says inside on the left but it doesn’t have any walls so really it’s outside with a canopy.
Pebbly beach but still relaxing with an ice-cream hut. Dogs are allowed here too but on a lead.
My mum who is 80 managed this walk with a few stops at the benches dotted around the site."
Keri-Anne Pentecost
"Excellent! Beautiful gardens. The cafe is great too. The maze is a real highlight and so much fun! Harder than it looks! We walked down to the beach from the garden and it was really lovely! I did find the second hand bookshop a little more over priced than usual.Highly recommend!"
Vanessa McKeown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Glendurgan Garden is accessible by car, with parking available on site. You can also reach it via public transport; the nearest train station is Falmouth, from where you can take a bus. Some visitors enjoy walking between Glendurgan and nearby Trebah Garden, but research the path conditions beforehand.
Yes, there is parking available at Glendurgan Garden. It's a convenient option for visitors arriving by car.
While there's a direct road between Glendurgan and Trebah, it's advisable to check local advice regarding footpaths and safety for walking this route.
Taking a bus from Falmouth town to Glendurgan Gardens is a popular option for visitors.
Yes, Glendurgan Garden is accessible via bus from Falmouth, making it a viable destination for those relying on public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees apply for Glendurgan Garden. National Trust members typically get free admission. It's always best to check the official National Trust website for the most current pricing and opening times.
Opening hours for Glendurgan Garden can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the National Trust website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea to check the National Trust website, especially during peak seasons, to ensure smooth entry.
National Trust members receive free entry. For non-members, check the National Trust website for any potential discounts or family ticket options.
Yes, National Trust members can enjoy free entry to Glendurgan Garden as part of their membership benefits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the famous cherry laurel maze, the winding paths through exotic gardens, the descent to Durgan hamlet and its beach, and the impressive tulip tree.
Absolutely! Children often love the maze, and there are games dotted around the garden. The walk down to the beach also provides a fun element.
Glendurgan Garden is situated on a valley slope, meaning there are significant uphill and downhill sections. This can be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Yes, dogs are welcome on a lead, but they are not permitted in the maze, orchard, or schoolhouse areas.
At Durgan hamlet, you can enjoy the pebbly beach, skim stones, and grab an ice cream from the hut before starting the climb back up.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at Glendurgan Garden that offers tasty cakes and drinks, some of which are traditional Cornish. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
The cafe serves a selection of cakes and drinks, with some traditional Cornish offerings.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, picnic spots are common in National Trust gardens. It's best to check their specific policy for Glendurgan. The hamlet of Durgan offers a lovely spot for a picnic by the river.
Durgan hamlet has an ice cream hut, perfect for a treat after exploring the garden and beach.
Yes, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area of the cafe at Glendurgan Garden.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the winding paths, exotic flora, the iconic maze, the charming Durgan hamlet, and the impressive tulip tree. The light can be magical, especially in the late afternoon.
The valley setting and diverse planting offer beautiful landscape photography opportunities, especially as you descend towards the river.
Golden hour, particularly late afternoon, can provide stunning light for photography throughout the garden and down by the river.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Trust properties to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's best to check their specific drone policy.
The view looking back up the valley from Durgan hamlet, the entrance to the maze, and the massive tulip tree are all highly photogenic spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that the garden is on a slope, so be mindful of little legs on the climb back up. There are benches along the way for rests. The ice cream hut at Durgan is a great motivator for the return journey!
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Maze
Many visitors find the maze surprisingly tricky, even harder than it looks, and it's a recurring theme in reviews.
Pro-tip: Embrace the challenge and enjoy the playful disorientation! It's a fantastic spot for photos and a great way to inject some lighthearted fun into your visit.
From Garden to Seaside Charm
The descent culminates in the charming hamlet of Durgan, a picturesque spot nestled by the river. Here, you can enjoy the pebbly beach, skim stones, and perhaps indulge in an ice cream from the local hut.
Be prepared for the return journey, as the walk back up from Durgan is a steep climb. However, the views and the sense of accomplishment make it well worth the effort.
A Garden with a Rich History
The garden's design reflects a thoughtful approach to landscaping, with winding paths encouraging exploration and discovery. The famous maze, planted in 1833, is a testament to their enduring legacy and continues to be a beloved feature.
Understanding the history adds another layer of appreciation to the garden's beauty, connecting visitors to the passion and vision of its original creators.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit