Highlights
- The Italian Garden, laid out around 1785 with a mermaid fountain
- The French Garden of about 1803, with box edged beds and a shell fountain
- The English Garden, with cork oaks, magnolias and palms
- The New Zealand, American and Jubilee gardens
About Mount Edgcumbe Formal Gardens
Mount Edgcumbe is in south east Cornwall, looking across Plymouth Sound to the city. Generations of the Edgcumbe family shaped the gardens over several centuries, and the formal gardens near Cremyll were laid out between about 1750 and 1820 in Italian, French and English styles.
The estate was sold in 1971 to Cornwall and Plymouth councils, which still own it jointly, and it has been open to the public since 1988. The gardens and parkland are Grade I on the Register of Parks and Gardens.
What to see
- Italian Garden: laid out around 1785 around a mermaid fountain, with four circular beds planted in Victorian style.
- French Garden: a Regency garden of about 1803, with geometric beds edged in box and a shell fountain.
- English Garden: a late 18th century informal mix of trees, shrubs and flower beds, including cork oaks, magnolias and palms.
- Later gardens: New Zealand and American gardens added in 1989 and a Jubilee Garden in 2003.
- Earl's Garden (paid): beside the house, with ancient trees, classical garden houses and a terrace overlooking Plymouth Sound.
Planning your visit
The formal gardens are in the lower park at Cremyll, close to the main entrance. Cremyll car park is pay and display (cash or RingGo), and the Cremyll foot ferry from Plymouth lands nearby. There is an Orangery café, free toilets at Cremyll and the Orangery, and accessible toilets at the Orangery and in the car parks. The wider park has 7km of coastline and forest trails, and a camellia trail.
Frequently asked questions
Are the gardens at Mount Edgcumbe free?
Yes, the country park, including the lower formal gardens, is free to enter every day of the year. The house and the Earl's Garden beside it charge admission: £14 for adults in 2026.
What are Mount Edgcumbe's opening hours?
The country park is open 8am to 8pm in summer and 8am to 6pm in winter. In 2026 the house opened from April to the end of September on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 11am to 4pm.
Is there parking at Mount Edgcumbe?
Yes, Cremyll car park is the closest to the lower formal gardens. It is pay and display, payable by cash (no change given) or the RingGo app.