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

Beautiful and enchanting Lovely place to lose yourself - just sit on a bench and daydream or listen and watchthe birds. Old fashioned and soul soothing.

A TripAdvisor Member

29 May 2016
Pretty and old world picturesque. I believe that Morab Gardens appeared during the Victorian period when so many green spaces in towns were opened. It is still charming to wind your way through the small park with its high metal gates and the most beautiful Bandstand.

One of my earliest memories, I was three years old, is of looking through the low metal railings surrounding the fishpond, gazing at the seemingly huge golden fish. The pleasurable emotion is reawakened whenever I visit the garden.

Do visit when you're in Penzance. It won't take up much time, it isn't a large space, but it is a delightful one.

Hurricane139

28 Jun 2017
A lovely find These gardens are well worth a visit as they are full of fascinating and exotic plants, shrubs and trees - all beautifully maintained. A great place to wander round and relax.

Michael B

05 May 2017
Hidden Gem We stumbled on these gardens on a very hot day and were pleased to enjoy the mixture of light and shade, as well as the variety of plants and landscaping with the eye-catching pops of colour and glimpses of the surrounding town through the shrubs and trees. A nice alternative to the promenade on a windy day too.

mcc409

27 May 2017
Beauty for free Penzance you are so lucky to have these gardens... a really wonderful inheritance. As I grew up the gardens were always there to inspire me and lift up my spirits. So many places have to be paid for to be seen... treasure this lovely place... a little bit of paradise.

Thanks to all those volunteers and the gardeners who are caring for it.

Liz542

04 Apr 2019

Morrab Gardens

…the sub-tropical oasis in the heart of Penzance