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The historical gardens of Lanhydrock near Bodmin were laid out back in 1857, but its present format was actually established later on in the Victorian period, and many of the plants are no more than 70 years old. However, a grand atmosphere permeates the entire setting and compliments the brilliant planting of more modern times. Explore formal parterres of dazzling bedding plants and wander along paths that wind through a woodland landscape planted in a semi-formal Cornish fashion―rhododendrons and Himalayan magnolias lurching to their full-size in the fresh Cornish air. Because the grounds lie inland and rise up to 130 metres above sea level, the plants have to cope with harsher climates than the lush valley gardens of the south coast. In spite of this, Lanhydrock still puts on one of the county’s most colourful spring flower shows, with over 120 species of cream and white magnolias featuring amongst a flurry of wild blooms that carpet the 30 acres of woodland.
This magnificent late Victorian country house and garden has a wooded estate and the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home. The kitchens, nurseries and servants’ quarters offer a thrilling glimpse into life ‘below stairs’ and should not be missed.
The spacious dining room and bedrooms are truly elegant and one can follow in the footsteps of generations of the Robartes family who lived there from the 1600s, walking in the 17th century Long Gallery among the rare book collection under the remarkable plasterwork ceiling.
After a devastating fire in 1881 the house was refurbished in the high Victorian style, with all the latest ‘mod-cons’ and was given to the National Trust in 1953 because there were no heirs to the estate.
Flora Garden Tours visit this garden on the Cornwall and Devon tour.
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