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