Cornwall – The SW Coastal Region of England with Unique Gardens (May 22-27, 2026)

Cornwall is a rugged rural coastal region in South West England. We took a 5-hour train ride from London to the town of St. Austell, where I had booked our stay at The Chapel Guest House, a charming converted 1862 Methodist chapel located 3.5 km from the train station. The town bus comes only every 2 hours, and all taxis at the station were pre-reserved. Walking was out of the question as the roads are narrow, curvy, and hilly. If I had known this beforehand, I might have tried to reserve a rental car. However, driving in this part of the region may not be suitable for us old folks. Luckily, I found a taxi app in this region and finally made it to the house. Tracy, our host, was very welcoming; two other British retired couples were staying at the house. We had a wonderful time chatting over a scrumptious breakfast. We came to Cornwall specifically to see the two gardens I heard about: the Eden Project and the Lost Garden of Heligan.

Eden Project was a massive eco-garden that was designed to be both sustainable and educational. The original site was a stripped-down clay pit; it was transformed into two futuristic-looking biodomes that house the world’s largest indoor rainforest and a Mediterranean climate zone. The bubble-like structures were made from hundreds of hexagonal hard plastic panels, which are both strong and lightweight. All 83,000 tons of artificial soil in the Eden Project were created from recycled mineral waste, composted green and bark waste, and even construction waste. Inside the domes are plants and flora from different regions of the rainforest and the Mediterranean countries, including a waterfall. There were cafes, art displays, and a big tent where stories were told for children and the young at heart. Surrounding the domes were 24 acres of outdoor gardens showcasing agricultural crops, plus a unique superhero-type zipline; check out the video below

https://youtu.be/9DqTOIcrvy4

Just thirteen miles from the Eden Project is the Lost Garden of Heligan, a remarkable18th-century garden. This garden was forgotten during World War I but has been brought back to life by Tim Smit, who helped start the Eden Project. The garden covers 200 acres and features lovely woodland paths, a vibrant jungle with tropical ferns, productive vegetable and flower gardens, a fun playground, and friendly farm animals. Although we visited just a week after peak bloom time, the paths were still beautiful, lined with hundred-year-old rhododendrons and camellias. While walking through the woodland, we found interesting sculptures such as the Giant’s Head and the Mud Maid, created by local artists. The jungle area, filled with large tree ferns, was breathtaking. One of the highlights was seeing the Brown Tamworth pigs, an ancient English breed that can grow up to 800 pounds. The Lost Garden of Heligan truly feels like a magical place in the heart of Cornwall, encouraging everyone to come and explore its wonders!

We had an incredible adventure exploring the coastal towns near St. Austell, using buses, taxis, and trains to connect with the beauty around us. Penzance, a charming historic port town, is bursting with character and a rich history! Just a short 10-minute drive from the town center leads to the breathtaking St. Michael’s Mount, where a stunning medieval monastery and a fortified castle rise majestically on the hill. Even though we visited during high tide and couldn’t walk the cobblestone causeway to the island, Ray braved the chilly waters to wade, while I found solace in a cozy café, sipping tea and soaking up the spectacular views. On another sunny and warm day, we ventured to the quaint villages of Charlestown and Fowey. These smaller gems offered a chance to join a “Seafari” tour, allowing us to marvel at the incredible coastal cliffs and even spot a whale! It was a perfect way to appreciate nature’s beauty in 83-degree “hot” weather. We indulged in a delicious traditional Sunday roast served with Yorkshire pudding and tasted fresh mussels from St. Austell Bay. Of course, we couldn’t leave Cornwall without savoring the famous Cornish ice cream, rich with clotted cream—simply divine! Our time in Cornwall was filled with unforgettable experiences and delightful flavors, showing us the magic of exploration and the joy of life’s little pleasures!