Spring Arrives in Cornwall 2026
On 27 February 2026, Cornwall welcomed spring as the magnolias burst into bloom.
Spring has arrived in England, declared annually with the flowering of Cornish Magnolias - this year on Friday 27th February 2026.
Following months of blustery wet weather and storms in the Westcountry, spring has been acknowledged to have arrived in Cornwall today, Friday 27th February. The much-anticipated arrival in the British botanical calendar, known as Cornwall’s Spring Story, was formally declared in Cornwall by The Nare Hotel, together with The Great Gardens of Cornwall.
This annual event marks the moment when all six of the champion Magnolia campbellii, found in six of the Great Gardens of Cornwall, have each flowered with at least 50 full blooms triggering the announcement that spring has arrived in England.
The six prized Magnolia campbellii trees are located within Cornwall’s Great Gardens of Tregothnan, Caerhays, Trebah, Trewidden, Trewithen, and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Every year, each of the head gardeners closely monitor the blooming buds of each tree which is recorded daily on the Spring Story Bloomometer.
Remarkably, all the magnificent Magnolia campbellii trees across the gardens withstood the gales of Storm Goretti and Storm Chandra protected by the gardens’ own shelter belts. Unfortunately, not all other trees were quite so lucky, causing devastation across the county’s glorious gardens.
However, the Magnolia campbellii in bloom are creating a striking display across the county already and is a sure sign that a brighter spring with warmer weather is on its way across the whole of the UK.
Cornwall’s Spring Story was founded by Toby Ashworth, proprietor of The Nare, in partnership with the Great Gardens of Cornwall in 2012 to raise awareness of how early spring arrives first in the Westcountry.
“Over the last 14 years, the first date of spring has been remarkably consistent and this year, despite challenging weather conditions, the Magnolia campbellii have flowered as usual between Valentine’s Day and the first week in March. It is safe to say spring has arrived, and for all garden lovers, the most spectacular sight of Cornwall’s lovely spring blooms.”
Mr Ashworth commented:
“Nothing beats Cornwall’s gardens in February and March. To say that the Cornish spring gardens do spring bigger and better than anywhere else in the world is an understatement. I encourage everyone to book early, get to Cornwall and have a sensational spring.”
Jonathon Jones, OBE, Managing Director of Tregothnan adds:
The Six Gardens of Cornwall’s Spring Story: Walk Among the Gardens That Awaken the Season
Home to a world-famous National Magnolia Collection, Caerhays is renowned for its extraordinary spring displays of magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons. The historic castle and dramatic coastal setting create one of Cornwall’s most iconic garden experiences.
Open from 2 March 2026.
A 26-acre subtropical valley garden descending to its own secluded beach. In spring, century-old rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias form vibrant cascades of colour beneath towering canopies.
Open daily from 9.30am.
An historic private estate where rare plants have been nurtured by the same family for centuries. Sweeping vistas, ancient camellias and magnificent magnolias flourish within a unique Cornish microclimate.
Private Garden Open Weekend 18 and 19 April 2026.
One of Europe’s most celebrated garden restorations, Heligan’s 200 acres were rediscovered after decades hidden beneath brambles. Today the estate offers jungle valleys, productive gardens and immersive woodland landscapes.
Open throughout the season.
A tranquil 15-acre garden planted in the 19th century, home to over 300 magnolias and camellias. Meandering paths lead through fern dells and rare plant collections, creating a peaceful Cornish retreat.
Open daily from 10.30am to 5.30pm.
Meaning house of the trees, Trewithen spans 30 acres of woodland garden and over 200 acres of parkland. Celebrated for its camellia collection and towering Magnolia campbellii, the garden reflects generations of plant exploration.
Open daily from 1 March to 30 September, 10am to 4.30pm.
The Great Gardens of Cornwall
The Great Gardens of Cornwall represents fourteen of the county’s most historically and horticulturally significant gardens, each independently owned yet united by a shared commitment to excellence. Ranging from historic estates to contemporary landscapes, woodland valleys to dramatic coastal settings, the gardens reflect Cornwall’s unique climate and remarkable botanical heritage.
Together, they celebrate innovation, conservation and world-class horticulture, offering visitors an extraordinary diversity of planting, design and seasonal colour.
Discover more at www.greatgardensofcornwall.co.uk
Spring at The Nare
As Cornwall awakens in bloom, Spring at The Nare offers the perfect coastal escape. Our Spring Garden Breaks invite guests to explore the magnificent Great Gardens of Cornwall throughout March and April, wandering among magnolias, camellias and early bursts of colour before returning to sea-view dining, traditional Cornish cream teas and warm hospitality. Over Easter, a three or four night seasonal break adds further celebration to the stay, including an exclusive Easter lunch on The Quarterdeck, a Signature Easter Afternoon Tea and admission for two to one of the Great Gardens of Cornwall. Whether visiting for a peaceful garden retreat or a festive gathering by the sea, spring is one of the most beautiful times to experience The Nare.
To plan your Spring escape at The Nare, please contact our Reservations Team on 01872 50 11 11.
