Packed with open landscapes and tranquil beaches to explore, Cornwall is the ideal spot for enjoying fresh air and the great outdoors. In fact, many of our greatest attractions can be found outside too, making use of the incredible scenery.
With government guidelines now permitting gardens, nature reserves and parkland to reopen, with many more attractions set to reopen in July, there are a number of outdoor spaces and attractions that you can now visit.
Trelissick
The Trelissick estate provides 375-acres of garden and countryside, so staying a safe distance from others will be a breeze here! The National Trust estate has reopened, and you can visit provided you book in advance. You must book by 3pm the day before your visit.
Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle is set to open on the 4th of July. There are limits in place for the number of visitors that can be in the castle at any one time, so it is essential that you book a timed slot ticket in advance. You will not be able to visit without a pre-booked slot.
To improve safety, there have been some updates made to the attraction. Limited groups will be guided through the Castle Keep, following a one-way system, while the grounds remain open to explore. While the Field Train Shed and Battery Observation Post remain open as usual, the Barrack Block Exhibition has to stay closed.
The shop and soft play area will also stay shut; however, the toilets will be open, and the café will be operating a takeaway service for refreshments.
Glendurgan Garden
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to walk, then luckily, Glendurgan Garden has reopened. Managed by the National Trust, Glendurgan features an exotic valley garden that leads down to a secluded river beach on the Helford River.
If you would like to visit, then booking is essential, and you will be turned away if you arrive without pre-booking. While the gardens are accessible, unfortunately, the maze and the gates to Durgan will remain closed. However, you will still be able to get takeaway refreshments from the tea house.
Image Credit: Visit Cornwall
Trebah
Trebah is a tropical paradise in Cornwall, with the stunning gardens leading down to a secluded river beach.
Trebah gardens and the beach have reopened Saturday – Wednesday (closed Thursday and Friday). Pre-booking a trip is essential, and should be done through their website.
The garden has been given a one-way route to ensure safe distancing can be achieved. While the café and shop have to remain closed, the toilets in the visitor centre are open and regularly cleaned. There will also be plant sales available if you are inspired to do a bit of gardening after your visit.
Tremenheere Sculpture Garden
The Tremenheere Sculpture Garden is in an idyllic spot, set within a sub-tropical garden overlooking St. Michael’s Mount.
Tremenheere has partially reopened, with visitors welcome every Wednesday – Sunday. At present, the indoor gallery remains closed, but the gardens are open for you to enjoy, along with the Tremenheere Nursery, toilets and Tremenheere Kitchen where you can find takeaway options.
You can buy tickets on the day at the garden, but only card payments can be accepted at present.
Eden Project
The Eden Project is one of the most popular attractions in Cornwall, and many cannot wait to return and explore the incredible grounds.
At the Eden Project, all outdoor gardens are open to visitors, with the Rainforest Biome and Mediterranean Biome set to reopen on the 4th July. The biomes and the Core education centre all follow a one-way system to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
All visits to the Eden Project must be pre-booked online, with a designated time slot allocated. There are toilets open across the site, and there are a few options for takeaway food available.
If you are an NHS or care worker, then the Eden Project is also welcoming you and one guest into the attraction free of charge as a way of saying thanks for all your hard work at this time! These visits must also be pre-booked, though.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
With 200-acres of garden and grounds to explore, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are an ideal place to visit on your holiday in Cornwall. The gardens are currently open Wednesday – Sunday.
Pre-booked tickets are essential, as the timed slots allow for visitor entry to be staggered throughout the day and improve social distancing. The shop and plant centre are open, while the Steward’s House Tearoom and The Horsebox are offering takeaway refreshments and ice cream.
With beaches, moorland and woodland to explore, there is plenty more for you to do when visiting Cornwall. If you are looking for something a little more active, then check out our guide to cycle trails in Cornwall.
If you are planning a Cornish getaway, then our luxury cottages in Cornwall could be just the thing for you! Set in 13 acres of garden and woodland, our self-catering cottages offer the perfect retreat to isolate yourself in the stunning Cornish countryside!