Experience Cornwall’s spring gardens by bicycle

As the first shoots of spring appear, a specialist cycling holiday company is offering a tour designed around Cornwall’s spectacular exotic gardens. Cornish Cycle Tours operate a five day self-guided cycling tour of west Cornwall, taking in many of the county’s best known gardens - many of which are at their best in spring.

“Spring comes earlier to Cornwall, and the milder climate allows many species to grow here that aren’t found elsewhere in the UK,” said Lan Rowe of Cornish Cycle Tours. “From March to May it’s prime time for these gardens, many of which have huge collections of camellia, rhododendron, azalea, and magnolia, with some very rare varieties.

“Our West Cornwall Tour passes by some of the best, including Trelissick, Trebah and Trevarno, and there’s no better way to make your way between them than by bicycle. And because our tours are self-guided, guests are free to set their own pace and stop whenever and wherever they like.”

Starting from Porthcurno in the far west of the county, the tour follows a circular route passing through St Ives, the Roseland peninsula and the Helford River area - a hot spot for exotic gardens.

The tour includes four nights accommodation in quality inns and guesthouses, luggage transfers, and daily route maps. Guests receive a comprehensive briefing before they set off, and Cornish Cycle Tours can also arrange cycle hire, and transfers to and from airports and railway stations in Cornwall.

Flexibility is a key feature of Cornish Cycle Tours holidays. Because all the tours are self-guided, guests are free to set their own pace and stop where and when the fancy takes them. It also allows customers to book a holiday with almost any start date.
A detailed itinerary of the West Cornwall Tour can be viewed at cornishcycletours.co.uk. The tour costs £355 per person, including accommodation and luggage transfers.

Some of the gardens that can be visited on the tour include:

Trelissick
Tranquil varied garden in fabulous position, with a superb collection of tender and exotic plants. Tranquil tiered garden. Home to the National Collection of photinias and azaras. Commanding panoramic views down to Falmouth and the open sea. Extensive park, woodland and riverside walks, taking in Roundwood Iron Age fort.
Feock, near Truro. Open all year, £7. nationaltrust.org.uk

Carwinion
Nature lovers from around the world visit Carwinion to admire its renowned collection of bamboo and to relax among the beautiful and rare plants in these 12 unmanicured acres of tranquil garden. Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth. Open all year, £4. carwinion.co.uk

Trebah
Spring comes early to the garden at Trebah, which comes alive with colour and scent, creating a ‘jewel-box’ effect in its sheltered south-facing valley. From magnificent magnolias and a profusion of camellias to the spectacular rhododendrons, a visual delight. Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth. Open all year, £7. trebah-garden.co.uk

Glendurgan Garden
Superb subtropical garden, with special interest for families. Valley garden with views over the Helford River and coastline. Warm and sheltered setting for exotic flowers, trees and shrubs. Fantastic laurel maze and ‘Giant’s Stride’ maypole. Tranquil sandy beach and rock pools at Durgan. Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth. Open Feb-Oct, £6.40 (reduced rate when arriving by cycle). nationaltrust.org.uk

Trevarno
70 acres of enchanting gardens and grounds featuring one of Cornwall’s largest and most diverse plant collections set within magnificent formal, informal and woodland areas. The gardens include numerous specimen shrubs and trees, a stunning bluebell valley, ornamental lake with picturesque Victorian Boathouse and formal cascade, Sunken Italian Garden, Serpentine Yew Tunnel, and many other interesting features. Crowntown, near Helston. Open all year, £6.35. trevarno.co.uk

Trewidden
Originally planted in the late 19th Century, the 10 acre garden offers an unforgettable orchestra of colour throughout the year and particularly during the spring months. As well as the magnificent Tree Fern Dell, the garden is home to one of the finest collections of camellias and magnolias in the country. Buryas Bridge, near Penzance. Open Feb-Sep, £5. trewiddengarden.co.uk