As one of the clearest signs of spring, the bright and bold daffodil has long held a connection with Cornwall. With spring on the way, daffodils have burst into bloom in fields and gardens. To celebrate the much-loved flower, there are a number of daffodil themed events taking place throughout Cornwall.
Daffodil Weekend, Trelissick, 17th-18th March
Each year Trelissick plays host to the annual Daffodil Show, celebrating the beautiful blooms lovingly grown by the finest growers in Cornwall. The stables are exploding with colour, where the delightful displays of daffodils are on show. Over a hundred different varieties will be exhibited. There is also a children’s daffodil trail throughout the gardens to entertain the little ones.
Now that Spring is here, the gardens at Trelissick are bursting to life with buds blossoming into vibrant blooms. While there, wander through the winding paths and enjoy the gorgeous camellias, magnolias, bluebells, wildflowers, and wisteria that come to life at this time of year.
Heligan Daffodil Fair, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, 10th-24th March
Over the past couple of years, over 50,000 Cornish Daffodils have been planted at the Lost Gardens of Heligan; so you can expect vast expanses of vibrant yellows and dainty white blooms dotted throughout the estate. If that isn’t enough daffodil for you, then there is also the fair area, where heritage varieties will be put on display in flower show style. There will be over 120 types of the plant on show here.
Daffodil Gold Rush, Falmouth, 2nd-31st March
A celebration of the daffodil heritage in Cornwall, this exhibition explores the history of Cornwall in relation to the nation’s favourite spring flower. With archive photography, botanical paintings and evocative artwork, the Daffodil Gold Rush will detail the relationship between Cornwall and these vivid flowers, with stunning creativity.
For those unaware of this connection, Cornwall has been key in the growth and distribution of this springtime flower for many years, with the Great Western Railway constructing a line to transport the so-called ‘golden harvest’ of daffodils from the Isles of Scilly, Tamar Valley and West Penwith to awaiting flower markets across Britain. Percival Dacres Williams, a daffodil breeder in the early 20th century, was known as the ‘Daffodil King’ in Cornwall, where he grew over 500 varieties of daffodil. These bulbs were bought by collectors and transported worldwide; some bulbs even being bought for the equivalent of £460 each in today’s money!
Join in the springtime celebrations in Cornwall with our child-friendly holidays in Falmouth!