Trelissick Garden, nestled in the heart of Cornwall near Truro, makes a great day out ready to be explored by nature enthusiasts in particular. As National Trust members living in Cornwall, we decided it was time to uncover this picturesque haven, promising a blend of history and natural beauty by the riverside.
Join me as I share our thoughts and photos from our family day out at Trelissick.
A Brief Background and History of Trelissick Garden
Trelissick Garden boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Originally a grand estate, it was most recently lived in and transformed into the beautiful garden we see today by the Copeland family. With its captivating history, Trelissick offers a glimpse into the region’s heritage, making it a unique destination.
What Makes Treslissick a Popular Tourist Spot?
Trelissick’s popularity as a tourist spot is no surprise. Its enchanting gardens, scenic cliffside walks along the River Fal, and the stunning backdrop of water, boats, and countryside make it a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike. For families, there are children’s games on the lawns in the summer months, providing wholesome entertainment.
Our Family Day Out at National Trust’s Trelissick Garden in Cornwall
When we decided to spend a family day out at Trelissick Garden, it was a natural and intriguing choice for us as National Trust members living in Cornwall. We enjoyed other gardens and National Trust places in Cornwall like Trerice, Glendurgan and Lanhydrock, so as we hadn’t explored Trelissick yet, our curiosity led us there.
We opted to skip the house tour and immediately ventured into the lush grounds and gardens. Right by the house, we found an array of children’s games laid out, much to the kids’ delight. From sack racing to miniature hurdles, they had a blast. Our daughter’s sack had a hole in the bottom, which meant she had a unique winning strategy – running instead of jumping!
With the children enjoying some family races, we soon set off to explore the formal gardens and embarked on a riverside walk through the estate. Trelissick’s formal gardens were a treat, featuring meticulously pruned lawns, tropical wonders like echiums and towering palm trees, and playful tree trunk houses that captivated the kids. We’re enthusiasts of tropical plants, and my husband’s woodworking hobby made us appreciate gardens that blend these elements seamlessly.
Before we reached the riverside, we were spellbound by the winding path lined with buddleia plants, teeming with fluttering butterflies and busy bumblebees – a true paradise for any photographer. I couldn’t resist capturing as many butterfly moments as possible before they fluttered away!
The highlight of our Trelissick visit was undoubtedly the riverside walk, offering expansive panoramic views. The cliffside walk treated us to breathtaking scenes of the River Fal, complete with picturesque boats drifting by.
The riverside path was thoughtfully laid out with clear paths and conveniently placed benches. We took advantage of these spots to bask in the sunshine and soak in the scenery. If we wished, there were even opportunities to dip our toes in the clear waters at Trelissick Beach along the way.
Overall Impressions of Trelissick Garden
Our National Trust membership truly made our day out at Trelissick Garden excellent value. While non-members need to pay an entry fee, being part of the National Trust in Cornwall lets us enjoy unique places like Trelissick that we might not have explored otherwise. The regular entry fee could have been a deterrent, but our membership allows us to discover distinctive houses, countryside walks, and gardens in Cornwall like Trelissick – experiences that we genuinely treasure as a family.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring the gardens, particularly the tropical plants, which are a personal favourite. The riverside walk left us with lasting memories, offering stunning views, and the abundance of butterflies around the buddleia added to the beauty of our visit.
Would we return to Trelissick?
Yes, definitely for the walks! As long as we continue to be National Trust members, we’ll likely plan another visit. In fact, on our next trip, we’re thinking of making it extra special by arriving as early as possible and taking a ferry trip from Trelissick to St Mawes or Falmouth, and then back again before the estate closes. It’s a fantastic way to enhance the experience and explore more of the stunning Cornwall surroundings along the River Fal.
Trelissick Garden FAQs
Where is Trelissick in Cornwall?
Trelissick Garden is located near Truro in Cornwall, providing easy access for visitors in the region.
How to Get to Trelissick Garden:
The address is:
Trelissick Garden
Feock
Near Truro
TR3 6QL
You can reach Trelissick Garden by car, using postcode TR3 6QL on your satnav. The garden is well-marked and easy to find.
Alternatively, public transportation options may be available. You can even reach it by ferry from Falmouth or St Mawes!
How Much Does It Cost to Enter Trelissick?
It’s free for National Trust members. For non-National Trust members, there is an admission fee of around £16 for adults and £8 for children. Parking is £5 for non-members.
It’s worth considering a National Trust membership if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Save on National Trust membership with TopCashback! Use my link to see the latest cashback savings at National Trust: https://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/victoriasully/national-trust
Is Trelissick Free for National Trust Members?
National Trust members can usually enter Trelissick Garden and House for free.
Can You Go Inside Trelissick House?
Yes, you can explore Trelissick House, which offers a glimpse into its historical past. Check the opening times for house tours. The house and gardens are open seasonally. Check the official National Trust Trelissick page for current opening times.
How Much Is Parking at Trelissick?
Parking at Trelissick is £5 at the time of writing for non-members, but National Trust members enjoy free parking.
Does Trelissick Have a Beach?
There is a small beach known as Trelissick Beach which is part of the National Trust Trelissick Garden and House. It’s a small beach and will be completely covered at a high spring tide, so you may not see it depending on the timing of your visit with the tide times and season. You can access the clear waters and paddle when the tide is low.
Who Lived in Trelissick House?
Trelissick House has a diverse and intriguing history of ownership, tracing its origins back to the 18th century when it was constructed by the Borlase family. However, one of the most notable and transformative periods in its history is associated with the Copeland family, who became stewards of the house in the early 20th century.
The Copeland family’s tenure at Trelissick left an indelible mark on the estate. During their ownership, they introduced a wide array of exotic plants and played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape’s beauty. Their passion for horticulture and gardening not only enriched the gardens but also contributed significantly to the estate’s charm and allure.
While Trelissick House has witnessed various owners and influences over the centuries, the Copeland family’s legacy, marked by their botanical contributions, remains one of the most prominent chapters in its storied history.
Can You Swim at Trelissick Gardens?
While Trelissick offers access to the river, swimming may not be advisable for everyone due to safety concerns. It’s best for walking and enjoying the scenery, however, wild swimmers do swim at Trelissick Beach, usually at high tide to avoid the mud.
Is Trelissick Dog-Friendly?
Yes, Trelissick is dog-friendly to an extent. The surrounding woodlands and countryside can be accessed with dogs, but they are only allowed in the formal house gardens if they are assistance dogs.
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