Days Out ~ See

Trewithen means ‘house of the trees’ has 30 acres of surrounding woodland gardens and over two hundred acres of parkland where rare breed Longhorn cattle graze, Trewithen couldn’t be better named.

Revered as a masterpiece of landscape gardening, Trewithen’s south-facing great glade was developed at the time of the great plant hunting expeditions between 1910 and 1932. Astonishing seed collections were sent back to England and, thanks to the expertise of horticulturalist George Johnstone, who inherited the house in 1904, many were successfully cultivated at the Cornish Manor – ensuring a botanical reputation that endures to this day.

Among the many highlights is the UK’s finest specimen in cultivation of Magnolia campbellii subsp. Mollicomata* which was introduced from China and, standing at over 65 ft high, is one of the glories of the Garden when it flowers in March. Another is the very fine Camellia ‘Donation’ which was raised at Borde Hill in Sussex by Colonel Stephenson-Clarke. George Johnstone was given a plant and, because the original died before being propagated, all Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation’ in the world owe their existence to the one at Trewithen.

With over 15 galleries, a boatbuilding workshop, exciting new exhibitions every year, interactive exhibits and a collection that spans The National Small Boat collection, artworks, maps and charts, memorabilia and other objects there’s plenty to explore. Located in a breathtaking location overlooking aptly named Discovery Quay in the centre of Falmouth, The National Maritime Museum Cornwall is an award winning museum celebrating the sea.

The Plaza is a five screen cinema located in Truro city centre equipped with all the latest digital projection and audio equipment. Four of the 5 screens are accessible to wheelchairs and there is a licensed bar.

Set in 26 acres of woodland, on the outskirts of St Austell, the UK’s only china clay museum and country park provides a fascinating day out for all the family. The park is set in the grounds of two former working china clay pits and provides visitors with a fascinating insight into china clay.

Meet loads of amazing species at Newquay Zoo – the only place in Cornwall to have lions. We also have beautiful songbirds, slithery snakes, scaly skinks, marvelous meerkats and tropical toucans – to name a few.

Up close animal encounters give you the chance to meet some of our most popular residents and learn all about them from their dedicated keeper. You can see carnivore feeding, and help feed the penguins and the meerkats yourself.

Most of the 13-acre Gardens, which includes; Productive Gardens, Pleasure Grounds and Home Farm are accessible and there is full access to the Hide (the indoor heart of our Wildlife Project), and the Steward’s House.

The Gardens lie on a gentle downhill gradient, so please remember this when you want to make your way back to the exit.