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.

Discover More...

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.

Discover More...

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.

Discover More...

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

Hidden gem What a wonderful place its free and a great pace to sit down and lose you self for an hour. One of the better parts of Penzance.

Mark L

13 Jun 2016
A delightful surprise. This is a beautiful sub tropical gardens full of surprises. Don't miss it out when you're in Penzance.

christine h

10 Feb 2019
Exotic Garden. I discovered this garden whilst looking for our guest house. It is planted with many exotic & tender plants & features a bandstand, ornamental fountain & a Boer war memorial statue plus a pond.
Despite being a very pleasant & interesting garden it has obviously seen better days. Some of the older plant specimens need attention but I guess the cost of maintaining this garden to a high standard is beyond local resources.
A good botanist should get in there & catalogue the place.

keith h

06 Oct 2015
An oasis in the middle of Penzance Hidden gem in Penzance. These beautiful sub tropical gardens are delightful to walk through or take a picnic and sit and enjoy the tranquility. The band stand, I believe, was built in the early 1900s but is no longer used. The plants are amazing and the gardeners that keep these gardens deserve much credit. You soon forget you're in a town.

RSPZ

09 Apr 2016
Well worth a visit if you're down in Penzance for the day. The exotic plants don't feel as though they belong in England, let alone Cornwall so it's really beautiful to see. The park is always clean and well maintained, and all of the local dog walkers passing through are friendly.

scott redrup

14 Jun 2019

Morrab Gardens

…the sub-tropical oasis in the heart of Penzance