We had had a busy few days and with the weather a bit up and down, we decided to have a bit of a chill out day, taking a short stroll in the morning, to check out Falmouth, and find a curry house for the soon to be birthday boys’ celebration.

 

The afternoon was just as leisurely with a visit to nearby National Trust, Glendurgan Gardens. What a beautiful find, being built into a valley, which leads down to the River Helford.

The upper gardens are filled with gorgeous sun loving plants, and after a warm early Autumn, still giving a wonderful display of colour. As you wander downward into the valley, passed the old schoolhouse, the bigger leaved plants enjoy the damper conditions, and give an almost tropical feel.

Through the gate at the bottom of the hill takes you to a small beach and some holiday lets. What an idyllic spot to enjoy some peace and quiet. There were a few boats out on the water and children screeching with laughter as they splashed in and out of the river.

Having wandered down the hill, we now had to climb back up, in search of the maze. As we reached the top and looked down, there it was swirling across the slope opposite. It didn’t look too difficult to reach the little hut in the middle, but as we embarked on the trail the rain started tumbling. It wasn’t as easy as it had appeared from on high, we twisted and turned, only to find another dead end 😬. By the time we reached the hut we were drenched, but still laughing as we sat for a while hoping the rain would stop.

It reluctantly slowed and we made a break for it scampering down the hill, out of the maze. Heading towards the exit, we passed the tulip tree and the boat seat, both looking down the valley, which would have been a glorious place to sit in better weather and enjoy the views.

Despite the inclement weather we had a lovely visit to this beautiful hidden garden.

It seemed the turn in weather was set to stay for a couple of days, together with the addition of wind, the next day was a bit of a wash out until early evening, when we escaped for some fresh air and a nice walk around the edge of Falmouth.

But the following morning, we were back in the shorts and heading to the Eden Project. Covering a vast area, it is difficult place to describe. Down in the valley are the two igloo like domes, which are surrounded by huge garden areas. We decided to stroll through the gardens whilst the sun shone. The paths twisted and turned passed the flower beds, which were bursting with colour, and around many of the corners beautiful and unusual sculptures seemed to appear from nowhere.

The heavens opened again, so like all the other visitors we made our way inside the biodomes. The rainforest one, was incredibly humid, but the perfect home for the exotic plants, bursting with fruit and glorious colour. The sculptures continued to pop out from the foliage and the sound of the waterfall, transported you to a tropical paradise. The rope bridge took us up nearer to the roof, where bananas were growing in huge bunches alongside African eggplants. Amazing.

The Mediterranean dome was equally impressive, with more sculptures standing proud amongst the grape vines, huge tomatoes and eggplants. The sandy soil and beautiful flowers tumbling down over whitewashed walls, definitely gave you that Mediterranean vibe.

As we ventured back outside, the rain had passed and we were able to enjoy the remainder of the gardens, from the vegetable patches with the gloriously pink rhubarb and two fabulous scarecrows.

The sculptures continued with a vast bee perched on the bank, watching us as we ventured to the last exhibition. The invisible world’s exhibition, which opened with the magnificent Infinity Blue Breathing Sculpture.  Nine metres tall and constantly blowing out little rings of smoke, which seemingly floated across the room. Mesmerising

Then after taking the lift up towards the exit, we stepped out and watched a couple of thrill seekers as they hurtled along the zip wire. I’m sure it’s a great way to get an aerial view of the Eden Project, but I’d just have my eyes shut the whole way down 😬

A lovely way to spend half a day and another tick off my Countdown to 65 list ✅

Two thirds of the way in to our break and we’d already experienced so much of this wonderful county.

With the hubby and my Sister in Law celebrating their birthdays over the coming days, the fun was going to continue