The 100 acre Woodland Gardens at Caerhays
Castle are English Heritage Listed Grade II*. The origins of this historically
important collection of Chinese plants can be traced back to the work of the
great plant hunters Ernest Wilson (1876 - 1930) and George Forrest (1873 - 1932).
J C Williams of Caerhays (1862 - 1939) gave up politics in 1895 and became passionate about gardening. He
was quick to recognise the importance of the plant hunters work and contributed
£300,000 (in todays terms) of his own money towards Forrests 1911 and subsequent
expeditions as well as being involved in the joint funding of many other trips.
In return Caerhays received a wealth of seed from newly discovered species of Chinese rhododendrons,
magnolias, camellias, azaleas, acers and evergreen oaks ? to mention but a
few. A large number of these unique plants can be seen growing in maturity at
Caerhays today.
The arrival of this plant material opened up opportunities for JC and his successors, Charles and Julian
Williams to engage in an extensive programme of hybridisation work which is
still going on today. The origin of the truly hardy, free flowering and easy to
grow x williamsii strain of camellias dates from J C's original cross between
Camellia saluenensis and Camellia japonica in 1923. Williamsii hybrid camellias
now number many thousands of varieties and are still hybridised and grown
throughout the world.
Section E of the website provides a pictorial guide to some of J C and Caerhays' achievements in
hybridising magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias. Visitors to the gardens will
see some of our latest hybridisation work as well as the ever expanding NCCPG
National Magnolia Collection which now numbers around 80 species and over 500 hybrids.
 |
a. |
Standard entry rates for individuals:- |
| |
Gardens |
£5.50 Adults
£2.50 Children under 16
Children under 5
free
£5.00 O.A.P |
|
| |
House
conducted tour only |
£5.50 Adults
£2.50 children under 16
Children under 5
free
£5.00 O.A.P |
|
| |
Gardens & House
combined |
£9.50 Adults
£3.50 Children under 16
Children under 5
free |
|
| b. |
Group rates (minimum 15 persons) All those
participating in a group booking are liable to pay the full group
rate |
| |
Gardens with conducted tour |
£6.50 |
| |
Gardens without conducted tour |
£4.00 |
| |
House (conducted tour only) |
£5.00
|
Guided tours of the gardens last around 1½- 2 hours and must be prebooked on 01872 501 310.
The garden is situated on a slope so wheelchair access, other than around the castle building and up the main drive is limited. For more information
click here
Guided tours of the castle last about 45 minutes and these usually need to be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment as numbers are restricted due to the geography and layout of the house.
Visits by tour groups are welcome outside of our normal spring opening season by prior arrangement.
Free Parking at Porthluney Beach. More elderly or disabled visitors may drive up from Porthluney Beach to the castle and garden entrance where a limited number of parking spaces are available. Coaches may also proceed up to the castle from Porthluney Beach on the new tarmaced drive. For more information
click here.
Modern toilet facilities including a disabled toilet are in the castle back yard
Licensed Tea Room serving light meals and picnics
Plant sales and gift shop
Dogs on leads please
Nearest railway station, St Austell (10 miles)
Nearest airport, Newquay (22 miles)
