Highlights
- The gunnera planting in the lower valley
- Polgwidden Cove, the garden's private beach on the Helford River
- The Bamboo Garden and old rhododendrons
- The D-Day memorial marking the 1944 embarkation of US troops
About Trebah Garden
Trebah is a ravine garden beside the Helford River, near Mawnan Smith. The Quaker Fox family acquired the estate in 1831, and Charles Fox laid it out as a pleasure garden, work later continued by his son in law Edmund Backhouse. After the death of Alice Hext in 1939 the garden declined for several decades.
In 1981 Major Tony Hibbert and his wife Eira bought Trebah as a retirement home and set about restoring it, opening it to the public in 1987. They later gave the house and garden to the Trebah Garden Trust, the charity that runs it today. In June 1944 the beach was used by the US 29th Infantry Division as an embarkation point for the D-Day assault on Omaha Beach, marked by a memorial at the foot of the garden.
What to see
- The valley: paths wind down a steep, sheltered ravine of subtropical and exotic planting.
- Gunnera: a large stand of giant gunnera in the lower garden.
- Bamboo and rhododendrons: a bamboo garden and long established rhododendrons.
- Polgwidden Cove: a privately owned beach reached only through the garden. There is no lifeguard, and boats, paddleboards, barbecues and fishing are not allowed.
Planning your visit
Trebah is near Mawnan Smith, south of Falmouth, close to the National Trust garden at Glendurgan. Parking is free, with a short step free walk to the Visitor Centre. There is no need to book: buy tickets at the Entrance Desk. Up to two carers enter free with a visitor who needs assistance. The terrain is steep, so allow two to three hours and wear sensible shoes. Note that on 7 to 9 October 2026 tree work means there is no suitable mobility scooter route. A plant centre, gift shop, Trebah Kitchen and the seasonal Boathouse café are on site.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Trebah Garden?
From 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027, adult entry is £19.25 with Gift Aid or £17.50 without, and children aged 5 to 15 pay £9.65 or £8.75. Under 5s go free.
Are dogs allowed at Trebah?
Yes, dogs are welcome throughout the garden and on the beach, as well as in the shops and a dog friendly part of the café, but they must be kept on a lead.
How long does a visit to Trebah take?
Trebah says an average visit lasts two to three hours, though some visitors stay all day.
Is Trebah suitable for wheelchairs?
There is a step free route to the beach, but some slopes are steep and wheelchairs are not encouraged. Two Tramper mobility scooters can be borrowed free if booked in advance on 01326 252200.