The Sunken Garden

Walking into the Sunken Garden feels like stepping into a secret that's been there far longer than you have. The garden sits below ground level - literally excavated into the landscape - which means you descend into a entirely different microclimate. The walls of the sunken space offer shelter from coastal winds that can hammer the rest of Cornwall, so plants that wouldn't survive elsewhere thrive here with almost magical lushnness.

It's the kind of place that appeals most to serious gardeners and plant enthusiasts rather than casual strollers. You won't find theme park theatrics or children's play areas here. What you will find is genuine botanical interest - rare and tender specimens that have been carefully established over decades. The structure itself, those cut-stone walls enclosing the garden, tells you this was deliberate and considered.

Allow a solid hour if you're actually going to look at things properly. Thirty minutes if you're just poking about. The admission details aren't always straightforward to pin down, so ring ahead or check their website when you're planning your trip - opening hours can be seasonal too.

If you're staying at The Secret Garden Glamping just four miles away, this becomes a natural pairing. Garden glamping, actual garden visiting - it's a nicely themed couple of days without being forced about it. The Sunken Garden works best on a calm day when you can actually hear yourself think and notice the details.