Gardens

If you like gardens you’re in luck.  Cornwall provides some of the best flora and fauna displays around and here are a few of the best:

Trebar Gardens

http://www.trebahgarden.co.uk

Situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Cornwall Trebar is a subtropical garden and ranked as one of the top 100 gardens in the world.  It has its own beach on the Helford River, a visitor center, a shop, a cafe and there are numerous activities on throughout the year for visitors.  Entry starts at £4 for adults, and children under 5 are free!  The gardens are open all year around.

Travel time from hotel: about an hour.

Trewithen House and Gardens

http://www.trewithengardens.co.uk

Combining gardens and an architectural gem in the form of a 18th Century House, the private Estate at Trewithen provides a great day out.  Its renowned for its collection of magnolias and camellias, has a tea shop, perfect for an afternoon of jam and cream and a wonderful pl;ant nursery.

Gardens open from the 1st March to 30th Sept. Monday-Saturday (Sundays March-May only)

TIMES  10.00 am - 4.30 pm

House open from  1st April - 31st July, Monday, Tuesday

TIMES    2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

Family tickets available for £7.50 for the garden only. 

Travel time from the hotel: about 40 minuets

Eden Project

http://www.edenproject.com

As gardens go, they don’t come much better or different than this! Two giant domes one a steamy tropical Rainforest Biome the other a Mediterranean Biome, a great place to go on a wet or dry day, although it does get very hot in the tropical dome and you will need some good shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.  During the winter months Eden boasts an outdoor ice rink, and there are always additional activities to get involved with.  Check out their website for prices and event schedules.

Travel time from the hotel: about 45 minutes

For Animal Lovers

Monkey Sanctuary

http://www.monkeysanctuary.org

Monkeys in Cornwall?  Yes at the monkey sanctuary, it’s a charity that provides a sanctuary for monkeys.  It’s been running since 1964 and 100% of the income generated from visitors goes to support their work protecting primates worldwide.  The sanctuary also has a bat cave, a play area, café and shop.  Family tickets are £22.50.

Time to travel from the hotel: about an hour

Paradise Park

http://www.paradisepark.org.uk

Paradise Park is all about parrots, but it also houses owls, penguins and a load of farm animals.  It also has a café and a shop, and the gardens are pretty lovely too.    

A saver ticket (2 adults 2 children) is £30.25

Travel time from the hotel: about 50 mins

Seal Sanctuary

http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk

The National Seal Sanctuary is near a lovely little village called Gweek near the Helford river.  It is a rescue centre so residents might change but there are all sorts of animals other than seals including penguins, Otters, Goats, Sheep and Ponies.   

Family tickets are £21.67 but you can only get these on-live via the website, general admissions are two tickets for £15.00

Travel time from hotel:  about an hour

Newquay Zoo

http://www.newquayzoo.org.uk

This is an intimate zoo with about 130 different species ranging from Lions to creepy crawlies.  In addition to the animals there is a children’s play area a maze and a Tarzan trail.

The Zoo is very family friendly, baby changing facilities are available as is a baby milk warming microwave in the Café Lemur, there are plenty of spots for picnics and a barbecue is available on most days in the summer.  There are a couple ice cream kiosks and a snack bar so no shortage of places to eat drink and sit and of course there is a Shop full of wonderful gifts and souvenirs to suit all ages.

Opening hours from 1st April to 30th September 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, with last entry 5pm.  From 1st October to 31st March 10:00 am to 5:00pm with last entry 4pm.

Family tickets are £29.00

Travel time from the hotel: 15 mins

Dairy Land

http://www.dairylandfarmworld.com/index.asp

If you want a better understanding of farming and how cows are milked – this is a great place to visit. Clarabelle's Kitchen offers up some traditional Cornish fayre.  Entry prices variety dependant on the time of year so its worth checking in advance, but Adults are free and child prices per head don’t go above £6.00

Travel time from the hotel:  15 mins

Run by a member of our family the award winning Great Glen Bed and Breakfast, Drumnadrochit next to Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands - luxury accommodation set in the historical beauty of the Great Glen.
link to Great Glen