House & Garden
Blue Monkey has a wonderful selection of historic houses and gardens to explore right on our doorstep. Here are some recommendations.
Mount Edgcumbe House (see above) (01752 822236)
The beautiful 885 acre Mount Edgcumbe Country Park is one of four designated Country Parks in Cornwall and just a 5 minute drive from Blue Monkey.
Overlooking Plymouth Sound and the River Tamar, the park has been famous since the 18th Century, when the Edgcumbe family created formal gardens, temples, follies and woodlands around the Tudor House.
The Formal Gardens are grouped in the lower park (near Cremyll) and include an Orangery and Italian, French Garden and English Gardens. There is also the Jubilee Garden, opened in 2002, to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
The Park and Formal Gardens are open year round and admission is free.
National Trust Anthony House and Gardens (01752 812191)
Still the home of the Carew Pole family after hundreds of years and only a 10 minute drive away, this beautiful early 18thcentury mansion contains fine collections of paintings, furniture and textiles.
The grounds, landscaped by Repton, sweep down towards the Lynher estuary and include formal gardens with topiary, a knot garden, modern sculptures and the National Collection of Daylilies.
The Woodland Garden has outstanding rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and camellias. The magic of Antony was recognised by Walt Disney when it was chosen as the set for Tim Burton’s acclaimed film Alice in Wonderland .
Eden Project in St Austell (01726 811911)
One of the region’s leading attractions is less than 45 minutes away and tells the fascinating story of plants and, how we use them for medicine, fuels, materials and food. In these beautiful tropical gardens you’ll find over 80 exhibits to experience.
A historical site detailing the Pilgrim Father’s trip to America in 1620. In the summer months, the Cawsand Ferry leaves the beach for a 30 minute trip to the Barbican in Plymouth.
Also available is a 1 hour Harbour (Naval Warship & Dockyard) Cruise from the Mayflower Steps, around the beautiful Cornish coastline with a full commentary on board. Both available daily during the summer. Contact Plymouth Boat Trips: 01752 253 153 or 07971 208 381
Lost Gardens of Heligan in St Austell (01726 845100)
Heligan, seat of the Tremayne family for over 400 years, is one of the most mysterious estates in England and one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK and is just a 30m drive away.