Trebah
Description
Trebah is a botanical garden featuring a small pebble beach called Polgwidden Cove at its base, overlooking the Helford River. The garden winds through diverse plants and trees along meandering paths, while the cove offers smooth rocks and shallow pools formed between the stone formations.
History
During World War II, the cove served as a landing point for soldiers preparing for D-Day, with concrete structures and jetties constructed for the purpose. In the 1960s, racing car designer Donald Healey removed these wartime installations and repurposed stones from the old buildings to rebuild the boathouse.
Culture
The name Polgwidden means 'white pool' in Cornish, possibly referring to the light-colored sand and rocks visible along the shore. The cove has long served as a place for fishing, farming, and oyster gathering, reflecting its importance to local life.
Practical
The beach is open year-round, though weather conditions affect accessibility and comfort. Access is only through the garden itself, as the coastal path does not connect directly and boat landings are not permitted for safety reasons.
Did you know?
The cove remained largely inaccessible to the public until the garden changed hands, which helped preserve its secluded and quiet character. This isolation makes visiting feel special, as travelers discover a rare peaceful spot along the coast that few people find by chance.
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Cornwall lies at the southwestern tip of England. It is a peninsula surrounded by the sea, shaping its history and identity. You can see this region through its castles on cliffs like Tintagel or St Michael's Mount, its fishing villages on small bays such as Mousehole, and its busy ports like...
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