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

Pleasant municipal gardens. Attractive sub-tropical gardens conveniently located near the sea front with plenty of benches. Well maintained and litter free.

David F

15 Aug 2019
Tropical England For public gardens, these are full of fantasy, that strange mixture of planting which thrives in certain corners of Cornwall: plenty of palms. The spaces are nicely done, lots of people can sit in comparative privacy, in the nooks and crannies. It invites picnics: but the ground may well be wet.

Stephanie F

16 Sep 2016
Peaceful and relaxing What a beautiful hidden gem, with a local history library and lots of interesting plants a bandstand, a day centre and lots of benches..... loved our wander around.

lucyh180

25 Sep 2019
"Standing Advertisement to the climate of the town" I have quoted the above comment from a decades old guide book to West Cornwall but feel it still holds true. This beautifully laid out little park continues to fascinate with it's numerous sub-tropical plants, trees and fountains. It is also one of the most relaxing and peaceful places to sit and enjoy the outdoors.

Marilyn S

02 Apr 2018
Good gardens on the tourist trail On the tourist trail, the attractive Morrab Gardens are worth a stop. They are quite small but they are very well maintained and there is a lot to see. The planting is very well thought out and there are many interesting plants and views.

We especially liked the small pond with a water fountain and the bandstand. It was pleasant to sit on one of the many benches and watch the world go by.

SergeLourie

30 Sep 2017

Morrab Gardens

…the sub-tropical oasis in the heart of Penzance