Pencarrow

Pencarrow and its gardens are imbued with history. The Molesworth family and their descendants the Molesworth—St. Aubyns have owned the estate since the reign of Elizabeth the First. The grade II historical gardens at Pencarrow were the brainchild of radical statesman Sir William Molesworth, and include an Italian style sunken garden, and a rockery, which may well be the oldest in the country.

In 1842, Sir William began the ambitious project of the mile long carriage drive, ensuring that it was lined with specimen conifers obtained from all the great botanical explorers of the age. This is a real highlight in Spring, with a profusion of colour provided by masses of rhododendrons and azaleas. Pencarrow is also where the Monkey Puzzle tree first acquired its commonly known name courtesy of the exclamation of bemused guest to the estate, Charles Austin: “That tree would puzzle a monkey”.

Nevertheless, Pencarrow is not simply a horticulturalist's playground, but a unique opportunity for the public to enjoy a gorgeous country estate in a variety of ways. Pencarrow is a fantastic place for the kids to run wild, with secluded trails for dogs to hurtle along and glorious wide open expanses of land perfect for picnics. You can even pick your own fruit at the garden – eating strawberries in the sunshine on the Italian lawns, not a bad way to pass some time!

Pencarrow, Bodmin, Cornwall. PL30 3AG

Opening Times:
Gardens are open 1st March – 31st October daily from 9.30 am until 5.30 pm.