The Garden
One of Cornwall's Best-Kept Secrets
100 acres of woodland garden along the Lynher Estuary, home to 600 varieties of camellia and 250 magnolias. Operated by the Carew Pole Garden Trust since 1961.
Welcome
A Haven of Serenity & Peace
Antony Woodland Garden is one of Cornwall's most beautiful, and best-kept secrets. Just a short ferry ride away from Plymouth, it's a haven of serenity and peace — the perfect place for a leisurely walk, a picnic, for children to explore. For plantsmen and women it is something rather special.
The garden is home to over six hundred different varieties of camellia growing in an idyllic woodland setting. It holds the prestigious status of International Camellia Garden of Excellence — one of only four in the United Kingdom — and is custodian of the National Collection of Camellia japonica, alongside nearly 250 varieties of magnolia.
A Garden of Note
By the Numbers
100
Acres of woodland & estuary
600
Varieties of camellia
250
Varieties of magnolia
1961
Carew Pole Garden Trust established
Explore
The Wilderness
A wooded area leading down to the banks of the tidal River Lynher, created in the second half of the 18th century — a combination of ideas formed by Humphry Repton and the Rt. Hon. Reginald Pole-Carew, set out in Repton's Red Book for Antony. Generations of the family have since planted colourful rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias throughout.
Explore
West Down Wood
The second area of the garden is not to be missed. Set in a narrow wooded valley, made into a woodland garden from about 1947, the planting consists mainly of a considerable variety of glossy evergreen camellias, with amazing Asiatic magnolias emerging from the green understorey like terrific torches.
Nature
Wildlife & Birdsong
In spring the glades are covered with drifts of wildflowers — celandines, primroses, bluebells, campion and wild garlic. Wild birds feed on the rich mud flats of the Lynher: oystercatchers, grey herons, egrets, cormorants and shelduck. Kingfishers dart across the Bath House pond while buzzards and kestrels hover overhead.
Walk
The Woodland Walk
A countryside walk beside the River Lynher and through the woods and pastures. The path leads under light woodland to the Fishful Pond — an enclosed estuarial inlet designed by Richard Carew (1555–1620) — past a badger sett, across a causeway and by a ruined dovecot. Views open across the Tamar to Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the Woodland Walk.
Our Charity
A Garden Held in Trust
Antony Woodland Garden is cared for by the Carew Pole Garden Trust, a registered charity. Every visit and season ticket helps maintain this 100-acre haven for future generations to enjoy.