St Mawgan Japanese Garden
A serene Japanese Garden in Cornwall, offering a tranquil escape with koi ponds, Zen gardens, and meticulously curated flora.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy solitude and peace
St Mawgan Japanese Garden
Best Time
Enjoy solitude and peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Japanese Garden in Cornwall, offering a tranquil escape with koi ponds, Zen gardens, and meticulously curated flora.
"A hidden little piece of heaven! So stunning, it's my personal heaven here!"
🎯 Season Pass Value
Consider a season pass for excellent value if you plan to visit multiple times; many call it their 'personal heaven'.
🚶♀️ Village Exploration
Combine your garden visit with a walk through the charming St Mawgan village and its local amenities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Koi Ponds and Water Features
Throughout the garden
Watch vibrant koi fish glide through tranquil ponds, surrounded by meticulously curated plants and calming water features.
Zen Garden
Designated Zen area
Experience ultimate serenity in the meticulously raked Zen garden, a perfect spot for quiet contemplation and mindfulness.
Traditional Japanese Elements
Various locations
Discover stone lanterns, carefully placed rocks, and a charming tea house, all contributing to an authentic Japanese aesthetic.
Gift Shop Treasures
Entrance area
Browse a unique collection of Japanese plants, gifts, ornaments, and wall art, perfect for souvenirs or thoughtful presents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Explore Beyond the Garden
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Season Pass Value
Consider a season pass for excellent value if you plan to visit multiple times; many call it their 'personal heaven'.
🚶♀️ Village Exploration
Combine your garden visit with a walk through the charming St Mawgan village and its local amenities.
🤫 Quiet Contemplation
Take your time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere; rushing through misses the garden's true beauty.
🛍️ Unique Souvenirs
The gift shop offers high-quality, unique items, including bonsai trees and Japanese-inspired decor.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Season Pass Value
Consider a season pass for excellent value if you plan to visit multiple times; many call it their 'personal heaven'.
🚶♀️ Village Exploration
Combine your garden visit with a walk through the charming St Mawgan village and its local amenities.
🤫 Quiet Contemplation
Take your time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere; rushing through misses the garden's true beauty.
🛍️ Unique Souvenirs
The gift shop offers high-quality, unique items, including bonsai trees and Japanese-inspired decor.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted, even on a short lead, so plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the St Mawgan Japanese Garden for its exceptional beauty, tranquility, and meticulous upkeep. Many describe it as a 'hidden piece of heaven' and a place of profound peace. The friendly staff and the charming gift shop also receive positive mentions, making it a highly recommended destination for a calming escape.
"Beautifully kept gardens. So calming and tranquil. Lovely gifts shop with very friendly staff. Free parking and a walk around local quaint village and Mawgan tea rooms. On a lovely summer day, we had a super time ."
Belinda Fowkes
"Visited this place recently and absolutely amazed. I've been coming to the Newquay area for years and never noticed this place until now.
We went shortly after opening time on a weekday, so had the majority of the garden to ourselves. Nice little relaxing walk with lots of interesting plants and features to see.
Few little seating areas scattered around where you can sit and soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the garden and true tranquil feel.
The gift shop has lots of good high quality and unique gifts and collections. I purchased a variety of ornaments, wall art and trinkets and have been highly satisfied."
Joe Walker
"Goodness! What a hidden little piece of heaven!
Stumbled across this place about 15 years ago but for some reason didn’t go in, had young children with me, and always wanted to go back. Today we did and it is just so stunning! Thank you! We will return as we have our season pass now, such good value! I have just said to my children it is my personal heaven here!"
Rosie Newark
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The St Mawgan Japanese Garden is located in St Mawgan village, a short drive from Newquay. Many visitors arrive by car, and there is free parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes in advance is recommended. Some visitors enjoy walking from nearby accommodations like Merlin Farm, which offers a scenic route through the village.
Yes, free parking is available for visitors to the St Mawgan Japanese Garden, making it convenient for those traveling by car.
Absolutely! The village of St Mawgan is picturesque, and some accommodations, like Merlin Farm, offer pleasant walking routes that pass through the village and lead to the garden.
Driving is a popular and convenient option, especially with the free parking. For those without a car, researching local bus services connecting Newquay to St Mawgan is advisable.
