Headland Garden

The moment you walk through the gates at Headland Garden, you're struck by how seriously they take their plants. This isn't a manicured show garden - it's a working space where the owners have spent years coaxing unusual species to thrive on what's clearly a challenging Cornish headland. Grasses, exotic perennials, shrubs from across the temperate world - they're arranged with real thought, not planted in the safe, obvious way.

What makes it work is the setting itself. You're walking on the edge of things here, with views that remind you why people bother with coastal gardens in the first place. The planting softens the landscape without fighting it. In autumn the grasses are luminous. Spring brings a different mood entirely.

It's best for serious gardeners and plant enthusiasts - the sort of people who like to understand the why behind what's growing. Parents with restless kids might find it a bit quiet. Allow a good hour if you're actually looking, half that if you're just passing through. The walk from Polruan is pleasant enough, though you'll want to check ahead for opening hours and admission costs before making the trip.

If you're camping at Tremeer Farm's yurts nearby, this slots in well with exploring the coast itself. It's a different kind of outing - less about the views, more about what grows there and how.