The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.5 / 5 · 389 reviews TOURS ONLY

Caerhays Castle

Cornwall, England


Caerhays Castle
Caerhays Castle, further view Caerhays Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Williams family (Caerhays Estate)
Condition
Intact
Access
Limited tour days

Pinpoint

Gorran Churchtown, Saint Austell PL26 6LY

Telephone 01872 501310

A Gothic Revival house built to look like a castle above Porthluney Cove, better known now for its spring garden than the building itself - camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons that reviewers time their visits around. The castle only opens for guided tours on weekdays between March and June, so the gardens are the main event outside that window.

Worth the trip

The camellia and magnolia displays in spring - reviewers plan entire visits around catching them in bloom.

Before you go

Castle tours only run weekdays March to June - outside that, it's gardens only - and the car park sits right by the beach, so it's easy to combine with a beach stop.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.5 / 5 across 389 Google reviews

Most reviewers are enchanted by Caerhays Castle's gardens, especially the camellias and rhododendrons in bloom, along with the informative house tour and nearby beach. One reviewer, however, was unhappy with the tearoom, saying they were served one scone despite the menu advertising two for their cream tea, a specific gripe about that outlet rather than the wider castle experience.

Spring gardens; castle tours Mar-Jun weekdays

“Hidden gem, been to Cornwall many times but not realised it was so close by. Beautiful castle and large gardens full of Azaleas, Camelias and Rhododendrons so many beautiful colours. Perfect wedding venue, make for…”— Jayne Dannatt, visitor review

Further reading

book
Castle: A History of the Buildings that Shaped Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon
The English Castle: 1066-1650 cover book
The English Castle: 1066-1650

John Goodall

Find it on Amazon
Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain cover book
Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon