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4/5 Paws
Plant-lovers and garden devotees will love exploring the fabulous Duchy of Cornwall Nursery where four-legged friends are welcomed with open arms, making it an exceptional spot to visit with your pal at your side. Nestled in a lush Cornish valley near Lostwithiel, the nursery is an unexpected sanctuary – originally a slate quarry, it began life producing forest trees in the late 60’s. Just over a decade later and the nursery began to sell plants; it is now home to the most comprehensive collection of house plants in the south west including trees, ferns, flowers and shrubs as well as herbaceous perennials with many of the plants sourced from Cornwall itself. It’s a peaceful haven, where horticulture is celebrated, and nature flourishes. The beautiful open, light-filled glass house is a must-see, featuring a stunning array of succulents, climbers and cacti along with an extensive range of pots. There’s also a well-kept Kitchen Garden and the prettiest Bumblebee Garden, with some unique seating for visitors to take in the surrounds, along with terrace displays, polytunnels and orchards, a play garden and shepherds hut, complete with traditional toys.
The Duchy of Cornwall Nursery is open 9-5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am-4pm (open for browsing from 9.30am) on Sundays. The Nursey closes on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Look out for live music events throughout the year. Full details are available on the Duchy Nursery’s website.
Roam the gardens at your leisure with your furry friend kicking at your heels and take in the sweeping views out towards Lostwithiel Valley. Dogs are kindly asked to be kept on a leash at all times, and are welcomed in all areas of the nursery, including the glasshouse. It’s only the shop and the play garden where they are restricted, except for guide dogs. Overall it’s a place to relax and feed your senses whilst discovering beautiful plants and inspiration for the home and garden. Look out for some show-stopping exotic plants including the Yucca Rostrata (Beaked Yucca) with its trunk forming with narrow leaves, the striking Chamaerops Humilis – a Mediterranean Dwaf Fan Palm and the beautiful Passiflora (Passion Flower).
The food and drink at the nursery is of superb quality, showcasing the best of the county. Tuck into delicious breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas from the onsite café with its gorgeous raised terrace and superb views across to Restormel Castle. There’s plenty of seating outside as well as inside by the fire on cooler days, or in the brilliant Tipi tent which is also set up to take in the views. Dogs are welcome to join you in all areas and will be fussed over by the friendly staff.
Dishes pay homage to the bounty of Cornish produce with seasonal ingredients sourced from the local surroundings; expect creative plates from wholesome salad bowls to deep-filled sandwiches, Cornish crab fish cakes and baked round courgette stuffed with a tapenade and feta bruschetta. Don’t deny yourself a sweet treat – there’s plenty of tempting homemade cakes, a selection of Moomaid ice-cream and sorbets and we can highly recommend the Duchy lavender panna cotta with fresh strawberries and coriander biscotti. Wash everything down with a refreshing glass of Camel Valley fizz.
There’s also the option of a classic Cornish cream tea or for an elevated experience order a summer afternoon tea including sandwiches, cakes, pastries, scones and a selection of Tregothnan Estate teas – or a glass of prosecco – served daily from 3pm (2.30pm on Sundays).
After taking in the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, why not treat your fur friend for a well-deserved walk; wind your way along the meandering footpath that leads through lush woodland, alongside the river Fowey to the neighbouring Restormel Castle. There’s a path that leads directly from the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery to the historic castle remains, cared for by English Heritage.
The Duchy of Cornwall Nursery is a pretty pawsome place to visit, open all-year round, it fully caters for us four-legs too! I was spoilt with lots of fuss, great sniffs and a brilliant woodland walk – the path is brimming with wildlife with some of the best countryside views, I was in my element, especially bounding into the river Fowey for a cooling dip and rolling down the grassy river bank in the Cornish sunshine!
4/5 Paws
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