Things to see at Glendurgan Garden

Olive Grove and Orchard

The olive grove and apple orchard are tucked away en route to the Schoolroom. The Fox family produced a bounty of fruits, and the apple orchard is a gesture towards the historic fruit production.

Today, there are local Cornish varieties of apples plus figs, pecans and kiwis. Mown grass paths allow you to wander among the apple trees.

Apple Shed

Tucked away in the orchard is our Apple Shed, a space to unwind and reconnect with nature. Design a bug hotel, write a poem, learn about apple trees or try on bee-keeping outfits. Listen to the bees buzzing while you enjoy a picnic in the shade amongst the trees.

Schoolroom at Glendurgan

Sitting at the top of one of Glendurgan’s three valleys, reached via the path through the olive grove, is the old schoolroom. The small, thatched building was re-created by the Fox family, the garden team and local school children in 2002, but four of the windows are from the original building of 1829.

On damp days the tiny building provides shelter with a fine view down Birch's orchard.

Giant’s Stride

Not far from the Schoolroom is the Giant’s Stride, erected in 1913.

The idea is that, by grabbing the handles of the rotating ropes and running around the pole, the more airborne you become.

Explore Glendurgan's lower valley

The inspiration for developing the lower valley came from decades of travel by members of the Fox family and gardeners at Glendurgan; and it now reflects the character of distant countries such as Bhutan and New Zealand.

Temperate climate

The plants that continue to thrive here, including giant rhubarb and impressive bamboo, do so due to the similar temperate climate experienced in their origin country.

There are also tree ferns with their fibrous trunks and large-leafed banana plants.

Epiphytic plants

This area of Cornwall is so damp that moss and native ferns grow easily on the trunks of more mature trees. The garden team has added exotic epiphytic plants to various trunks and branches.

Epiphytic plants don’t need soil to grow, they take moisture and nutrients from rain and the air.

Glendurgan’s Maze

At the heart of the garden is Glendurgan’s ancient cherry laurel maze. Planted on one side of the valley, this living puzzle has been entertaining visitors who have been getting lost along its winding paths for nearly 200 years.

Some people, however, prefer sitting opposite and watching others complete the puzzle.

The Cherry Laurel

The cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is vigorous enough to withstand regular trimming and footsteps around its roots. Palm trees mark the four corners of the puzzle and a thatched summerhouse sits in the middle.

Cherry Orchard at Glendurgan

The cherry orchard is the perfect spot for a break and to take in the surroundings. As well as handkerchief trees, ornamental cherry trees and varieties of magnolia, the main highlights are the snowdrops and Lent lilies in February and March followed by carpets of bluebells in April and May.

Mown grass paths are ideal for wandering along during summer and the benches are a place from which to spot butterflies and dragonflies.

The Tulip Tree

Glendurgan's tree collection including mature conifers, magnolias and dogwoods, but the most impressive is the Tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera.

At almost 190 years old, the tulip tree proudly sits towards the top of the valley garden, providing a gorgeous display.

In late June, its cup-like flowers appear in hues of lime green and orange, while as autumn approaches the giant green leaves take on bright gold tones.

Manderson's Hill

If you prefer a woodland walk, take a stroll up through the trees to the maze viewing platform. Enjoy watching visitors tackle the maze from above.

Heading down the valley, there will be opportunities to catch a glimpse of the sparkling waters of the River Helford through the trees.