Kenny’s top 5 dog friendly gardens of Cornwall

Following on from last month's blog feature 'Kenny's 5 favourite dog friendly pubs in North Devon', I've decided to focus on Cornwall for my next pet friendly holidays guide.

With the county being treated to warmth from the Gulf Stream, the climate is perfect for Cornwall's enchanting gardens to thrive. You can experience the wealth of rare plants and trees from nearby dog friendly caravan parks.

With over 40 to visit, here is my pick of gardens to discover with man's best friend and the whole family.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

With dog friendly accommodation just 30 minutes away at Perran View Holiday Park, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a must-visit with your four-legged friend.

The botanical gardens, unveiled in 1992 and hailed by The Times as “...the garden restoration of the century”, have become one of the most popular attractions in the UK.

Discover the lush sub-tropical jungle and take a step back in time along the winding paths of the Victorian Productive Gardens.

Well behaved dogs on short leads are welcome to explore the 200 acres all year round.

Trebah Garden

30 minutes South West from Perran View Holiday Park, near Falmouth is Trebah Garden.

The garden offers a sub-tropical experience with a beautiful coastal backdrop every day of the year. With your pet at your side, you can take in the magic of this beautiful Cornish valley garden and secluded beach through the seasons.

In spring, Trebah's magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias will grace your senses. In summer, the giant gunnera thrives. During autumn, Hydrangea Valley casts clouds of blue and white across Mallard Pond and in winter, the enchanting champion tress dominate the land.

Tregothnan

Tregothnan Estate near Truro is home to the largest historic garden in Cornwall.

The estate is world renowned as the home of English tea and has the only Manuka plantations outside of its native New Zealand.

Over 5000 rare plants feature throughout Tregothnan, including the Wollemi Pine, and the estate is a 'safe site' for endangered trees from all over the world.

Although the botanical gardens and arboretum are private, Garden Visits and Monthly Tours with a member of the gardening team are available by prior appointment.

Trengwainton Garden

Just 2 miles from Kenegie Manor is Trengwainton Garden – a sheltered garden bursting with exotic trees and shrubbery.

Trengwainton offers breathtaking views over Mount's Bay and The Lizard Peninsula. The name is Cornish for 'the settlement of spring' – a reference to the beauty and exceptionally mild climate of West Penwith.

Tire your dog on the winding, wooded paths and refuel with a peaceful picnic at the stream's edge.

Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the gardens and biodegradable poo bags are available from reception.

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

Another attraction close to Kenegie Manor, and with panoramic views over St Michael's Mount, is Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens.

Having only opened in mid September 2012, Tremenheere has established itself as one of the most interesting places to visit in West Cornwall.

In a stunning sheltered valley, the stream, woods and dramatic vistas provide a perfectly suitable setting for the large exotic and sub-tropical garden. High quality contemporary art that's expertly incorporated into the setting makes it even more unique.

The gardens, gallery and shop are all dog friendly and there's plenty of space to enjoy a nibble and a drink with your pooch.