Welcome to Morrab Gardens in Penzance, Cornwall

About The Gardens

The quality of a public space gives a strong impression of an area. It is part of what gives a town its identity, and local residents a sense of civic pride.

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Friends of Morrab

The Friends are a lively group of people who share a love of the gardens. Some volunteer their help in the greenhouses and the grounds, others like to get involved with fundraising, especially at the annual summer fete.

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How to find us

Morrab Gardens is located in the heart of Penzance, just off the town centre and has been looked after by the Council since it was bought in 1888.

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Every day something fresh, something new:
camellias dripping with early morning rain,
wave upon wave of magnolia, perfect white to deep lilac,
first daffodils, crocuses under the trees,
Open spaces filled with flowers, smell of spring grass-mowing.
Secluded walks, hidden pond – one bright pink water lily.
Children playing in the bandstand, teenagers’ meeting place,
summer picnics on the grass,
fountain playing, small birds drinking.
Red sumac leaves caught and turned in the wind,
gossip on the corners.
A pair of gulls trampling the wet grass for worms,
early frost on leaves, frozen spiders’ webs.
At night, dark tree tunnels

Penny Young

Friends of Morrab Gardens Member

Like most of the houses in the centre of Penzance, my terraced house has a very small garden. It was, therefore, a real joy to discover Morrab Gardens with its wonderful collection of sub-tropical plants. And even better, to meet Joe the head gardener who was more than happy to let me loose with a spade and a wheelbarrow. My favourite time of year in the Gardens is the spring when the daffodils are in full bloom and the magnolia trees are truly magnificent. I love taking my dog for a walk in the early morning before many people are about. Because I wanted to become more involved I joined the Friends of Morrab Gardens and have made some really good friends and learnt some useful gardening skills along the way.

Rosie Hughes

Friends of Morrab Gardens Chairman

Peaceful sub tropical haven On a mild and sunny November morning I enjoyed a quiet wander around the Morrab Gardens. Lots of palm trees and even cacti growing outdoors on a sunny slope.

Vicky B

22 Nov 2017
Shane it's shut when it gets late. Wonderful Victorian sub-tropical gardens with plenty of nooks and crannies to go with the space, good for dogs too

pete williams

16 Jun 2019
Peace and quiet pond and bandstand in a sub tropical garden. Just off the town centre. Ideal for a picnic lunch sat on the lawn areas or one of the benches. A short walk through takes yoy down to the promenade

162andrewa

15 Nov 2015
Total Botanical Gem - in miniature I stumbled upon the Morrab Gardens as an unsuspecting pedestrian, visiting Penzance, and heading along Morrab Road to the waterfront. It was winter, but I was undeterred in savouring its many delights - so many exotic plants and trees, which seem to flourish in the 'temperate' South Cornwall climate. As an Australian, I was gratified to spot plants of my homeland. It is a charming place, evoking the dying days of the Victorian Era, when people 'botanised' and knew plants by their Latin names. And it has tons of public seats....you can literally sit there and count the daisies (and others) for as long as desired.......

Andrea C

01 Aug 2016
Oasis - beautiful gardens Free and large and very relaxing. Like Victorian times, you could just imagine the nanny walking around the corner with a perambulator.

Gardens do need more use by people of the town as they are excellent facility offered by Council. Having some businesses in there to attract people and make them feel safer would be a way forward (and reduce costs). The gardens currently attract bunches of teenagers sitting/chatting/smoking and drinking. I guess they go there so as not to be disturbed. More footfall would make people feel more comfortable walking into an "empty" area with c20 teenagers sat on grass drinking.

FullNotGlum

19 May 2016

Morrab Gardens

…the sub-tropical oasis in the heart of Penzance