Penjerrick Garden

The garden sprawls across twenty acres of Cornish countryside just outside Helston, and it's the kind of place that rewards you for finding it. Penjerrick is a proper woodland garden - not the manicured sort with colour-coordinated borders, but something altogether wilder and more interesting. Ancient trees tower overhead, exotic plants from half-way round the world thrive in the mild climate, and a stream runs through the whole lot, complete with small waterfalls and pools that feel miles away from the car park.

It's brilliant for anyone who actually enjoys walking and discovering things at their own pace rather than following marked routes. Families with younger kids might find an hour enough - the stream keeps them entertained - but plant enthusiasts and serious gardeners will happily spend two, three hours wandering about. The rhododendrons and camellias put on a proper show in spring, though it's worth visiting most of the year.

Admission details aren't entirely straightforward from what I could establish, so ring ahead before you go - typical Cornwall fashion. The garden sits well within reach of Helston for a quick morning or afternoon visit. If you're camping at Stay Wild or one of the other sites scattered round here, it's a lovely break from the beach routine. Bit of shade, something different to look at, and you're back in time for lunch.