Two of the things England is world famous for are tea and its stunning gardens. At the Tregothnan estate in Cornwall, visitors can find the perfect combination of both on the only tea plantation in England.
The mild weather and humid air in the area is surprisingly similar to the climate of the high slopes of the Himalayas and it turns out to be a pretty perfect location for a tea plantation.
The Tregothnan estate is located on the banks of the river Fal, which creates a true microclimate, providing the perfect surroundings for unusual fruit tree species and an enormous variety of rare plants for centuries. Cornwall is widely known for its huge, colourful rhododendrons, rare trees, and ornamental camellias.
The family-run estate has been growing rare plants since 1334. The first tea was grown in 1999 while the most British tea in history was first harvested in 2005. Up to 20,000 tea bushes are now planted in the Himalayan valley of the estate each year.
Although this might seem small compared to worldwide tea production, the name Tregothnan is known for some of the rarest and best teas in the world.
In part it’s thanks to the true and unique micro-climate for the success of thier tea gardens; the similar climate that makes Cornwall the richest garden county of Europe.
The 18 metre deep sea creek is almost seven miles inland from Falmouth as it bathes the gardens in mist and relative warmth in the winter. Thurston wrote of the local climate in the 19th century that they do not have a winter, merely a languid spring.
The Cornish tea growers soon learned that there is a big difference between a tea bush being alive and slowly growing in many areas of the UK to the highly productive tea gardens of Tregothnan estate. Today they supply their hardiest selections for different growing conditions and since 2002 have supplied some tough plants for determined enthusiasts in Scotland and Northern England.
Although the loss rate in colder regions is high and the bushes are largely unproductive it is a tribute to the nation of tea drinkers and gardeners that the efforts continue.
The estate’s royal connections
In 2014, Prince Philip visited Tregothnan to explore the botanical innovation and to taste the tea himself. After enjoying his cup, he planted his own tea bush on the summit of the Himalayan valley, where it still thrives today. Leaves from Prince Philip’s tea bush were used to create a special royal wedding blend for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.
This year, Tregothnan have blended a limited Coronation tea from the plantation where Prince Philip planted a tea bush to celebrate King Charles III.
How to explore the tea estate and enjoy a cuppa
Tregothnan offers guided Garden Tours for visitors to immerse themselves in the tea estate.
Learn about every step involved in tea making, from bush to cup and taste their tea blends on site. Tea lovers can book their Tea School Masterclass to master the perfect cup of tea. If you are looking for a proper break, Tregothnan offers a three-day escape, the Single Estate Experience.
Tea connoisseurs can pluck their own tea leaves and be a part of every step in the process before blending their own tea together with the experts on site.
Visitors can also explore the calm waters of Cowlands Creek by renting a kayak, paddle board or rowing boat during their stay.
Stay in Tregothnan’s luxurious Shepherd’s Huts
Nestled on the riverside with a view of the Fal estuary, Tregothnan offers Shepherd’s Huts to stay for the night. They provide the perfect surroundings for a break from busy everyday life and are a great place for ultimate relaxation.
The huts look very traditional from the outside, while the inside is carefully designed for a luxurious and romantic retreat.
To find out more visit: www.tregothnan.co.uk
