One of my most treasured spots is the glorious Trebah Garden near Falmouth. As a Cornish lass, most of my summers were spent here playing 40/40 and barn dancing the night away. Now, it’s one of my favourite places to do very little other than seek out a hidden, sunny spot and enjoy the views.

You won’t find neat, manicured lawns. The garden is sub-tropical and literally bursting with incredible plants and flowers including 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias. The grounds are shrouded in history from doomsday through to the D-day landing and peppered with romantic outhouses. A short walk through ancient trees opens up on spectacular views of the Helford river and Falmouth bay. Then you can carry on down to Trebah’s private beach.

It’s a lovely place to visit at any time of year, but spring is especially lovely as the garden comes to life and the rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias put on their amazing displays. On a sunny day, it’s a place well worthy of a spring picnic and an ice cream.

Images courtesy of kathrynw1 and Adam and Vik on Flickr