Tregothnan Estate opens its private gates to give an insight into the workings of Cornwall’s largest estate. Open for one weekend only, on 11th and 12th of April from 10.00am – 5.00pm, primarily in aid of Cancer Research UK. Visitors will be able to experience Tregothnan’s huge diversity of shrubs and trees on the banks of the beautiful River Fal and the children can enjoy their Camelia Maze.

In the heart of Cornwall, Tregothnan has been home to the Boscawen family since 1334, and the garden surrounding this historic home has been of lasting interest to successive generations.  Visitors will be able to marvel at the oldest outdoor Camellias, mountainous Magnolias and the biggest Rhododendrons in the world.  The sheer scale of the garden, over 100 acres, means that there will be plenty of peace!

Tregothnan’s Head Gardener, Neil Bennett, told Roseland Online, “In the days leading up to the event, it will be impossible to keep up with the flower count, as almost everything will come out at once. This is a special experience for anyone, not just garden lovers. Our guests are always spellbound by the scale and diversity of the visit, as well as the passion of one family for this incredible living collection.”

Tregothnan will showcase its newest tea plantation opened by Prince Philip  alongside its beautiful tea pagoda. Tregothnan was the first place to grow ornamental Camellias outdoors 200 years ago and it was this wealth of experience combined with a pioneering spirit that led the family to grow tea – Camellia sinensis – for the first time ever on British soil.

The fascinating Wollemi pine or ‘Dinosaur tree’ – a prehistoric species thought to be extinct until discovered in an Australian valley in 1994 – will also be a unique sight with its cage roof removed for the first time.  Other special areas include the South American and South African gardens, Ladies’ Walk, Lime Avenue, Summerhouse Lawns, Deer Park viewing points and Tree Fern Avenue.

For those with an appetite there will be delicious homemade lunches, estate-reared venison cooked by the famous Hidden Hut field kitchen in the food court, Cornish cream teas with Tregothnan tea and Kea plum jam, along with Salcombe Dairy ice creams.  Musical entertainment, children’s activities, games, demonstrations and a classic car display will be added attractions throughout the weekend.

Tregothnan is an official ‘safe site’ for the keeping of rare or endangered trees from all over the world. The garden holds some ‘Red Book’ endangered plants and trees which are larger than any remaining in the wild. Under 16s are free, encouraging families to enjoy the adventure of Cornwall’s largest garden and the astonishing first opening of the Camellia Maze.