Public transport to St Mawgan can be less frequent than in larger towns. It's best to check current bus schedules from Newquay to St Mawgan to confirm accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official website or contact the garden directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Admission fees are generally considered good value for money. Many visitors find the cost reasonable for the experience and recommend it. Some reviews mention purchasing a season pass for excellent value.
Information on advance ticket purchases is not widely available. Typically, tickets can be purchased upon arrival at the garden.
Some visitors have mentioned purchasing a season pass, which they found to be excellent value, especially if they plan to return. Inquire at the garden for current pass options.
While the garden offers tranquil paths, some areas might have uneven terrain typical of natural gardens. It's advisable to contact the garden directly to inquire about specific accessibility for mobility aids.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The garden features beautiful koi ponds with vibrant fish, a serene Zen garden for contemplation, traditional stone lanterns, a charming tea house, and a variety of meticulously curated Japanese plants.
While some might rush through in 30 minutes, many visitors recommend spending several hours to truly soak in the tranquility and beauty. It's a place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Yes, there are several little seating areas scattered throughout the garden, perfect for sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
The atmosphere is consistently described as peaceful, calming, tranquil, and serene. It's a place designed for mindfulness and relaxation.
Photography is welcomed, and the garden offers many beautiful and serene spots for capturing memorable shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the garden itself is focused on tranquility, there is a gift shop that may offer some small refreshments. However, the nearby St Mawgan village has a pub (The Falcon) and tea rooms (Hawkey's, Mawgan Tea Rooms) for dining.
St Mawgan village offers a traditional pub, The Falcon, and several tea rooms, including Hawkey's and Mawgan Tea Rooms, providing local fare and refreshments.
Information on picnicking is not readily available. It's best to check with the garden management or enjoy the dining options in the village.
The garden itself does not have a dedicated cafe, but the adjacent village of St Mawgan has several tea rooms and a pub.
You can expect traditional pub fare at The Falcon and light refreshments or cream teas at the local tea rooms.
📸 📸 Photography
The koi ponds with their vibrant fish, the meticulously raked Zen garden, traditional stone lanterns, and the charming tea house all offer excellent photographic opportunities. The reflections in the water and the carefully curated plantings are also very photogenic. 
Yes, photography is generally welcomed, and many visitors capture the serene beauty of the garden.
The garden is ideal for landscape, nature, and contemplative photography. Capturing the details of the plants, the water features, and the overall peaceful ambiance works well.
No specific restrictions on photography are widely mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more tranquil mood for your photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's worth noting that the garden's emphasis is on tranquility, so encouraging children to explore quietly and respectfully will enhance the experience for everyone. The gift shop also offers unique items that might appeal to children as souvenirs. Remember that dogs are not allowed, so plan accordingly if you have a pet.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Mindfulness Seekers
Find a secluded bench, practice some mindful walking, or simply sit and absorb the peaceful energy. The Zen garden, in particular, is designed to facilitate meditation and inner peace. Many visitors describe it as a place where they can 'soak in the tranquility' and find a 'true tranquil feel'.
📸 Photographers
+1Golden hour light in the early morning or late afternoon can create a magical atmosphere. Don't forget to explore the charming tea house and the traditional elements like stone lanterns for unique shots. The gift shop also provides interesting subjects for detail photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Japanese Garden Design
Visitors often highlight the Zen garden as a particularly peaceful area. The raked gravel in Zen gardens represents water, and the carefully placed rocks symbolize islands or mountains. This minimalist approach is designed to aid meditation and promote a feeling of calm. The sound of water features, such as small waterfalls or trickling streams, further enhances the sensory experience, contributing to the overall serene atmosphere.
Over the years, the garden has been lovingly transformed and expanded, showcasing a dedication to maintaining its authentic charm and beauty. The owners are often described as helpful and knowledgeable, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere. This ongoing care ensures that the garden remains a 'hidden little piece of heaven' for all who visit.
Exploring St Mawgan Village
For those seeking refreshments or a light bite, St Mawgan has several tea rooms, including Hawkey's and Mawgan Tea Rooms, perfect for a cream tea or a coffee break. The village also features a post office that doubles as a shop, a craft and gift shop, and a village green with a play park, making it a pleasant place to wander.
For those looking for a scenic walk, routes from nearby accommodations like Merlin Farm lead through the village, offering lovely views and a chance to discover the local surroundings before or after visiting the Japanese Garden.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit