Enys Gardens

About this place

Enys Gardens lie in woodland north-east of Penryn, Cornwall, and are believed to be the oldest surviving gardens in the county.

The Enys family held the estate for centuries, with historic buildings standing alongside the grounds, many still empty after decades of disuse.

The planting is informal and naturalistic rather than formal, following paths through mature woodland.

The gardens open seasonally from 1 April to 30 September, on Sundays and Mondays, and dogs on leads are welcome.

History

According to the Enys Trust, the Enys family have held the estate since the reign of Edward I, placing their tenure back to the late 13th century. By 1709, Camden's Magna Britannia was already singling out Enys for the quality of its gardens, showing the grounds had a reputation well over three hundred years ago. The estate's buildings fell into disrepair through much of the mid-20th century and are now being brought back into use gradually.

Architecture

The estate's historic buildings, largely abandoned since the mid-20th century, are being restored gradually rather than as a single scheme, so visitors see a mix of recovered and still-derelict structures on site.

Worth knowing

Camden's Magna Britannia noted the gardens' fine reputation in 1709, giving Enys one of the longest documented garden histories in Cornwall.

Gardens & grounds

The gardens are kept in a deliberately natural, woodland style rather than formal planting, spread through mature trees on the edge of Penryn.

Facilities