Bonython


A little-known but luxuriant private garden, created over the last 20 years by Sue and Richard Nathan. It covers 20 acres in all, divided into various discrete areas: a walled garden, plus potager, courtyard, valley and tropical gardens too, as well as a few ornamental lakes and a thatched tearoom to boot. Plant-lovers could while away hours here.

It's on a side road off the A3083 between Helston and Mullion.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Goonhilly Downs

1.78 MILES

Across the centre of the Lizard sprawls the barren Goonhilly Downs, a flat, grassy heathland which – rather improbably – also happens to be home to one of…

2. Poldhu Cove

2.12 MILES

A west-facing beach bordered by gently sloping fields, this is a family-friendly stretch of sand that's easily reached from Mullion, which means you won't…

3. Trelowarren

2.12 MILES

Another of Cornwall's great aristocratic estates, Trelowarren has been in the hands of the Vyvyan family for six centuries and sprawls over 1000 acres of…

4. Church Cove

2.21 MILES

This golden sandy cove would be worth a visit in its own right, but doubly so thanks to its peculiar landmark – the tiny 15th-century Church of St…

5. Dollar Cove

2.32 MILES

This small cove, known in Cornish as Jangye-ryn (the name used on Ordnance Survey maps), is associated with some intriguing local legends. In 1785 the…

6. Polurrian Cove

2.43 MILES

This small wedge of southwest-facing sand is easily reached from Mullion's village centre, which makes it a popular spot in summer. It makes a good…

7. Mullion Cove

2.87 MILES

Mullion's tiny fishing fleet operates out of this tiny harbour, a very Cornish cluster of boats, slipway and slate-topped cottages. There's precious…

8. Cornish Seal Sanctuary

3.3 MILES

The ‘ah’ factor goes into overdrive at this sea-life centre in Gweek, about 12 miles drive from Falmouth along the Helford River. It cares for sick and…