Glendurgan Garden

website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Glendurgan has been described as a “little bit of heaven on earth”, and this truly is what it is. A valley garden made of three valleys that come together, and run down to the tiny hamlet of Durgan.

The garden has plants from all around the world; it was established by the Fox family, who were Quakers. The Fox family were shipping merchants, and the plants were brought back to Glendurgan by their ships captains. Alfred Fox, who purchased Glendurgan, brought it for its proximity to the Helford River, its Fish Cellars and the fine orchards.

Alfred and his wife Sarah has some 12 children, and the garden was created in part for them, features including the Maze, Giant’s Stride and School House. The Quaker beliefs are reflected in the Holy Bank, planted with the Tree of Heaven, Judas Tree, Crown of Thorns and Glastonbury Thorn.

The current member of the Fox family, Charles, is the seventh generation of the Fox family to be resident at Glendurgan. Charles has recently published a book that gives an account of his own life growing up here; he is a keen garden designer himself and still has an involvement with the ongoing management of the garden. Where possible Charles Fox may well be available with a member of the garden team, to give us a special insight into this wonderful place.

For information on Glendurgan, please contact

Chris Curtis, Property Mgr. - Glendurgan

chris.curtis@nationaltrust.org.uk