Trebah Garden

With the 75th anniversary of D Day still fresh in our minds, I recommend a visit to Trebah Gardens near the Helford Passage part of Cornwall. The current peace of the sub tropical garden is in stark contrast to 75 years ago, when the 29th Infantry Division of the US army were stationed here. There is currently an Operation Overlord display in the visitor centre telling the story of the build up of tanks, jeeps, military equipment, ships and young US troops, before they left here to fight on the beaches of Normandy. There are trees, plants, flowers, streams and ponds in the foreground, with a stunning view of the coast beyond. There’s a mixture of steps and paths down to the beach, with plenty of benches on the way. (There is an access statement on the garden’s website. The less able, disabled and their carers get in for half price. There are disabled parking spots within the free car park). Besides the exhibition, there is a large gift shop, plant sales and cafe at the top. Plus a Tarzan adventure playground hidden amongst the trees, if you’ve got young ones with you. (Next door is the National Trust’s Glendurgan Gardens, which is also worth a visit.)