Duchy of Cornwall Nursery

Set in the Restormel Valley just outside Lostwithiel, this is one of the best known and most respected plant nurseries and garden centres in Cornwall, and it has never been only about plants. The setting does a lot of the work: woodland and castle walks on the doorstep, a historic town down the road, and holiday cottages if you would rather not rush the visit. A place for one and all, as they put it, and they mean it.

The cafe is the reason plenty of people turn up without a border to fill, open for coffee and cakes, with a shop and the nursery itself alongside for browsing and buying plants. Events and workshops run through the year, including children's sessions such as Coastal Creation and Watercolour. Some bookings are available online on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and must be made at least 36 hours ahead, so plan rather than chance it.