Glendurgan Garden

Glendurgan is a valley garden that runs down to the hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River, so expect a walk downhill through planting and a climb back up again. Its Cornish name, Glynn Dowrgeun, means deep valley of otters, which describes the setting well. The garden is looked after by the National Trust.

The best-known feature is the cherry laurel maze, planted in 1833. It sits on the valley side, so you can see its pattern from above before you go in, and it is fun for adults as well as children. The sheltered valley lets the Fox family's exotic planting thrive, including tree ferns and large-leaved plants that give parts of the garden a lush, almost subtropical feel. In spring the valley sides are known for bluebells. Families should look out for the Giant's Stride, a traditional rope swing, which is one of the garden's much-loved extras.

At the bottom, Durgan is a small riverside hamlet with a beach, and it is a good place to pause before the walk back up. For gardeners, Glendurgan is a lesson in using shelter: the valley shape and trees protect tender plants from wind, and planting that would struggle on open ground grows well here. Wear shoes with good grip, as paths are steep in places, and look at the National Trust's access information if you have limited mobility, as it describes an all-terrain mobility vehicle for exploring the garden.