Photo: Chris Allen CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Cropped to fit
Enys Gardens is a historic house in Cornwall, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Enys Gardens
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.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Enys Gardens
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 of Enys Gardens
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 at Enys Gardens
The gardens are kept in a deliberately natural, woodland style rather than formal planting, spread through mature trees on the edge of Penryn.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Enys Gardens
Nearest station: Penryn Rail Station (1.3 miles)
Open seasonally 1 April to 30 September, Sundays and Mondays; pre-booking required.
Admission
Free entry to Historic Houses members (show valid membership card)
Places to visit near Enys Gardens
St Mawes Castle
View St Mawes Castle on heritage mapSt Anthony Head
View St Anthony Head on heritage mapEast Pool mine
View East Pool mine on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Enys Gardens there are 4 historic properties, including 2 castles, across English Heritage and National Trust sites.
Within 10 miles of Enys Gardens there are 9 historic properties, including 2 castles, 2 gardens and 2 landscapes, across National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of Enys Gardens there are 21 historic properties, including 5 landscapes, 4 castles and 4 historic houses, across National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.
Stay nearby
Make more of your visit with an overnight stay near Enys Gardens.
Find places to stay nearby Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.Facts
A Cornish garden with a documented reputation stretching back to 1709, set among a family estate's slowly reviving ruins.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Cornwall, England
- Visit duration
- 2-3 hours
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