The Idle Rocks a boutique hotel in St Mawes, is a fantastic place to base yourself to visit some of Cornwall's most beautiful gardens. This February marks 30 years since ecologist, Sir Tim Smit, uncovered The Lost Gardens of Heligan. 

Lost during the First World War, The Lost Gardens of Heligan offer over two centuries of horticultural history and are home to a national collection of Rhododendrons & Camellias. It has the largest rhododendron and tree fern collection in the UK.

Spring in Cornwall is officially announced once all six of the Champion Magnolia campbellii trees reach 50 blooms. These six trees are spread out across Cornwall and can be found at Caerhays, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Trebah, Tregothnan, Trewidden and Trewithen.

Following a visit to the annual Royal Cornwall Show in 1990, Sir Tim Smit was instantly captivated by the rare breeds tent and its inhabitants and subsequently developed a lifelong love affair with rare breed pigs, shortly afterwards acquiring Horace and Doris, two pot-bellied pigs. On the great Burns' Day Storm of 1990, the Gardens and Estate at Heligan were discovered by Tim whilst he was searching for a home for his rare breeds park.

The Rare Breed Pig Weekend will also be celebrated on 29 February and the cheeky Berkshires, enormous Cornish Lops and colourful Tamworths can all be appreciated in the garden's Home Farm. Coinciding with National Pig Day which will be celebrated on 1 March.

Notes to Editor:

The Idle Rocks, a Relais & Chateaux property, located on the harbour-front of the picturesque, cobble-stoned fishing port is an idyllic spring getaway. After walking around the gardens, retreat to the comfort of the sister hotel, St Mawes Hotel and enjoy an evening of comfort in the luxury hidden cinema with a glass of wine, popcorn and a fluffy blanket, of course.

Enjoy a three-night break at The Idle Rocks from £247 per night, based on two people sharing a Village Hideaway on a B&B basis. Offer includes dinner at The Idle Rocks and St Mawes Hotel and two tickets to The Lost Gardens of Heligan. For bookings please call 01326 270 270 or visit idlerocks.com. *Offer available from 12 February – 27 May 2020. Subject to terms and availability, excludes Easter and Bank Holidays and weekends

For further information, please contact Millie Midgley at Ann Scott Associates, millie@annscott.co.uk 020 7823 9988