St Petrocs Benefits as Tregothnan Garden Opens This Weekend

One of Cornwall’s most celebrated private gardens is opening its gates this weekend, and the money raised will go towards tackling homelessness in the county.

Tregothnan‘s annual Private Garden Open Weekend takes place on the 18th and 19th of April, with funds raised going to support St Petrocs, an independent charity that has spent the last four decades working to end homelessness in Cornwall.

A milestone anniversary

The timing is particularly fitting. Today, the 16th of April, marks exactly 40 years since St Petrocs began its work in Cornwall. To commemorate the occasion, the charity is asking supporters to wear yellow and share the moment across social media to raise awareness of what it does.

The Tregothnan weekend then follows just two days later, giving people a chance to enjoy one of the county’s finest landscapes while contributing to a cause that supports people at risk of, or currently experiencing, homelessness.

Last year’s event attracted over 5,000 visitors, with two charities sharing £78,000 in funds raised across the weekend.

What to expect at Tregothnan

The gardens are only open to the public for this single weekend each year, which goes some way to explaining why the event is so popular. Visitors can explore more than 100 acres of grounds, including what is described as the first tea grown in England, set within a Himalayan valley.

The gardens are also home to some remarkable specimens, including mountainous magnolias and what is said to be the tallest rhododendron in the UK, which is also among the largest in the world, reaching full flower at 40 feet. Sweeping river Fal vistas sit alongside quieter, secluded groves for those looking for something a bit more peaceful.

Children aged 18 and under are admitted free, making it a practical option for families.

The historic stable yard will be transformed into a food court for the weekend, with lunch, cream teas and refreshments available, along with entertainment supported by local sponsors and volunteers.

The gardens are open from 10am to 5pm on both days, with last entry at 4pm.