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

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
Absolutely love this girl it's a spot of paradise in a busy time with many quiet corners I will definitely look it up again the next time I'm in Penzance

Keith Hele

13 May 2019
Bigger on the Inside Thought this would be a real pocket park, squeezed into a corner of Penzance. Surprised to find the gardens are really a bit rambling, overflowing with beautiful sub-tropical blooms! Really lovely! Easy 10-minute walk from the rail station if you follow the directions on the website. Many benches and shady or sunny spots to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds (and fragrance!). Great birds, fountains, and a cannon! Small enough to be able to loop through a couple of times, or sit as long as you like and just be.

r0zlyn

21 Jul 2016
Beautiful hidden garden Easy to find, just go up the street by the Queens Hotel off the marine parade. An enchanting garden with a pavillion and a lovely pond. Good planting, lots of shady places and palm plants. Do not miss it, and free!

itchyfeet2014

02 Sep 2018
Lovely oasis of subtropical gardens right in the town. Go for a wander about! Lovely gardens, with fountains & little nooks & quiet areas with benches off the main paths.
Great to take a book to read, or just to stroll though at any time of the year.

Ducatibabe

13 Mar 2017

Morrab Gardens

…the sub-tropical oasis in the heart of Penzance